Searching for a satisfactory means that would allow me to bet horses via the web, I believe I’ve given UBET.COM a fair trial. Granting that someone more computer literate than I , and using a faster modem (mine is 28.8) would have fared better, I can only state I found the You Bet Network just a bit too complicated to meet my needs.

During a period of some 55 years I’ve had occasion, as editor, author, columnist and mail- order-man, to write a considerable amount of instructional text. It didn’t take long before I learned that if my instructions were not crystal clear I would be over-whelmed with queries such as what did you mean by this, and how do I get from A to Z? Therefore, I concentrated on writing in such manner as to enable the LEAST informed of my readers to follow my instructions step-by-step; this even to the point of redundancy.

My complaint against Ubet.com is that the concentration seems to be more on design than instruction. Too much seems to be taken for granted as if the customer would know by osmosis, or some other process, what comes next. Example; to get a track program (after accessing the U-Bet Network via the desk top icon) one is told to hit the minus sign on the upper right side of the monitor. The catch is the instructions don’t tell this. I had to find out by telephone.

I’m sure that when Henry Ford first presented the Model T he regarded it as the ultimate, but critics soon started suggesting improvements. Ford, however, had done the original hard work. Offering improvements is a natural and easier process. My point being that Ubet.com has designed an attractive web site. They have a lot to offer, and possibly are trying to offer too much, including their "store" and multi-array of tracks. I was frustrated in my efforts to download track programs and past performances for both the Derby and the Pimlico, after several futile hours of trying was obliged to give up.

In summary I’m saying that Ubet.com deserves a lot of credit for what they’ve done, but at this point should concentrate on simplifying the entire process; concentrate less on appearances and design; pay far more attention to detail. Each step should be carefully outlined in words of one syllable so that would-be players (like myself) who are not computer nerds will have no problem following the simplified instructions. Present instructions that cater to the least informed. Additionally, the entire process is boring and time consuming. Attention should be paid to a quickening of the whole procedure. Horse players are not noted for their patience.

As a final note: I just received Ladbrokes news letter that informs me, "As we go to print we are limited to accepting ‘phone wagers on the Belmont." No wonder I’m discouraged.

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