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Scooters, Secrets, Keys


tommy dee

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47 minutes ago, Mr. Smooth said:

Isn't it an ironic twist, that in a town with several thousand bars and many more girls, one of the main reasons for the success of one of those bars then, and one right now, is due to a couple of guys, who to be fair, were and are far more popular at any given time than any female staff member in either bar is or was. How many times would one stop into Secrets and either leave or stay for just one and then leave because it was a night off for Larry and he wouldn't be there to glad hand the customers?

And how many are disappointed when stopping in LePub only to find out that Phil is off, or had to leave early for whatever reason, and either turn around and leave or only stick around for one and then leave?

Both places employ many women for customers companionship with a mere wave to come over, and yet, it's that warm fuzzy you get inside when  being made to feel welcome and engage in a short chat, with the manager himself, that was/is oft times the key as to whether you considered yourself  having a good time in the bar or not.

Larry and Phil, two men who operated in different styles, one who was more gregarious, the other more subtle, yet each never trying to be something their not but both highly effective in making a connection with their customer base and the success of their respective bars.

Is it any coincidence that one bar began it's slow decline once Larry, a manager that Stickman once bestowed on him the title of the best bar manager in Pattaya, left, and the other, Phil, taking over his own bar and basically building it up and refurbishing it with all amenities available for the customers enjoyment, and has found success where previously there wasn't, despite the location not changing?

Does the Scooters group have anyone close to that level of manager that either Larry or Phil were/are, in order to get this location jump started? If they do not, then without that very important factor, a solid bar manager, to be the glue to the entire operation, this total enterprise, despite all the best of intentions, and the money invested, may be all for naught.

if I had the outright say in Scooters I would pay Larry what ever it took to get him for 3mths+ and post his employment all over the web.

regards

grayray

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48 minutes ago, Yesitisdakid said:

I appreciate the kind words but it really comes down to The Forum getting passed over. The location has never been fantastic anyone that thinks it is is only fooling themselves. The Forum drove the bar without the Forum the bar fails. In the later years The Forum was all but ignored and because of that that's where the downturn took place in my opinion. I don't like to see business the way it is there now because I still feel connected to it even after all these years I hope they can find some way to turn things around and get it back on the right track the guys that own it are great guys hopefully it'll all work out for them. And just an example I have been monitoring The Forum there and here are the numbers for the last 7 days as far as post counts. 33 33 28 22 28 50 26 numbers like that show you that there's little to no interest it has just been let go and that's the reason for the downturn. I remember averaging between 1250 and 1500 Post per day everyday some will argue that a lot of those were game threads and threads that had little or nothing to do with Pattaya. Traffic it was all about traffic kept the board busy the board was busy the bar was busy very simple as the board went so went the bar as we're seeing today.

Larry,

iam sure when Baz started to post his photos of the bar it brought punters into Secrets,that might have gave it a pass.

I miss him greatly

regards

grayray

Edited by grayray
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Just now, grayray said:

Larry,

iam sure when Baz started to post his photos of the bar it brought punters into Secrets,that might have gave it pass.

I miss him greatly

regards

grayray

I agree it helped but he was IMO bailing water from a sinking ship. I miss him as well

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44 minutes ago, KWA said:

Some of that down to the tapatalk move I think.  Altough I can sign in using my Secret's credentials, I can't see anything apart from a tapatalk banner.  I don't want a tapatalk account so effectively I've been excluded from the forum.

I haven't got a Tapatalk account either but have no issues navigating the forum. I did make sure my email was up to date and confirmed that as requested though!

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1 minute ago, boydeste said:

I haven't got a Tapatalk account either but have no issues navigating the forum. I did make sure my email was up to date and confirmed that as requested though!

I think when you've clicked on the link to confirm email when it first came up a Tapatalk account was automatically created for you.  Try logging in using "Tapatalk ID" rather than "existing forum account" and you'll know for sure.

