NBC has a new poker show airing in January — Poker after Dark. Not only does it mark the return of Shana Hiatt, but also it apparently recognizes that interest in poker TV isn\’t going away … there\’s simply a demand for actual quality now.
About a month ago, I was getting excited about the prospects of pimping this show like crazy — because NBC was going to pay me to do so. It stood to be only a good thing for blogs, with major non-poker companies recognizing the value of spending less money to reach a more targeted market via blogs. But in the end, it was just like old times in the poker biz … with various multibillion-dollar enterprises afraid of potential legal troubles associated with the game.
(At least that\’s what they\’re telling Pokerati.)
Click below to read my correspondence with the media buyer that reveals the future business potential of blogs, and the stretch of hurdles still to overcome:
________________________________________
From: amy.muething
Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006 4:38 PM
To: danm
Subject: RE: NBC Poker After Dark
Completely makes sense. No, by bigger sites I meant AOL and Yahoo. Unfortunately, I\’m not as familiar with the poker sites as I am with entertainment (who we typically work with) so your advise is greatly appreciated!
Amy Muething
StarLink Worldwide
\”dan michalski\”
12/22/2006 04:34 PM
To amy.muething
cc
Subject RE: NBC Poker After Dark
Thanks much. I am not offended though was wondering if it was simply the cost that became prohibitive. I think you will find the larger sites CardPlayer, Bluff, PokerPages, etc. Are way more in bed with the online poker sites than many of the bloggers but again, I say this not as a complaint just acknowledgment of a changing business environ.
________________________________________
From: amy.muething
Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006 4:09 PM
To: danm
Subject: RE: NBC Poker After Dark
That\’s great to know! The decision has already been made to only run on larger sites to be safe for now, but next time we promote the show I will be sure to contact you. Thanks again!!
Amy
\”dan michalski\”
12/22/2006 04:06 PM
To amy.muething@starlinkworldwide.com
cc
Subject RE: NBC Poker After Dark
I understand. It should be noted that Pokerati has no relationships with any online poker sites. We made that decision after much debate in October.
________________________________________
From: amy.muething
Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006 3:47 PM
To: danm
Subject: RE: NBC Poker After Dark
Hi Dan!
Thanks for getting in touch with me. Unfortunately, we just found out this week from NBC legal that we will be unable to run on any poker blogs in case there are any pay poker sites. I apologize that this fell through, but I thank you for your help. I hope you have a very happy holidays!
Amy
\”dan michalski\”
12/19/2006 01:03 PM
To amy.muething@starlinkworldwide.com
cc
Subject RE: NBC Poker After Dark
Hi Amy,
Just following up to see if NBC is still interested in some blog advertising. Its possible to get them up a little before the new year.
Let me know.
Best,
Dan
________________________________________
From: amy.muething
Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2006 4:31 PM
To: danm
Subject: RE: NBC Poker After Dark
Thanks Dan! This is very helpful. I owe a recommendation to my client by end of day tomorrow, and I\’m hoping to have their approval to move forward by the end of next week. I\’d definitely be interested in the top slot or top left sidebar, so I will confirm with you as soon as possible. Please let me know if you hear any more from the other clients. I look forward to working with you. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Amy
\”dan michalski\”
11/21/2006 04:06 PM
To amy.muething
cc
Subject RE: NBC Poker After Dark
Amy,
Thanks for getting in touch. I have three possibilities that might make sense for you. We can place a big ad at the very top of the site in the white space to the right of the Pokerati title for $XXXX.
An ad at the very top of the left sidebar would go for $XXXX.
And an ad elsewhere on the left sidebar goes for $XXX-XXX, depending on size and location.
I should let you know I am currently in discussions with XXXXXXX (the one in Oklahoma) and a table-maker for that top-banner position. (we used to have google ads there.)
Let me know how this will work for you.
Best,
Dan Michalski
________________________________________
From: amy.muething
Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2006 3:48 PM
To: info@old.pokerati.com
Subject: NBC Poker After Dark
Hello,
My name is Amy Muething, and I\’m an associate on the NBC account with Starlink. We are interested in running an ad for the month of January for NBC\’s upcoming series Poker After Dark. It will premiere on Jan. 1. The show will air Monday through Saturday at 2am. Each week will feature a different table in the back room of Vegas casinos. The finals will be on Friday with a recap of the previous week airing on Saturday.
I\’d like to know your rates and availability for the month of January ASAP. Please confirm when you have a chance. If you have any other questions, please let me know. Thanks!
Amy
Amy Muething
Starlink Worldwide
