July 2, 2010
Break
I first want to say thank you to everyone who has read this blog. I hope you have enjoyed it. It is with some sadness that I announce its temporary cessation. It IS possibly permanent – let’s face it, most blogs don’t last long in the first place and when they stop they usually stop for good. I will certainly not be writing at all in July or August – if I do re-start it will be in September or later.
Recently I have had an increasingly tense (and at times hostile) relationship with the poker community at large and a number of individual poker players. I believe much of this tension stems from the fact that I tend to speak my mind openly and honestly. I don’t think I’m a particularly blunt person, but poker players are often extremely occlusive, and I will admit that I occasionally react by being more blunt (as if by doing so I can somehow right the cosmic balance).
This by itself is probably not enough to cause a problem. From my perspective a complicating factor is that I believe many poker players tend to avoid even the slightest confrontation and (partly as a result of being so inexperienced when conflict is unavoidable) often have childish responses and coping mechanisms when provoked.
In other words, if I feel something needs to be said, I tend to say it. Often these statements are met with some degree of scorn and at times censure. There have been numerous such incidents between myself and a number of individual poker players, and I prefer to not recount such incidents here. I do not believe it would serve a purpose and would likely come off as simple libel. Suffice to say that many poker players apparently cannot bear to hear anything negative being said about themselves or anything they have done. To me this seems rather perverse – these individuals somehow feel that it is okay to be an asshole but that me telling them they’re being an asshole is somehow a grave offense.
Other incidents have involved larger portions of the community, some on the forums, and some things culminating in my recent trip to Las Vegas. But again I see no real point in re-hashing those discussions. The purpose of my post today is not to re-open those discussions nor promulgate new arguments on my side. It is simply to say that I am in the process of making some decisions that will likely result in me withdrawing from the poker community in a number of ways.
This blog is just one step. Lately I have been re-evaluating the role poker plays in my life and I have found I am unhappy with the way some things have developed. The bottom line is that I am not certain this blog fits into my poker plan, and more importantly, my life goals. If I find I feel similarly about any other poker things (playing, coaching, personal interaction, etc.) I will presumably deal with them similarly.
I would like to reiterate that my decisions will be for an indefinite time period. That is, they are not permanent or irreversible. I feel there is a lot of dysfunction in the poker community and I am extremely frustrated (and tired of dealing) with it right now. Perhaps I just need a break. Part of me feels that it is not yet time for me to walk away entirely. It is not in my nature to give up easily.
As an aside, plans for The Good Life (helpfully a NON poker series) are continuing without interruption. Part of me feels this series is more needed now than ever. Many poker players I’ve met are selfish inconsiderate individuals who lead solitary and miserable existences devoid of any real substance or worth to the external world. There, I said it. If that upsets you, ask yourself why. Is it because it’s true?
Again, thank you for reading.
Charlie said,
July 3, 2010 at 3:07 pm
PH, I’ve enjoyed reading your blog and your insights into the poker world. I’ve enjoyed the times that I’ve sat at a table with you and the times we’ve hung out. I’ll miss your blog and hope that this is only temporary, but poker is just a game after all, and like any game that involves money, some people take it way too seriously.
Nathan said,
July 4, 2010 at 4:10 pm
This is indeed sad news. I understand and can relate to your reasonings completely. I hope that these issues are resolved for you and that we can look forward to your continuing participation in the poker community. I know personally that I owe an unendding amount of gratitude to you for the insights you have shared and the development you have helped me achieve in my game.
John said,
July 5, 2010 at 4:10 pm
I really enjoy your blog and videos so, selfishly, I’m sorry to see you take a break. But i respect you enough to know that you gotta do what you gotta do. I’m happy you will be continuing The Good Life.
Spencer said,
October 8, 2010 at 9:32 pm
I also hope you come back to poker and blogging. I was/am really looking forward to The Good Life. I really hope that what ever problems have cause this can be worked out for the best even if that means you don’t go back to DC. Thanks for all the work you put in, your videos have been very helpful.
John@roulette win said,
October 20, 2010 at 2:39 am
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