AMI boss: Coming or going?

The former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson once observed that a week was a long time in politics, and when his view is applied to the online gambling affiliate sector it could well read that 24 hours is a long time in affiliate matters!
Over the weekend the fierce ongoing controversy over Affiliate Media Inc management’s connections with Effective Media Group and the CardSpike online poker website prompted AMI and EMG executive Lou Fabiano to announce his resignation….or did he?
Here’s what Fabiano wrote [the italics are ours]:
“After the all the negative press and activity of the past few months I have decided it’s probably best for the community moving forward if I left. For whatever reason I create too much of a distraction and raise too many questions by even being here anymore. I know many believe I am some kind of monster now and even my old friends have fallen silent in support (Other than BB1 Thanks Steve). I will do whats best and simply move on. It’s been a great run and I truly enjoyed it. I met some of the best people I have ever known through CAP and it’s taken me wonderful places around the world. I would rather remember it fondly then grow bitter and forget all the good we have done together.
“I have always loved this business and loved CAP, it’s been my baby for so many years and it’s hard to let go. But now its turned into a nightmare thats damaging my health and something I dread getting up to. Unfortunately I have already purchased tickets to London and have a hotel room booked so I may go, but even if I do this is my last appearance at the events. I will also be turning over the reins here to a younger team and staff with fresh ideas that can keep CAP moving in a positive direction. I sincerely hope everyone finds them more agreeable to work with. It’s time for me to move on.
“God bless all my friends and have a prosperous 2009. I am certain we will see a major surge of business in the latter quarters of the year and the new CAP will be here to help you make the most of that opportunity.”
That was perhaps understandably interpreted as a withdrawal from the business, leaving a restructured management to handle affairs….but then fellow AMI and EMG group exec Warren Jolly posted what appeared to be a contradiction on the same Casino Affiliate Programs message board barely 24 hours later, writing:
“Lou is obviously very distraught over this situation after spending 10+ years fighting for the industry, helping resolve countless number of issues between affiliates and programs, and spearheading such instrumental initiatives such as CAP Euro along with the rest of our team.
“The decision was made because Lou would like to focus his time and energy on helping affiliates succeed in private rather than taking abuse from other silly competing forums, which is rather childish in the first place.
“I would like to encourage everyone, both members and non-members of CAP, to encourage GPWA, Michael Corfman, Jay Todd, APCW, and whoever else is participating in these attacks against the CAP community to STOP causing this unneeded distraction in our industry. It will hurt you PERSONALLY if Lou is no longer a part of CAP and able to provide the assistance and guidance he has since CAP’s inception.
“I’d also like to the clarify the following points, based on a few rumours circling:
* Dom and Christine will head the CAP message board, not the company or site, for the time being.
* None of the top management from our parent company (Affiliate Media) have or will resign from the company. Please bear in mind that the company Lou co-founded behind CAP has many subsidiaries. Lou’s post reflects his intention to resign from publicly running the forums at CAP. Everyone will still be involved behind the scenes in ensuring that CAP remains the igaming affiliate industry’s leading driving force.
* Most of the CAP team, including Lou and I, will be attending CAP Euro London and we encourage you to approach us about any outstanding issues.
* CAP is stronger than ever, with more new members, posts, traffic, and certified programs than ever before. More cool stuff to come which will be announced soon.
Conflicting and confusing statements do nothing to ameliorate the situation in which CAP finds itself, but at least the above statement serves to clarify one thing: Lou Fabiano may be reversing away from CAP forum activity, but the management status quo at AMI, CAP and EMG of himself and right hand Warren Jolly remains unchanged.

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