Ambush Interview #66 Spw Guru (Karups) - Page 3 - GoFuckYourself.com

KarupLou · 11-06-2005, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPW Guru

28.Why don't you use third party billing at karups?
Mainly because we don't have to. Karups has been around since 97 and has been a power house in updates and member satisfaction. This gives us the advantage of having a ridiculously low charge back rate on new memberships. Combine that with a huge member base and one of the strongest renewal rates around and you are left with strong financials and reserves to prove we are not going anywhere. This makes us look good to processing banks. We have had our merchant account since 2000 when we had issues with a third party company that had previously been handling our billing. By using our own merchant account we see several advantages like we can accept from more countries then most 3rd party billers. We also have much looser scrub rules. If a member charges back to a 3rd party company that card becomes blocked and usually this is for our protection as webmasters. The flaw is if he is charging back cause he was scammed on a cross bill or because the site didn't deliver what he promised that does not make him a bad customer. However he is now blocked form buying porn via the big guys. Handling this in house and managing the list of subscribers against previous accounts and several ?internal procedures? allows us the ability to accept on average more members then other programs. Not to mention by going direct to the bank we save on the processing fees and pass that onto our webmasters for higher earnings per join.

Hi All,
I would also like to add that when the 3rd party processor that we used to use went under(and its not DMR) and held all of our money we still paid affiliates out of our pockets. We then switched 3rd party processors to CCBILL(until we could get our own merchant account) and I want to clearly state that I think CCBILL is the best 3rd party processor in the business and always have felt that way. We then got the merchant account and still till this day use CCBILL as our secondary processor. Merchant accounts are not for everyone and they do incur lots of hidden risks and bullshit, etc...However, its still the best option for us.

Lou

SleazyDream · 11-06-2005, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarupLou

Hi All,
I would also like to add that when the 3rd party processor that we used to use went under(and its not DMR) and held all of our money we still paid affiliates out of our pockets. We then switched 3rd party processors to CCBILL(until we could get our own merchant account) and I want to clearly state that I think CCBILL is the best 3rd party processor in the business and always have felt that way. We then got the merchant account and still till this day use CCBILL as our secondary processor. Merchant accounts are not for everyone and they do incur lots of hidden risks and bullshit, etc...However, its still the best option for us.

Lou

I've always said ccbill rocks

Karupted Charles · 11-06-2005, 05:39 PM

29.How did Erica Rode Cambell almost end your marriage?

Can I plead the 5th on this one? Jeff who only some of you know as he is not at the shows as often as Lou and myself was seeing Erica during one of the vegas shows. Those of you that know Jeff know he has many passions but on the top of the list is cars and poker. Coming out of the venetian he spots a new model lambo and walks away from Erica drooling all of the car while she stands there all dolled up for a night out. After dinner he wants to hit the poker table so she was bored and we start chatting. We hit it off she really is a nice girl and can be very funny. Jeff decides to call his trip short and the next night her and I decide to get a bite to eat. We develop a friendly relationship and decide to keep in contact. Some time goes by and we talk via email and phone from time to time and one day my wife grabs my phone instead of her by ?accident?. While she is out with a bunch of friends Erica calls and my wife picks up. Instead of saying something like wrong number or I am a friend of Charlie is he around she says ?oh Shit its his wife? laughs to her friend and hangs up. This lead to my wife hacking my email account and reading some emails between Erica and myself that were a bit inappropriate in her mind. She moved out for about 3 months to live back in NY. Lucky for me she decided to forgive me and come back to work things out. Now we have a child together and are very happy with our relationship that is all that much stronger for having made it past this hurdle.

Karupted Charles · 11-06-2005, 06:06 PM

30 If you couldn't work for Karups - which other companies would you want to work for in this business. discuss in detail why.

I can truly say before you asked this I never even considered it. Lou and Jeff are more then just owners here they are like brothers to me. I have never met 2 people that were more warm or welcoming. They made a move away from all my friends and family something I could actually handle by including me in their family here.

If I had to work somewhere else it would need to be in a place were I still had opportunity to learn. I am 28 and have experienced a lot but in order to make it to a multi millionaire I need a lot more experience and opportunities. Few places in the adult industry I think would offer me the opportunity to do what I do now which makes the choices slim pickings. Nat net would be a top choice for sure. As I described earlier Tony M is someone I look up to and his negotiating skills as well as his ability to asses the worth of companies before he acquires them is second to none and I would like to learn more about that. With my financial background and experience in handling our merchant account getting back into the finance side of things with somebody like CCBill or Epic would not be a bad move either. However my dream was always to write and produce porn movies and picture series. If I had to leave Karups chances are now with the financial stability I have going out on my own to start that is the most likely choice.

