If you haven't read Sportsmozart's thread "500wager scam or how to recognize a scam service" I would highly recommend it. It's a good read and a good thread. It got me to thinking about my record and some thoughts:
1. I'm quite blessed to be on a terrific NFL run (trust me...CFB is a different story so far this season!). Something like 23-5 in the last 3 weeks. I've never been on a run like this before, might never happen again. I am smart enough to know that this run won't last forever. Trust me, I wish it would! It's just been nothing more than a fortunate run. I know many of the "touts" would have you believe that this type of winning is normal and happens all the time. If any of you detect that from me, please feel free to send me a message on Twitter or here at Pregame.
2. Like UD said in Sportsmozart's, if you do feel that buying picks from a pro would be beneficial for you, check to see if there is a third party source that can indepedently verify the record. I know many do not want their records out there, and for good reason. I have chosen Handicappers Watchdog, and there may be others out there too that are reliable and trustworthy. It may be time for the industry to step up and start embracing verification services for the benefit of the clients.
3. It's time to think about what a "tout" (I would actually prefer the term Sports Advisor, or SA) can and should really do for you. At its best, it should be a relationship, one in which the SA not only tells you which side to bet but also guides your bankroll and can tell you how much to bet, when to pull money out, etc...To me, the relationship works ideally when the SA can call clients and tell them which games to bet, how much to bet, and at which lines (or odds) to bet. Yes, they can give you the games to bet, and this is highly efficient for both sides if it gets delivered via email or internet. And that is a business model that can work. But it can also evolve into a higher level of service. And yes, the client should expect to pay a higher price for the higher level of service, but I can see how this relationship can work effectively if done right.
4. There are some terrific handicappers here at Pregame. No doubt about it. If you are happy with your results and happy going it alone, by all means do it! If you feel you could benefit from the services of a pro (much like you might feel that you could benefit from an Investment Advisor to buy stocks, bonds, etc...and do proper asset allocation of your money), then you should look seriously at it. If you're losing money, you should consider it.
5. I'm not saying anything new here, but most guys get into sports betting because they know sports, but they don't know betting. I was certainly one of those guys. I have learned so much through the years about betting and it has helped my results. And I have definitely learned that knowing sports and knowing betting are two entirely different things!
That is all for now. Just wanted to throw my 2 cents out there...and best of luck today!