My interview with Valdes

[cocopop3011]

My interview with Valdes

 

I thought it was time we all got up close and personal with the two people that make this forum possible for us which of course are Valdes and Luciana (interview with luciana coming soon)

 

After a very loooong wait this is my interview!

 

Q1.Its a mystery how you came to Ask Gamblers and when exactly this stems back to. Are you able to tell us about you ended up running this amazing forum?

 

VALDES - You would never believe it. Actually I came to AskGamblers while searching in Google for a place to submit a complaint against a casino operator! It was exactly two years ago, February 20th. I had an issue with Sloto’ Cash and was determined to seek for my rights when I found this place called AskGamblers, submit my complaint and was hoping for a successful resolution, although, to be completely honest I wasn’t such an optimist. And then, only a couple of days later, all of a sudden, the casino which was ignoring me for weeks miraculously sent me en email with a suggestion of how to settle this dispute. Wow, what AskGamblers did for me was really impressive, considering the fact that I have already had some disputes with casinos, using the complaint services of various gambling related websites and was prepared for a long and tiresome fight. So, this is how it all started, they helped me and won my heart for doing it.

 

Q2. Did the thought that one day you may be running the forum ever enter your mind when you made your first post? Do you remember what your first ever post was? I know mine was really cheesy lol!

 

VALDES - Nope, not even for a second. J As for my first forum post, I’m not that sure, but as far as I remember it was in the reviews contest thread. I believe I was the first of the so called ‘writers’, who managed to cross the mark of 100 reviews. Actually, I did 110 reviews in a single month and that was amazing. And at that point it appeared that AskGamblers not only helped me to solve my issues with a couple of casino operators, but it also paid me several hundred dollars just for sharing my experience with online casinos, which on top of all was mostly negative or neutral. That was the moment when I thought to myself that I must give something to this lovely website in return. A week later I made my first guide (How to choose an online casino safely?) and posted it here. And then it all happened very fast. Luciana was quite impressed by my reviews and guides, we had some friendly talking and get close to each other in a few weeks. It was so easy to become friend with a person like Luciana – she’s gorgeous, smart and honest, she owes a great sense of humor and it is impossible not to like her. But what only a limited number of people know about her, is that she has inside her that magical ‘sixth’ feeling about people, you know. She’s perfectly capable to sniff the insincerity and falseness, but also reliability and trustworthiness in a human character, which makes her a great manager or a HR specialist. Anyways, she knew I was searching for additional opportunities, she represented me in front of the AskGamblers management and soon after I became a member of this incredible team! So, for me Luciana is not only a friend and a colleague, but also some kind of an impresario, lol, and I’m her discovery and product. Made by Luciana, oh yea! 

 

Q3. We all know how passionate you are about slots, but has there ever been any other casino game that you have dabbled in? And if not...do you think there ever will be?

 

VALDES - Well, I have tried lots of games, of course. Most table games, some bingo and keno, and even a few scratch card games. There was a point at my online gambling when I was playing lots of video pokers, especially at Bet365 and Betfair and even had some insane good runs across all versions of Deuces Wild game, but eventually I have never managed to become a huge fan of any game, other than video slots. And do not plan to change that.

 

Q4. We have seen many of your impressive screenshots over time, has luck always been something that has come natural to you?

 

VALDES - Ohh, how I wish to say Yes, but the answer is definitely Nope. As most of the passionate online gamblers I had some incredible good runs over the years, some lasting for more than a couple of months and ending with thousands in my bank account. But after that always came the long ‘dry’ periods, when you start thinking it is absolutely impossible to win a dime. I think the first half of 2013 was the worst of all and was even considering quitting gambling for a while, it was that bad. But then it all changed again I managed to end the year even with a small profit. J As a whole, I may say I’m even after all these years of gambling, even a couple of grand ahead, which is not that bad at all, thanks to the lovely Lady Luck of course.

 

Q5. Your love for immortal romance is evident in your screenshots. Do you ever think we will see an Immortal Romance 2?

 

VALDES - As a matter of fact, I was almost sure that IR II was already on its way. Back in March last year, a friend of mine from Malta, shared with me that Microgaming is working hard on a brand new slot and it is going to be released in the end of 2013 through a massive PR company. As a typical fan of all “conspiracy theories” my mind immediately decided it must be a new version of Immortal Romance (what else? lol), but then it appears something totally different, of course, and we all saw Avalon II appearing in the beginning of 2014. Whether we would see IR II soon is hard to predict to be completely honest, but what I know for sure is that it would be really very hard to create a new version of what I believe is the ultimate combination of a video slot, a modern design, catchy theme, fantastic music and a chance to hit insane big!

