I think there is a misconception about "the misconception"

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Ive never said that Party wasn't the softest site. I would agree that it probably is the "easiest" to beat. My point is that it is not so much softer then other sites.

UB and Stars games are definately tighter. But tigher and tougher are NOT the same thing. Most of those tight players at UB are still pretty awful, they just play fewer hands. These games are still easy to beat, but you have to play a different style then you do at Party.

The more I think about it, I doubt that at lot of the lower limit posters here have what it takes to beat those opponents. At Party you can post and fold untill you get a big hand and wind up beating the game. It certainly wont be optimal, but it is 'easy'. Im guessing thats what a lot of players who win at Party, but lose anywhere else do.

Generally speaking, I play a different style at UB and Stars then I do at Party, but I never really gave it much thought untill now. Its just changing gears and its second nature to me. But a lot of people probably won't find these games as "easy" as I do. Also, those who earning a kickback from affiliates or are affiliates would have no reason to play these other games as they are getting a better overlay at Party already.

All that aside, I still do not like the Party business model. I have been playing online poker for more then probably 90% of the people on this forum. When I started there was Paradise and Planet, and that was about it. Paradise was the undisputed King and everyone thought they were untouchable. I was a member of these forums back then (1998) and can testify to it. But, Paradise was run a lot like Party is now with regards to their regular players, and their reward programs. Look where it got them. Party is going to suffer a similar fate, it's just a matter of time.

I mentioned in another thread that I believe that in the next five years you will see that the most successful poker rooms online with have a very player-centric mentality. Look at how real world casinos and online casinos operate. They bend over backwards to award their players. Since I whored casinos last month, I don't think a day goes by that I dont get email from one of them offering some player bonus. Even though you are not playing against the house, online poker rooms make their money from action. Eventually the dust of this poker boom will settle and those rewarding thier regulars the most will be the most popular. This is not just an opinion I pulled out of my ass. Like I said, I have been playing online poker since its birth, and I have seen and been a part of its evolution. This is the direction things are heading.