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1 hour ago, Yesitisdakid said:

I appreciate the kind words but it really comes down to The Forum getting passed over. The location has never been fantastic anyone that thinks it is is only fooling themselves. The Forum drove the bar without the Forum the bar fails. In the later years The Forum was all but ignored and because of that that's where the downturn took place in my opinion. I don't like to see business the way it is there now because I still feel connected to it even after all these years I hope they can find some way to turn things around and get it back on the right track the guys that own it are great guys hopefully it'll all work out for them. And just an example I have been monitoring The Forum there and here are the numbers for the last 7 days as far as post counts. 33 33 28 22 28 50 26 numbers like that show you that there's little to no interest it has just been let go and that's the reason for the downturn. I remember averaging between 1250 and 1500 Post per day everyday some will argue that a lot of those were game threads and threads that had little or nothing to do with Pattaya. Traffic it was all about traffic kept the board busy the board was busy the bar was busy very simple as the board went so went the bar as we're seeing today.

Larry, I understand your sentiments about the board and I agree, up to a point. As I stated, ONE of the reasons for Secrets success was due to you being the manager. Sure, reading words typed by somebody on a forum is one thing, but actually putting a face to a board handle when meeting face to face, the engaging personality, the telling of jokes or relating a funny story, getting the attention of staff to get this guy or that group a drink on your bin......those are things that can only happen in person and not staring at a lap top screen.

You can work a room better than any politician, having the keen sense how long to stay before making a move, your eyes always darting this way and that, befriending a solo drinker to make him feel welcome, as you first did to me many years ago, and to so many others since, or making yourself a part of the group to share a story, a laugh, shake a hand or slap a few backs. It's a talent, an art form that can look so natural for some and be so awkward for others if it doesn't come naturally. Again, the forum was a very important part of Secrets success in it's heyday, but with out that human touch that you and Phil do so well, and for which the girls always seemed to respond, then whatever build up that forms in a guys mind prior to flying over and wanting to visit and be a part of what gets posted about so much,  could very well wind up being a huge let down when that person does show up.

Without the managing skills of guys like you and Phil, that customer might simply pay up and leave and ask himself what was all the fuss about?

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7 hours ago, john luke said:

Visited 2130 last night.  Although quiet when we entered, a few customers did come in.  The refurbished place is clean and tidy, although I think a little refurbishment to the upholstery of the seats would be beneficial.  The music is at a volume which allows one to speak and for be a bonus was the smoke free atmosphere.  

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smoke free?looks like an ashtray in bottom pic

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If there were enough decent girls and interested customers then a manager should just be part of the furniture.  I have been into many bars and other than a handshake or how you doing from a resident manager my main interest in is the available companionship of the females.

Of course a manager might be someone you wish to visit and drink with, that is fine but usually if I (or should I say - was) alone then my viewing direction and communication interest would lie with the ladies.

I do go into the Rockhouse and chat with Alex and I have been into the Le Pub and chatted with Phil but these are usually when with mates with little interest in the females except for offering drinks service.

Solo in Walking Street eyeing up the candy in a go go or prowling late at night the corners of Soi Diana and Soi Bukhao and definitely my interest will be favoured towards the female company and not that of a manager. I am also of the opinion that as much as a manager should be polite and engaging he should be happy to move on quickly in servicing other patrons and so after an initial greeting I should be left for the main reason of a solo man's patronage and that is for good drink, good environment and excellent choice of female company.

Do not disturb signs might be a good option if settled with a possible overnight partner.

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5 hours ago, KWA said:

I think when you've clicked on the link to confirm email when it first came up a Tapatalk account was automatically created for you.  Try logging in using "Tapatalk ID" rather than "existing forum account" and you'll know for sure.

Yes it looks like you are correct sir. Thanks for the education. :default_1087:

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" I don't want a tapatalk account so effectively I've been excluded from the forum."

Me too. Been a member for 13+ years and got a message saying I needed to go to Tapatalk, that my account info was in use already there by someone else!! And I needed to now register with them using new details. After a month or so I could no longer log in with my old .secrets log in.....so I gave it away. 

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1 hour ago, Horizondave said:

If there were enough decent girls and interested customers then a manager should just be part of the furniture.  I have been into many bars and other than a handshake or how you doing from a resident manager my main interest in is the available companionship of the females.

Of course a manager might be someone you wish to visit and drink with, that is fine but usually if I (or should I say - was) alone then my viewing direction and communication interest would lie with the ladies.

I do go into the Rockhouse and chat with Alex and I have been into the Le Pub and chatted with Phil but these are usually when with mates with little interest in the females except for offering drinks service.

