Attracting new players
I have been a member since s2, and got introduced via friends who played s1. The clickfest was a simple, easy to way to register, sold out very quickly and gave APAT a very accurate expectation of numbers to expect at the venue. However, over the last few years, I have introduced new players to APAT and registration has been somewhat confusing for them. With registering on the forum, finding details of upcoming events, understanding how to register, downloading client, finding holding tank, or searching the forum for seat reservation, it"s just too long winded.
Registration & Fees
The registration process needs to be idiot proof. I have a number of players in my regular game, who rely on me to let them know when the next event is. They even ask me to register for them, and when I start explaining the registration process, I"ve lost them. So they never end up playing. I 100% agree that you need a simple "Register Now" link on the home page. From my perspective, and surely many others with jobs and families, I would like to see a link to all the current seasons events on the home page, then under each event there would be a "Register Now" link. This would allow players to plan the whole season, book holidays and notify family. This link would direct you to a payment page, where a £5 payment will secure you a seat. Now if this £5 can"t be deducted from the buyin or reg fee, and is to be used to generate revenue for APAT, then would it be possible to bring back the free buffet? Players may be less concerned by the extra fee if they know they"re getting a free meal out of it. Another option to disguise the additional £5 fee would be to run the tournaments as £75 + £5 and take the 10% rake from the prize pool. This would stop new players being put off by the seemingly high reg fees. I have actually introduced this in my local £55 (now £50) tournament, and we"ve had a significant increase in numbers.
