Bonuswhoring/rakeback question

Quick question (or 2) about bonuses vs rakeback:

When signing up for a new site in order to "chase a bonus" (which I've read is better than rakeback), do you still sign up through a rakeback site (i.e. raketherake), or does the bonus negate an account's option to receive rakeback? I'm pretty sure that it doesn't (judging from threads I've read in the past here on FTR), but just wanted to make sure before doing so.

Also, while on the subject of rakeback, are there really any differences in the rakeback sites out there? The rakeback site links I have are raketherake, raketracker, rakebrain, and rakereduction. From what I've noticed, the first two seem to be the most popular, but does it matter which one I choose? I'm in the US, and have only played on Stars (where the FPPs seem kinda useless @ 10nl), and am new to the whole rakeback/bonus thing (although I've read a few threads/posts on here [such as some of EasyT's] & I've looked @ BW a few times).

bonuses can be better than rakeback for building a bankroll quickly at micro/low stakes, but rakeback is permanent (so long as the affiliate remains solvent). bonuses come and go. reloads come and go. rakeback continues each month.

if you plan to move up in stakes, the rakeback FAR outweighs any bonus offer the higher you go.

FullTilt will not allow you to grab their sign up bonus and switch over to rakeback. you must decide now.

Absolute has allowed me to clear bonus/reloads simultaneously with rakeback.

you need to do your research before putting money in a site. read the terms and conditions. read their bonus policies thoroughly. good news is...your american. you dont have a lot of work to do. :(

if i am you, and i plan to move up limits as time goes on, i do my research and decide the order i want to start playing on sites based on: my bankroll, what levels i will play while on a specific site, how quickly a bonus clears, how often they offer reloads, whether or not i play to move up ON THAT SITE, etc.

as for where to get the better bonus offers, i cant help you like i could have 18 months ago. but, check here on FTR first. find the best matching offer, make sure it clears at a decent rate, and deposit. you dont have to use "rakeback" sites for bonus offers. you can go to various sites, or use the poker site itself. its about who offers the better bonus, which is why you need to read T&C's. they change their offers so fast, its hard for any of us to keep up. just check here first.

if you have other questions, thats great, but you are going to have to do some figuring on your own, as we dont know YOUR specific goals.

I am have deposited on Stars, Full Tilt, and Party all with no rakeback.

So....I am screwed.



Is there any way to cancel the account and re-sign up? I'm guessing not....unless I change my name

no rb on stars, extremely difficult to get it on pp (i have no idea who to get it from).

you could try making another account with someone else's name on ft, but you need a new deposit method.

do a search, there's lots of threads about ppl wanting to start new accounts for rb.