Joeflex said:
Don't really understand the negative sentiments just from asking whether there is a record, and what it is.
Joeflex
No offense taken, Joe. I was monitored throughout the 1980's and into the early 1990's by the AADSS. I liked their format, which was really simple. Each service was given a mythical 10K bankroll at the start of the season in each sport (college hoops, NBA, college football, NFL and MLB). One entry per service (no multiples for different levels of selections). Most money at season's end wins. Period.
In that time frame, I won more titles than anyone else. Whether this can be verified or not, I don't know. The people who ran the organization were Marty Mendelsohn and then John Hodges, and sadly, neither is with us any longer. I believe the AADSS still exists, so perhaps you can contact them and find out how far back their records go.
I'll answer the obvious question before it's asked. I made the decision to stop being monitored for one key reason. I did not like the fact that services were now able to enter these contests using as many different levels of service as they wanted. This would enable a service to, for instance, amass a really good record on one particular level and claim a #1 documentation. I understand why this was a good thing for the monitor...it meant more revenue and like anyone, they're in business to make profits. But in terms of determining who actually was having the best season, I found it pretty pointless.
This process greatly reduced any significance that might be attached to being rated #1. If there are a whole bunch of services that can legitimately claim to have the top ranking, then who's to know what's what? In essence, it became like boxing. Once upon a time, boxing had eight world champions, one per division and that's it. Now, the sport has 18 divisions, at least four recognized sanctioning organizations (not to mention several more of the fringe variety) and there isn't a person on the planet who can name them all. The removal of virtually all significance to these titles has rendered the sport to minor status. The only people who attach value to these titles are those in the fight game. The fans don't give a hoot. I believe the sports service industry suffers the same fate in that at one time there was a great deal of prestige to winning a handicapping title, and there isn't anymore. Not when there are so many titles available.
As for what my complete record is from 1981-2006, I haven't got the slightest idea. I can only tell you that I've been fortunate enough to grind out consistent profits. And there's been the occasional dream season in a particular sport where I get really hot and stay that way virtually the entire campaign. I've been able to avoid disaster overall, although obviously, there have been stretches where I feel as though I'm an idiot who will never have another winning night. But with the methodology I utilize, I'm pretty confident that I'm generally going to be okay.*
Hopefully, this answers your question to some extent, Joe.
(*The exception to this rule is when I have any underdog in overtime, football or basketball. If I'm not the most blasphemous individual on the entire planet during these events, I'm surely in the Top 10. This is why I should NEVER be in a crowded restaurant while a game I have action on is taking place, assuming the presence of a TV within my sightline. The recent San Antonio-Dallas Game Four matchup was the most recent occurence. I'd like to offer an apology to diners who happened to be within earshot of that monologue, which went on for approximately ten minutes. Personally, I consider myself to be very creative in this particular endeavor, but I understand how it can be pretty traumatic for children and/or pets, many of whom I've seen ushered quickly out of the room when I get started.)