Karupted Charles · 11-06-2005, 06:26 PM

31.Why does it seem to your friends that you've had every fucking job in the world?
Cause I have. Money can be made everywhere if you look at the supply and demand. Depending on the climate of the market depends on which opportunity will net you the most. You have to try them all over time or in different rotations to know where your best assets are. I believe in working and working hard. My dad raised a family of 4 on 15k a year in NY suburbs to this day I have no idea how. He worked hard every day of his life and made us work hard if we wanted something. These principles are so simple to me and I am glad it is so hard for the majority of Americans to understand it other wise I would have to work even harder.

SleazyDream · 11-07-2005, 12:55 AM

late night bump.

great answers so far charles!

Matt Collins · 11-07-2005, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFK

We are two wild and crazy guys!!!

Great Interview. Sorry I am so late in catching up on this.

Matt

Matt Collins · 11-07-2005, 09:28 AM

Charles is an awesome guy. I have finally finished reading all the posts and I am always amazed how much learn, even about great industry friends like Charlie.

You Rock Chuck!! Another great Ambush Interview Sleazy!

Matt

Karupted Charles · 11-07-2005, 09:51 AM

32.How the fuck can someone who controlls such a large, organized site be such a fucking unorganized messy pig?
LOL its like in the usual suspects, it all makes sense if you pull your self back from it. There is no question I am a bit of a disgusting pig. When my head is down and I start wrapping myself around a problem I won't leave my desk. So coffee cups, McDonald's cups, McDonald's wrappers, and cups filled with cigarette buts tend to gather. I guess I should take the time to clean it up but the fact is in my office looks like this because we control such a large, organized site and thats what I focus on.

Karupted Charles · 11-07-2005, 09:52 AM

33.Do you feel threatened by Mack being in the office now?
Not at all for 2 reasons.

1.He has been a huge asset to us already and he has barely had a chance to spread his wings. Mack is a great guy who was brought on to help us achieve our goal of launching a new affiliate program to replace our old more outdated system. He has done wonders already on getting our free sites up to par and increasing traffic to our current programs.
2.The second reason though is more why I am not worried. Dave is to smart to want my job. I may not be a doctor but sometime I feel like one. If there is ever an issue that needs to be resolved it goes through me. So when a 2 am call comes in I get to handle it. My job is to make it so Lou and Jeff don't have to worry about the business and can focus on what they do best ideas and content. .

JFK · 11-07-2005, 10:01 AM

Karupted Charles · 11-07-2005, 10:39 AM

34.How come you've had like 50+ careers and have finally stayed with Karups for 4+ years now?
The short answer is the people. I have already raved about what it is like to work her and the answers to your questions earlier all point to this. Lou and Jeff make it so I can't leave. They pay me well treat me with respect, let me bring my ideas to the table and let me make the day to day decisions that are designed to achieve the long term goals they have set for me. I have worke for myself and I have worked for others. Never have I been happier then now here at Karups.

Vanilla DeVille · 11-07-2005, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPW Guru

16.Talk about your therapy sessions at the Deville's house
Wait a minute shouldn't this be covered by doctor client privileged? Stewie and Vanilla are two of the greatest and coolest people I have ever met. It was a true honor to get to know them over the years and I can only hope our friendship continues to grow as time progresses. I have never met a married couple that has so much of an understanding of what it takes to make it in a relationship that is constantly under a microscope in our industry. They were there for me during some tough times and really helped me get my head back on and realize what family and marriage is all about. Thank you guys!

I love you, baby... You are a class act!!! Anytime you need more therapy, just let us know. Btw, I just looked up your invoice and it hasn't been paid yet.

SleazyDream · 11-07-2005, 04:01 PM

great job!

awesome interview

LBBV · 11-07-2005, 04:34 PM

Excellent interview Charlie. I learned a couple of things I didn't know about you, and I thought I knew you pretty well.