 

Q6. If you could give one piece of advice to any gambler..in one sentence, what would it be?

 

VALDES - Well, it must be what my German friend here (slotoholic, we really miss you, mate L) always used to say – Everything In Gambling Is A Matter Of Self-Control! I don’t think I have ever met another statement, which is able to summarize that much when it comes to online gambling.

 

(at this point i was about to give him a row...for boardering on the edge of two sentences there not one! but i let him off)

 

Q7. We have all read you great guides here at Ask Gamblers, will you always continue to help people here with them?

 

VALDES - Actually, these guides were only the beginning and just an attempt to help people get an idea of the gambling world as a whole - how it works, what to expect, how to protect from troubles, how to spot and stay away from shady and dodgy casino operators, etc. I am also helping my colleagues here at AskGamblers with some of the most complicated complaints from player’s perspective, which sometimes appears to be the only way to cope with a case. But my dream when it comes to helping players is to build a strong and reliable group of experienced forum members, who would be always of assistance to a gambler in a trouble. We already have you, my dear Sharon, LordCronal, Afi, Icy, Seat and a few other members, who are always ready to give a hand to anyone in the forum and I would like to thank you all personally and on behalf the whole AG team as well.

 

Q8. Ask Gamblers, and especially yourself, offer a massive amount of help to anyone who is struggling with their gambling habits. What would you say to anyone who is reading this that are afraid to ask for help?

 

VALDES - This question hit straight into my heart, no need to deny it. Thanks for estimating our efforts to help problem gamblers so high, but you know what? You cannot help people overwhelming something, until you didn’t manage to cope with the same issue on your own. And I am not afraid to admit I had a problem gambling a few years ago. Yes, I really had, but I fought against it and despite the tough battle I won eventually. It’s crucial to realize that you cannot win this battle if you are alone, no chance at all. You need all the support you can get from the whole family, friends, communities like ours… Sometimes the struggle is so furious and difficult to win that even one good story of how someone have done it before might change the whole situation in a positive way. That is why I have decided to write the “SOS, I am addicted to gambling - what to do?” guide – to tell gamblers a sincere and straight forward story as seen through the eyes of an ordinary online gambler like me, without hypocrisy and taboos. And I am tempted to think that maybe I’ve managed to cope with this task, because this topic is the one with most views in AskGamblers at all with almost 150 000 visits so far! And that makes me one of the most read gamblers worldwide! lol Haha, now you know why Luciana is calling me The Guru.

 

Q9. What does the future hold for our famous guru?

 

VALDES - A huge random jackpot maybe?! Or at least a five reel Wild Desire on a 6 dollar bet.

 

Q10. What's next for Ask Gamblers?

 

VALDES - Ohh, I love this question! And although the temptation to tell you is almost irresistible, I’ll do my best to shut my big mouth right now and say only this “You’ll be totally surprised and delighted, I bet on that!”

 

And thats it folks! I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of everyone here to say thank you to you Valdes for all the hard work and dedication you have put into this forum!

[Toiletseat]

Very interesting, open and honest, amazing, surprising, fantastic. I am short out of superlatives. Fantastic interview !!!!

Well done, the both of you  Bravo.

[ValDes]

Speechless... Blushed... 

[Adebisi213]

I share Toiletseat's opinion

 

When you're actually enjoying reading an interview, that's when you know it's great! Very good questions and nice, entertaining and truthful answers

[Adebisi213]

Ooh btw I forgot to add....    Immortal Romance II? I've been fantasizing about that for a while now lol

 

I really think Immortal Romance is the perfect slot. Everything adds up nicely - theme, features, graphics and potential. I only think they should make a second version if it's actually going to be better. How are they going surpass this great slot though? Seems like an almost impossible task

 

Maybe add a progressive jackpot, but that would influence the RTP unfortunately.

[cocopop3011]

i forgot. to say that the questions can continue to anyone who has any to ask Valdes?

[ValDes]

i forgot. to say that the questions can continue to anyone who has any to ask Valdes?

 

What?!  I'm still not ready to discuss my preferred brand female lingerie?!   Have some mercy, woman!

