Results:
Promotional gaming has been virtually eliminated. Detect and Redirect has helped Starwood reduce award costs and increase the accuracy of promotion results and analysis. Return on investment has improved by nearly 40% due to better targeting and more effective policing, all without compromising the member experience.

Interesting post SC flier thank you
I had no thoughts of replying to anything this in depth tonight
It would be interesting to see who responds to this thread however some of this information may be over a typical SPG members understanding or personal interest.

Gaming the system? Message to Lacek
Particpating in a program and enaging more frequently because one is enjoying multiple promotional offers freely?
Not every member is the ultimate bottom feeder in the pond.
Whats the cost buying the new customer to replace the one you have lost.And what if another program where the member isn't under online electronic military lock up that member ends up staying twice as much and becomes a much higher revenue customer due to greater program satisfaction?
Don't call the promotion police however I am enjoying this in a variety of programs as we speak
Sometimes ten promotional offers at a time or more on a single stay ......

While I hit my 40th stay in one such program before July at the higest ADR (rates) I have ever paid in recent years I can justify paying more for my room nightly as its a win win situation for all parties as I reach toward my 250k spending threshold in that given program and the rich varied compelling promotions it offers all members most of the time...... Still a way off from that goal but treading steady ground.
It will likely happen over the next few years

I suppose on paper this all sounds very good to the Lacek Group. On the other hand what can be said for members that go where there are more broad based promotions elsewhere/typically and simply decide to stay less and spend less in the SPG program if not abandon the SPG program due to some members frustration?

How does the Lasek Group recapture those folks for Starwood who may be lost forever to other programs?
I am not buying that all member experience is not compromised or that ROI upfront is all win win.
Todays customer is brighter better informed each and every day that passes by.
For those that aren't Flyertalkers or die hard program members frequently following the voice of perception on the street and that of their peers .......
Certainly SPG has some long time members that aren’t going anywhere and remain highly satisfied with whatever the program does
If my promotional participation is more limited than my neighbor and too frequently that member may seek higher ground elsewhere.

Targeted marketing is likely to be around for a long time and though the Lacek folks have been at their game for many years and quite bright at what they do they are slightly out of touch in other regards IMO..........Reducing marketing costs is not the holy grail for building relationships with all members.......In private invitation only/public forums/focus groups I currently monitor members that still vent and express outrage at targeted marketing practices. Some don't bring it up and have simply moved on and elsewhere. Inactive or less active accounts are not all economy driven regardless of the blame game.......They may be the victim of a number of other various factors and all of this remains a delicate balance for marketers today each and everytime when reaching out to their membership base

The Lacek group is in the business of selling its targeted marketing practices
so much of this is bragging rights for other potential clients on its website.
Without question the SPG folks have put their trust in these folks for years to help move the big needle whatever the upfront and long term results/effect at the end of the day may be..........

Starwood still runs a mighty fine program IMO but it faces the me too/we have the same and more of the other programs and less of the differential it enjoyed mostly to itself for the first half decade.

SPG is not today regretfully my primary hotel loyalty program.Lacek clearly had something to do with the decision making process.
In years past I stayed with SPG 50 stays a year.My business has since vastly declined due to other more compelling opportunities/amenities/recognition factors elsewhere.

It is my hope because of the superior talent still on board at SPG that more greatness can still be delivered by Starwood and its SPG program going forward.
My money is on the SPG folks when they are ready to take it to the next level.
SPG still remains my favorite program of all time. It is a brilliantly written program that to this day continues to evolve ^
It is likely to be my primary program again before long if history has a way of repeating itself.........
None the less I always am good for the basic Platinum requirements each year........SPG still runs a mighty fine program overall