There's nothing better than having a great customer who is also a very good friend. One of my favorite shows was the Phoenix show where Charlie and I rented a couple of Harleys and rode up in the mountains. Awesome time that was (although Tony was a nervous wreck. He was worried that I would take one of our best customers out on the road and get him killed

)

Charlie is a class act and I'm proud to call him a friend

-- Bill

KarupLou · 11-07-2005, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LBBV

Excellent interview Charlie. I learned a couple of things I didn't know about you, and I thought I knew you pretty well.

There's nothing better than having a great customer who is also a very good friend. One of my favorite shows was the Phoenix show where Charlie and I rented a couple of Harleys and rode up in the mountains. Awesome time that was (although Tony was a nervous wreck. He was worried that I would take one of our best customers out on the road and get him killed

)

Charlie is a class act and I'm proud to call him a friend

-- Bill

The whole NATNET family is amazing and we are so glad we got the chance to host with you guys and get to know your crew on a personal level.

Louis

reed_4 · 11-08-2005, 03:22 AM

Awesome interview, nice pics too.

11-06-2005, 05:39 PM	#103
Karupted Charles Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: MI Posts: 1,662	29.How did Erica Rode Cambell almost end your marriage? Can I plead the 5th on this one? Jeff who only some of you know as he is not at the shows as often as Lou and myself was seeing Erica during one of the vegas shows. Those of you that know Jeff know he has many passions but on the top of the list is cars and poker. Coming out of the venetian he spots a new model lambo and walks away from Erica drooling all of the car while she stands there all dolled up for a night out. After dinner he wants to hit the poker table so she was bored and we start chatting. We hit it off she really is a nice girl and can be very funny. Jeff decides to call his trip short and the next night her and I decide to get a bite to eat. We develop a friendly relationship and decide to keep in contact. Some time goes by and we talk via email and phone from time to time and one day my wife grabs my phone instead of her by ?accident?. While she is out with a bunch of friends Erica calls and my wife picks up. Instead of saying something like wrong number or I am a friend of Charlie is he around she says ?oh Shit its his wife? laughs to her friend and hangs up. This lead to my wife hacking my email account and reading some emails between Erica and myself that were a bit inappropriate in her mind. She moved out for about 3 months to live back in NY. Lucky for me she decided to forgive me and come back to work things out. Now we have a child together and are very happy with our relationship that is all that much stronger for having made it past this hurdle. __________________ TPF 2010 "They are eating our sausages!"

11-06-2005, 06:06 PM	#104
Karupted Charles Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: MI Posts: 1,662	30 If you couldn't work for Karups - which other companies would you want to work for in this business. discuss in detail why. I can truly say before you asked this I never even considered it. Lou and Jeff are more then just owners here they are like brothers to me. I have never met 2 people that were more warm or welcoming. They made a move away from all my friends and family something I could actually handle by including me in their family here. If I had to work somewhere else it would need to be in a place were I still had opportunity to learn. I am 28 and have experienced a lot but in order to make it to a multi millionaire I need a lot more experience and opportunities. Few places in the adult industry I think would offer me the opportunity to do what I do now which makes the choices slim pickings. Nat net would be a top choice for sure. As I described earlier Tony M is someone I look up to and his negotiating skills as well as his ability to asses the worth of companies before he acquires them is second to none and I would like to learn more about that. With my financial background and experience in handling our merchant account getting back into the finance side of things with somebody like CCBill or Epic would not be a bad move either. However my dream was always to write and produce porn movies and picture series. If I had to leave Karups chances are now with the financial stability I have going out on my own to start that is the most likely choice. __________________ TPF 2010 "They are eating our sausages!"

11-06-2005, 06:26 PM	#105
Karupted Charles Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: MI Posts: 1,662	31.Why does it seem to your friends that you've had every fucking job in the world? Cause I have. Money can be made everywhere if you look at the supply and demand. Depending on the climate of the market depends on which opportunity will net you the most. You have to try them all over time or in different rotations to know where your best assets are. I believe in working and working hard. My dad raised a family of 4 on 15k a year in NY suburbs to this day I have no idea how. He worked hard every day of his life and made us work hard if we wanted something. These principles are so simple to me and I am glad it is so hard for the majority of Americans to understand it other wise I would have to work even harder. __________________ TPF 2010 "They are eating our sausages!"