[cocopop3011]

What?!  I'm still not ready to discuss my preferred brand female lingerie?!   Have some mercy, woman!

[Irine]

This is pretty amazing! While i read it my eyes tearing up with gladness. Now i know the history of one of the great askgambler administrator. Good Luck Valdes keep up the good work. 

[cocopop3011]

This is pretty amazing! While i read it my eyes tearing up with gladness. Now i know the history of one of the great askgambler administrator. Good Luck Valdes keep up the good work. 

Lovely comments Irene...I hope Valdes comes along and says thank you!

[ValDes]

Lovely comments Irene...I hope Valdes comes along and says thank you!

 

Thank you, Irine! 

[Afi4wins]

Well matey, reading your comments reminded me of Renee! She landed a job because she could speak and express extremely well...and you, our Guru ValDes here, landed a job because of his casino complaint and a damn good article!  Specialists in their own field! Both with sincerity in their hearts to helping out gamblers-in-need!   Kudos ValDes! 

 

And to be very honest with you mate, I don't think I can ever write 100 reviews in any month! My monthly travelling schedules just doesn't permit it. 

 

An excellent interview here Sharon! Kudos to you too! 

[Luciana]

I finally find some time to read this excellent interview!! 

 

Fantastic! I love both of you! But, I'm speechless after reading a part where I'm mentioned, of course   So many nice words, from dear Guru (the nickname is my invention too and everybody in the office are mentioning ValDes as - Guru)! I wish he's also part of our office, but he's in Bulgaria and I can't wait to meet him in person!

 

Thanks again and I'm proud of my discovery, more and more everyday! This also applies to you Sharon! Both I and ValDes are happy and proud to have you here! 

 

Last, but not the least, this happiness and pride also includes members like Afi, Icy, katemak, Lord, ToiletSeat, Irine, Adebisi and all other members that make this place soooooo lovely and amusing!! 

 

(Dunno how I always come to this heart-melting part  in my posts )

[cocopop3011]

I finally find some time to read this excellent interview!! 

 

Fantastic! I love both of you! But, I'm speechless after reading a part where I'm mentioned, of course   So many nice words, from dear Guru (the nickname is my invention too and everybody in the office are mentioning ValDes as - Guru)! I wish he's also part of our office, but he's in Bulgaria and I can't wait to meet him in person!

 

Thanks again and I'm proud of my discovery, more and more everyday! This also applies to you Sharon! Both I and ValDes are happy and proud to have you here! 

 

Last, but not the least, this happiness and pride also includes members like Afi, Icy, katemak, Lord, ToiletSeat, Irine, Adebisi and all other members that make this place soooooo lovely and amusing!! 

 

(Dunno how I always come to this heart-melting part  in my posts )

[Luciana]

That's absolutely right! 

[ValDes]

I finally find some time to read this excellent interview!! 

 

Fantastic! I love both of you! But, I'm speechless after reading a part where I'm mentioned, of course   So many nice words, from dear Guru (the nickname is my invention too and everybody in the office are mentioning ValDes as - Guru)! I wish he's also part of our office, but he's in Bulgaria and I can't wait to meet him in person!

 

Thanks again and I'm proud of my discovery, more and more everyday! This also applies to you Sharon! Both I and ValDes are happy and proud to have you here! 

 

Last, but not the least, this happiness and pride also includes members like Afi, Icy, katemak, Lord, ToiletSeat, Irine, Adebisi and all other members that make this place soooooo lovely and amusing!! 

 

(Dunno how I always come to this heart-melting part  in my posts )

 

I might not be in the office, but I'm already in your heart, just like as you are in mine.   And that's more than enough...  Being your discovery is not only exciting and cool, but also quite requiring and important for me and that is why I am trying so hard with everything I do here at AskGamblers. Just could not afford disappointing you.

[Luciana]

Haha, you never disappointed me, only surprised me in the best way possible! But, as I'm used to your flawless work, it doesn't surprise me so much anymore

[ValDes]

Haha, you never disappointed me, only surprised me in the best way possible! But, as I'm used to your flawless work, it doesn't surprise me so much anymore

 

See, I told you she is the best living human-resource person worldwide! No one is able to stimulate me as she always manage to do it!

 

Thanks for these words, J! You cannot imagine how much they mean to me! 

[peleus]

Everything In Gambling Is A Matter Of Self-Control!

 

 

Very nicely said!