Let me start this post off by saying that I am not trying to cause any more controversy or ill feelings toward the CC>CC, its members, convention staff or the BOD.

First: I have called the Riviera 4 times over the past 3 weeks and have been quoted 4 different rates for my stay there for the convention. Here are the quotes:

1st quote was give the day of the post concerning the request by the club to purchase rooms at the rate of $89.99.......... I was quoted $30 week day & $35 week end based on the Rivieras flyer I just happen to receive that week.

2nd quote: $32 a night based on another flyer I received.

3rd quote: $54.99 week day & 64.99 week end. I just called and asked for a rate.

4th quote: $89.99 a night. This quote was based on me telling the Riviera I was coming in for the convention.
Now I can get my entire stay there comped but would be willing to pay the $54.99/$64.99 rate if need be.

Now here is where I expect to be attacked, How can the Riviera or the Club expect a member to pay a higher rate for the same room. I would think that the Riviera would lower the rates or even keep them the same if they knew the club was trying to get its members to stay there. I also feel that the club should either negotiate for better rates or the Riviera should honor the rates that thay are offering the general public.

Second: At first I was completely in favor with the idea of members coming up with ideas to help out the club and the situation we are going through at this time. I feel that it has only hurt. Here are the reasons why:

1. The idea of early entry into the convention has divided several groups. The first group are the members who live in Las Vegas that feel it is unfair to them because they live there and the members from out of town beleive that since they have to spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars to attend they should have this priveledge offered to them.

2. Same idea, second group, Members vs. Vendors. It is unfair to ask the vendors (most of which who I have spoken to and had no idea of this idea) to accomodate this request. As I was told, the only security on the floor could not police or protect an unoccupied table. Most vendors have their valuable chips in locked cases but also have chips in books, bins and boxes. Even though the vendors look out for each other, this is too much to ask for if they are busy with customers and the table next to or across from is unoccupied.

3. Members and the Board. This is where I am guilty, yes I admit it. My initial posts were made before I knew most of the facts. The only way to improve this would be for the members to get more involved, ask more questions before passing judgement or blame.

My solution...... I think that the members should still voice there opinions and ideas, just that it should be made privately to either a Board Member or my idea of a committee consisting of several members who could make a decision based on both the pros and cons. This would give every idea or suggestion a forum and a fair chance. This can be done at the convention every year (any idea or suggestion would be given prior to the convention) and can be discussed without causing any ill feelings between any members. Once the ideas are discussed and agreed upon they can be proposed to the Board for recommendation.

All in all I feel that this problem we are having right now with the Riviera has been brewing for some time now. Who is to blame, the club, the past or present board, the past or present convention committee or the Riviera itself. I know who is not to blame and is going to pay for it..... THE MEMBERS.

Monday I will make another post concerning the cost of the convention.