GPWA Times Magazine - Issue 2 - October 2007

50 What is currently the most difficult part of your work? And why? It’s still a lot of trial and error, which can be frustrating some days. I have to keep reminding myself I need to be patient. I can’t expect to see changes or success overnight. I think the waiting period to see if what I have done has made any difference is a challenge for me. I am one of the most impatient people there is when it comes to waiting on something. I like to see results now and having to sit back and watch is easier said than done. How has the GPWA helped you as an affiliate? The GPWA has helped me to want to become a better affiliate, to succeed and accomplish this. One of the things I really respect about the GPWA is the high regard they have for quality websites. It’s not about being picky, but more about wanting affiliates to learn how to create a site that they can be proud of and that they can respect themselves with how they manage their business. The members of the community are great. There is a particular thread I read recently in the forum which had me in tears, and it was because the members of this community would do anything they can to help a fellow affiliate during a difficult time. How long did it take for you to start earning money? I have just recently over the last couple of months started to see income from the new site as well as traffic increase. All the work and learning I have done over the last six months is now starting to show and I am excited again. I can’t wait to see where I am in the next six months. What advice can you offer people who are just starting up in the industry? I could write a two-page article on what not to do. I think that I have made every mistake possible that an affiliate could make. Patience, perseverance and hard work are an absolute must. I have wanted to quit. I have had my fair share of disappointments, failures and will probably see a lot more before I am where I want to be, but I am willing to learn from them. Join the forums that are there for you. Even if you’re reluctant to post questions there is an abundance of information in the threads to help you. If you weren’t working in online gaming right now, what would you be doing? I haven’t quit what I was doing before I started this. During the day I take care of my husband’s uncle, who has a disability. I don’t think I will ever stop as it is a true blessing in its own, and if I could work with children with special needs I would. I find it rewarding and very much fulfilling. It is because of this that my children are accepting of all people, which is a gift to have. They see people who are physically disabled and you can tell by the way they interact with them that there is no difference in their eyes. Everyone is equal. I find it remarkable that children can learn to be so accepting and nonjudgmental. JOIN THE FIGHT! What fight are we talking about joining? That all depends on who you are, where you are, and how you fit into online gaming! Online Poker and Casino Players are fighting for their rights to enjoy online poker, slots, bingo, and sportsbetting in the privacy of their own homes. Online Casinos and Affiliate Programs are fighting for legitimacy, legalization, and the regulation of their industry. Casino Webmasters and Affiliates are fighting for their business, their families, and their way of life. Together, we have one goal: The survival of online gaming. ney? APCW.ORG The Association of Players, Casinos, andWebmasters Cheryle Shepstone | Continued fromp.21 enjoy the school of life and think that has had much more of an impact on my education than anything I found in books at school. Do you gamble online? Yes, I do! Much more a few years back than now. My favorite game is Keno, and at land-based casinos I used to do fairly well with it, but that never translated over online, so I tried the “Ladies Night” slot and was hooked. My first decent win was at a Jackpot Factory casino, and I have played there and the game ever since. I also like Avalon and Dolphin Tales and don’t deviate too much from those three. But I haven’t had any decent wins in forever…LOL! If you could pick any animal to be for one day, which one would it be? And why? Wow! I think this is the hardest question so far! Now I suppose a “cat” would be the obvious choice BUT I would have to say “bird.” If I only had one day I suppose that would be the easiest way to cover a lot of space. Flying would be amazing in itself but I could fly by and check on people I have either never seen or haven’t seen in a while (assuming I get to keep my brain/memory…LOL!!). I am curious by nature . . . maybe that is the “cat” in me! What were the most difficult challenges for you as a new arrival into the industry? And how did you meet them? I was your typical new person who thought this was easy and literally jumped in with both feet and huge expectations. I thought I could have a free hosted forum and people would come endlessly. Well, that didn’t happen obviously, and after hearing some much needed truth, however critical it was, I ended up purchasing a domain and started a “real” website. I made three attempts at designing my own site before I finally bit the bullet and hired a designer. I have had to learn the hard way through a lot of mistakes and errors. The forums have been a huge help for me and I honestly don’t think I would have been able to do this without them. GPWA TIMES | GPWA affiliate interview series