11-07-2005, 12:55 AM	#106
SleazyDream I'm here for SPORT Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Phone # (401) 285-0696 Posts: 41,470	late night bump. great answers so far charles! __________________ This dog, is dog, a dog, good dog, way dog, to dog, keep dog, an dog, idiot dog, busy dog, for dog, 20 dog, seconds dog! Now read without the word dog. Last edited by SleazyDream; 11-07-2005 at 12:56 AM..

11-07-2005, 09:28 AM	#108
Matt Collins Confirmed User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,060	Charles is an awesome guy. I have finally finished reading all the posts and I am always amazed how much learn, even about great industry friends like Charlie. You Rock Chuck!! Another great Ambush Interview Sleazy! Matt __________________ Check out Globally Translated!-Translate your sites and join the global economy! MattLaw -The law firm for webmasters and site owners! ICQ: 254-829-586 Who is this Matt guy? Check out the Ambush Interview

11-07-2005, 09:51 AM	#109
Karupted Charles Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: MI Posts: 1,662	32.How the fuck can someone who controlls such a large, organized site be such a fucking unorganized messy pig? LOL its like in the usual suspects, it all makes sense if you pull your self back from it. There is no question I am a bit of a disgusting pig. When my head is down and I start wrapping myself around a problem I won't leave my desk. So coffee cups, McDonald's cups, McDonald's wrappers, and cups filled with cigarette buts tend to gather. I guess I should take the time to clean it up but the fact is in my office looks like this because we control such a large, organized site and thats what I focus on. __________________ TPF 2010 "They are eating our sausages!"

11-07-2005, 09:52 AM	#110
Karupted Charles Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: MI Posts: 1,662	33.Do you feel threatened by Mack being in the office now? Not at all for 2 reasons. 1.He has been a huge asset to us already and he has barely had a chance to spread his wings. Mack is a great guy who was brought on to help us achieve our goal of launching a new affiliate program to replace our old more outdated system. He has done wonders already on getting our free sites up to par and increasing traffic to our current programs. 2.The second reason though is more why I am not worried. Dave is to smart to want my job. I may not be a doctor but sometime I feel like one. If there is ever an issue that needs to be resolved it goes through me. So when a 2 am call comes in I get to handle it. My job is to make it so Lou and Jeff don't have to worry about the business and can focus on what they do best ideas and content. . __________________ TPF 2010 "They are eating our sausages!"

11-07-2005, 10:01 AM	#111
JFK FUBAR the ORIGINATOR Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: FUBARLAND Posts: 67,374	__________________ FUBAR Webmasters - The FUBAR Times - FUBAR Webmasters Mobile - FUBARTV.XXX For promo opps contact jfk at fubarwebmasters dot com

11-07-2005, 10:39 AM	#112
Karupted Charles Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: MI Posts: 1,662	34.How come you've had like 50+ careers and have finally stayed with Karups for 4+ years now? The short answer is the people. I have already raved about what it is like to work her and the answers to your questions earlier all point to this. Lou and Jeff make it so I can't leave. They pay me well treat me with respect, let me bring my ideas to the table and let me make the day to day decisions that are designed to achieve the long term goals they have set for me. I have worke for myself and I have worked for others. Never have I been happier then now here at Karups. __________________ TPF 2010 "They are eating our sausages!"

11-07-2005, 04:01 PM	#114
SleazyDream I'm here for SPORT Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Phone # (401) 285-0696 Posts: 41,470	great job! awesome interview __________________ This dog, is dog, a dog, good dog, way dog, to dog, keep dog, an dog, idiot dog, busy dog, for dog, 20 dog, seconds dog! Now read without the word dog.

11-07-2005, 04:34 PM	#115
LBBV Confirmed User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Atlanta Posts: 936	Excellent interview Charlie. I learned a couple of things I didn't know about you, and I thought I knew you pretty well. There's nothing better than having a great customer who is also a very good friend. One of my favorite shows was the Phoenix show where Charlie and I rented a couple of Harleys and rode up in the mountains. Awesome time that was (although Tony was a nervous wreck. He was worried that I would take one of our best customers out on the road and get him killed ) Charlie is a class act and I'm proud to call him a friend -- Bill __________________ National Net Hosting. Handled. See our new line of inexpensive Dedicated Servers \| Cabinets starting at $795 \| CDN [email protected] \| 888-4-NATNET \| www.nationalnet.com

11-08-2005, 03:22 AM	#117
reed_4 Confirmed User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 9,640	Awesome interview, nice pics too. __________________