I'm no longer with imawhale staking. Overall it was a great experience and over the ten months I was with them I met some great people and learned a lot. If feel my game has improved significantly over this time. Basically I want to be with a staking group that can provide more player development, mentoring, coaching and support. While Shane has a good staking group none of those things are really provided for the players.
Poker is so tough these days and players need every edge they can get. I really hope to find a backing group that really does what's necessary to help their horses be the best they can be.
One thing I learned while being with imawhale and while looking for a new backer is how haphazardly so many people apply for staking. Shane would get applications with tons of spelling and grammar mistakes. I read threads from backers on Two Plus Two and Pocket 5s stating exactly how to apply and then see people posting doing completely the opposite.
Applying for staking is the same as applying for a job. If you write a resume you always make sure it's properly formatted and grammatically correct with no spelling errors, why would you not do the same when applying for staking. Since so many people don't seem to get this I thought I give some advice here:
Most backers post threads on popular poker forums like those linked above. They will state the information they need from you and ask you to send this to them in a private message. Most staking groups also have websites with staking applications. When you fill out the application or message the backer make sure you provide all the information asked for in a organized manner. Be sure you double check your spelling and grammar. Be sure you give them all the information they need to check your poker statistics and results.
Stakers get numerous applicants and if they get messages and applications that are a disorganized mess they aren't going to bother to read more than the first sentence or two. If you can't follow simple directions how are you going to keep spreadsheets or data for them to keep up with your play and results if they back you.
Do something to make your application stand out or make your results easy to access. I created a Google presentation document with information about my playing history, links to all my stats and screenshots of my tracked SharkScope results and graphs. I set it to share with anyone who has the link. I can use it to link in private messages or applications and on Twitter or forums if I'm selling live action. You can view it here for an example.
Most importantly make sure you have good references and don't do things to hurt or destroy your reputation in the poker community. If you roll on a stake or play things you aren't cleared to play or other sketchy things you're going to have trouble ever getting backing again and these days serious players need backing.
If you're new to the poker world get active on either of the above linked forums and post and be active. When it comes time to take your game to the next level and apply for staking or sell live action if you haven't been active on the forums you're going to have a problem.
As for me I have one offer on the table and possibly one or two other good possibilities. I'm trying to take my time and be sure I go with the right group. For now I'm playing on my own dime, which is actually no fun. I hate having to worry about bankroll management and those things playing on your own dime require. I'll be so happy when I have another backing group in place.
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