[Yzerman]

Hi All,

As per my previous post, I am working on developing a new idea for BBO. I would like to briefly introduce and describe my idea. After the introduction and description of my idea, any constructive (or critical) feedback would be greatly appreciated. I am especially interested in feedback from people who manage existing tourneys/clubs, people who aspire to manage tourneys/clubs, and/or any feedback from the general player population.

My idea is to scale the AbaLucy model such that ANY club or tourney owner on BBO could utilize the website functionality I have developed, please keep in mind this idea and AbaLucy are completely independent (this idea is for ALL BBO players). The concept I am terming a "domain", for lack of better word, such that willing clubs/tourneys and players could participate in a recognized and standardized series of tournaments.

My current design would allow for "cyber" tourneys/clubs (i.e. Bridge to Far, AbaLucy, BIL) to participate as well as a platform for "real life" tourneys/clubs/organization (ACBL units, Rubber Bridge Clubs, Overseas Organizations, etc) to have the ability for a manageable and structured presence on BBO.

As part of this "domain" functionality, I would like to build in a structure that is standardized (as well as customizable upon request). Some examples of what I would like to standardize include, but are not limited to;

1 - Points/Ratings (consistent and reliable points/ratings across all participating orgs)
2 - Director Procedures (consistent and reliable director procedures/protocols)
3 - Tournaments (consistent tiered level of tourneys (bronze, silver, gold)
4 - Clubs (consistent mechanism for registering and providing for clubs/members)
5 - Ethics (consistent procedures AND online ethics management procedures)
6 - Professional Play (allow platform for professional players to advertise services)
7 - Teaching/Instruction (allow platform for those aspiring to learn to find resources)

All of the above mentioned would be managed and administered from a website platform. The platform would allow for players and managers alike the ability to interface with an online club/tourney management system (ethics complaints, directors, find professional resources, etc).

The points/ratings component of the "domain" is to be the primary service/product to be provided, I am currently working on refining the AbaLucy model for a more scalable and equitable way of measuring play in tournaments. The points/ratings would be applicable to ALL players in any "domain" sponsored event with the condition that the event is "domain certified", where domain certified means the tournament would agree to follow predefined domain specified tournament/director/ethics procedures.

My initial vision is that this "domain" would be at a cost, albeit minimal cost, for players to participate in a recognized "domain" sponsored event. I have not decided upon how I will structure the cost although I have considered and discussed a few options with a few people. I have developed some revenue/cost models that would allow for small profit for those willing to manage and run domain sponsored tournaments, hence providing some incentive for those interested in managing domain sponsored events, I personally have little interest in managing my own tournament or club. In addition to this, my current thinking is that I would provide an environment in which directors must achieve some level of certification, and would be compensated for their service to domain sponsored events. Participants would be required to pay an entry fee of ~$0.30 to $0.50 ($ US - And yes I understand currency conversion needs to be carefully considered), so I would like some feedback as to whether players find this cost reasonable for the above described service. I am still in the mindset that I am flexible in my approach, so if the general public opinion is that this idea is silly I am more than willing to adjust the approach.

I would also like to provice space in the domain website for all club/tourney owners and players. Each tournament and club would have dedicated "space" on the website (default space with more space available upon request, considering a nominal fee for extra space/development). Each player would be provided a default member profile that would track and manage results cumulatively in the domain as well as manage and track a players results in each individual domain sponsored club/tournament (default profile with more space/funcationality upon request, considering a nomimal fee for extra space/development).

Anyways, I would appreciate any feedback that anybody would have to offer. This whole concept is very risky and perhaps a bit distanced from the BBO status quo, however I have learned some historical lessons with tournaments and clubs and I have a small understanding of what might have some value to the BBO public as a whole.

FYI - Any current BBO club/tournament manager that would be willing to provide guidance or assistance to help developing ideas based upon your experience or desires would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Michael A Lucy