Solo in Walking Street eyeing up the candy in a go go or prowling late at night the corners of Soi Diana and Soi Bukhao and definitely my interest will be favoured towards the female company and not that of a manager. I am also of the opinion that as much as a manager should be polite and engaging he should be happy to move on quickly in servicing other patrons and so after an initial greeting I should be left for the main reason of a solo man's patronage and that is for good drink, good environment and excellent choice of female company.

Do not disturb signs might be a good option if settled with a possible overnight partner.

Yes I agree, that is the way I negotiate bars also 👍🏻

 I am inferring that in Secrets hay day there were good managers there that socialised and promoted the bar (including forum promotion)  it encouraged customers to visit, especially as it's location is not directly on Walking Street.

From the looks of things there were many girls there when it first transformed into Scooters, yet it appears it might not have attracted a mass of clientele, and from the photos etc. at a guess it would seem to have seen a large reduction in girls.  It certainly is a very low season, however some bars a maintaining regular customers. 

If Larry, Phil or Big Steve (RIP) were in attendance I believe it would probably be a whole different story.

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8 hours ago, Yesitisdakid said:

I appreciate the kind words but it really comes down to The Forum getting passed over. The location has never been fantastic anyone that thinks it is is only fooling themselves. The Forum drove the bar without the Forum the bar fails. In the later years The Forum was all but ignored and because of that that's where the downturn took place in my opinion. I don't like to see business the way it is there now because I still feel connected to it even after all these years I hope they can find some way to turn things around and get it back on the right track the guys that own it are great guys hopefully it'll all work out for them. And just an example I have been monitoring The Forum there and here are the numbers for the last 7 days as far as post counts. 33 33 28 22 28 50 26 numbers like that show you that there's little to no interest it has just been let go and that's the reason for the downturn. I remember averaging between 1250 and 1500 Post per day everyday some will argue that a lot of those were game threads and threads that had little or nothing to do with Pattaya. Traffic it was all about traffic kept the board busy the board was busy the bar was busy very simple as the board went so went the bar as we're seeing today.

A couple weeks ago Larry you also posted about how back in the day the girls needed the bars. Not so much today. You said that fortunate timing had a lot to do with your/Secrets successes.

 

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8 hours ago, jcolorado said:

A couple weeks ago Larry you also posted about how back in the day the girls needed the bars. Not so much today. You said that fortunate timing had a lot to do with your/Secrets successes.

 

no question this is a factor in staffing the bars today thats for sure

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I still log in and post on about 6 to 10 topics regularly. Missed most of last week due to family stuff. Secrets was where I grew up as far as Forums go and I still feel a loyalty to the old girl. But thing are changing over there and it just isn't the same. Will be interesting to see what the next 3 to 5 months bring. 

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Sad to read this thread. Seems the bar going downhill is a combo of bad management and the lack of customers all around Pattaya. 

I haven’t been to Thailand going on 8 years now. I have at least one leg paid for in business class that must be booked soon and used within a year, I had my heart set on next February. My finances are not the best, but FFS you only live once and I’m not passing up the opportunity to go. Hell, probably going to do a round the world trip starting over the Pacific, some fun in Asia, then see Europe for a couple weeks and end up in Montreal to see family. 

My point is, I’m a creature of habit, and when shopping for my reward flight, I’m always inputting BKK as the destination. Could not imagine going anywhere but Thailand. But reading about how things have changed, girl quality, high prices, no GFE, strong baht, bars closing.....maybe it’s possible I bypass LOS altogether and give Vietnam or the Philippines a shot 

I think I was blessed, and cursed to have made my first trip in 2008. As Larry said, the forum, and the town of Pattaya, were both booming and awesome value for the punter. Reading all these negative reports, and seeing( my apologies) the low quality of the ladies in the bars, I ask myself, WTF happened in the last 7-8 years? I’m sure the boys living there permanently have the answer

 

 

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24 minutes ago, thumper63 said:

I still log in and post on about 6 to 10 topics regularly. Missed most of last week due to family stuff. Secrets was where I grew up as far as Forums go and I still feel a loyalty to the old girl. But thing are changing over there and it just isn't the same. Will be interesting to see what the next 3 to 5 months bring. 

I only check in to see how Lars is doing. Was fearing the worst, and he finally posted a few days ago. Lost 80 pounds of fluid in his recent stay. Still has hope from what I see, wish him the best

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