WPT

I was watching the World Poker Tour last night (catching up thanks to Tivo). What’s up with the 40-second shot clock? Does this really add to the game? and the constant beeping drowns out the entertaining banter. I realize they are trying to make it more TV friendly. but they edit it so heavily anyway, why add the stupid clock? or are they just trying to get out of having to pay the production crew over time?

I also watched some of the San Jose 101. And although I have mixed feelings about the $5000 bounties that were placed on some of the poker stars (I think people are already out to get them, im not sure the extra incentive is fair.) what’s up with Moneymaker having a $5000 bounty on him, and Phil Gordon not?

Is all the TV, all the attention, and all the internet armatures good for poker long term? or has the first chapter in the fall of poker already been written. Can the professionals justify entering a $10,000 tournament where they have to beat 2400 loose canon's just to break even? or will they just stay to the high stakes cash games, and leave the tournaments, to the A-9 unsuited all-in pre flop crowd?