Something for free

K

kaznj

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I see over 1000 people have already tried to get the set of free dvd's. I wonder how many people will buy the set if they don't win.

I buy lots of pool stuff. I guess I am just the kind of person who likes to read all the books and see all the dvd's and try all the gadgets. I justify it by saying I am just supporting the industry. I prefer to have a burger at the pool hall to support the place rather than eat before, unless I eat at home.

I like to take lessons from various pros. I know several guys who say they don't feel they need lessons, but they never fail to ask me to show them what I learned. These guys never buy a book or dvd, but they never fail to ask to borrow mine.

I went to the pool clinic run by Mike Sigel at Comet Billiards two weeks ago. For $100 I got to spend 4 hours with one of the greatest pool players of all time ( he says the greatest of all time). AND the whole thing was videoed on two dvd's and mailed to me. ALL for $100. Yet, there were only 4 people who signed up. People should have been lined up around the block for this opportunity.

We come on this forum and complain about the dying industry, yet so many do nothing but try to get something for free. They will buy a bottle of water from 7-11 and sneak it into the pool hall so save 50 cents. Then they wonder why the place went out of business.

Some will say it is the economy. Do you know that over 80% of the country is employed. Those of us who have jobs are getting good deals because prices are either staying the same or dropping.

Just my 2 cents. Have a nice day. Who ever wins the DVD is getting a good deal. When you are finished with it pass it one. I'm sure somebody else wants one.
 
kaznj said:
I see over 1000 people have already tried to get the set of free dvd's. I wonder how many people will buy the set if they don't win.

I buy lots of pool stuff. I guess I am just the kind of person who likes to read all the books and see all the dvd's and try all the gadgets. I justify it by saying I am just supporting the industry. I prefer to have a burger at the pool hall to support the place rather than eat before, unless I eat at home.

I like to take lessons from various pros. I know several guys who say they don't feel they need lessons, but they never fail to ask me to show them what I learned. These guys never buy a book or dvd, but they never fail to ask to borrow mine.

I went to the pool clinic run by Mike Sigel at Comet Billiards two weeks ago. For $100 I got to spend 4 hours with one of the greatest pool players of all time ( he says the greatest of all time). AND the whole thing was videoed on two dvd's and mailed to me. ALL for $100. Yet, there were only 4 people who signed up. People should have been lined up around the block for this opportunity.

We come on this forum and complain about the dying industry, yet so many do nothing but try to get something for free. They will buy a bottle of water from 7-11 and sneak it into the pool hall so save 50 cents. Then they wonder why the place went out of business.

Some will say it is the economy. Do you know that over 80% of the country is employed. Those of us who have jobs are getting good deals because prices are either staying the same or dropping.

Just my 2 cents. Have a nice day. Who ever wins the DVD is getting a good deal. When you are finished with it pass it one. I'm sure somebody else wants one.
Click to expand...

Not to completely destroy what you wrote, but it is really only about 20 people farm posting, not over a thousand people. Secondly the guy started the thread for a free giveaway for fun, and said the more you post the better your chance of winning. You might want to actually look into the thread before starting your own thread like this.
 
cheap advertising

Spimp13 said:
Not to completely destroy what you wrote, but it is really only about 20 people farm posting, not over a thousand people. Secondly the guy started the thread for a free giveaway for fun, and said the more you post the better your chance of winning. You might want to actually look into the thread before starting your own thread like this.
Click to expand...

Well, if we are going to bust balloons, the giveaway thread is about cheap advertising more than fun. Letting people post constantly is better than a sticky since stickies are pretty universally ignored even if they could get one. Mike H is obviously OK with it since he is holding the number but advertising is just advertising no matter how it is sugar coated.

Hu
 
ShootingArts said:
Well, if we are going to bust balloons, the giveaway thread is about cheap advertising more than fun. Letting people post constantly is better than a sticky since stickies are pretty universally ignored even if they could get one. Mike H is obviously OK with it since he is holding the number but advertising is just advertising no matter how it is sugar coated.

Hu
Click to expand...

1200 posts for this giveaway yesterday, and my site only got like 20 extra views. Not a single sale resulting from it. My point is that Kaznj is absolutely right. The market right now is TOUGH.

Also, Im just a young guy trying to make a career for himself. I made those movies out of passion for the sport, and I have yet to even pay off the debt I incurred from production expenses.

Besides, its not like I just come on the forum to advertise. I post regularely and do my best to contribute to the forum in every way possible. My last advertisement was over two months ago, and when I do advertise, I give away a few freebies. Some people appreciate this...although I'm sorry to hear that you do not.

Also, I'd like to say thanks for people like Kaznj. I have little doubt that the industry appreciates your support. :thumbup:
 
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kaznj said:
I see over 1000 people have already tried to get the set of free dvd's. I wonder how many people will buy the set if they don't win.

<snip>

Some will say it is the economy. Do you know that over 80% of the country is employed. Those of us who have jobs are getting good deals because prices are either staying the same or dropping.
Click to expand...

It has nothing to do with the economy. Every time TAR has streamed from the DCC, they average 800 to over 1000 viewers when the stream is for free. When they have a PPV match during the DCC, most times, they seem lucky to get 200.

Spimp13 said:
Not to completely destroy what you wrote, but it is really only about 20 people farm posting, not over a thousand people. Secondly the guy started the thread for a free giveaway for fun, and said the more you post the better your chance of winning. You might want to actually look into the thread before starting your own thread like this.
Click to expand...

Interesting reaction. It appears as if you've taken offense to their observation, which from what I've been able to tell from instances in the past (that I've mentioned), is pretty much right on the money.
 
didn't I tell you marketing was the hard part?

Nathan,

Don't misunderstand me, I don't have any strong feelings one way or another about such threads. Without a comment in the opening post that you are attempting to promote your product I do feel like you and others using this method are doing a little game playing and trying to manipulate the forum members. It is a little like somebody trying to hustle us on a pool table and who likes being hustled? Your product doesn't need a hustle to sell it. It may need more advertising than you can afford however. Marketing is a very tough racket and it seems like I posted the same thing in a thread where you asked for help. Perhaps it was someone else.

Giveaways may be as good a way as any to do a little promoting of your product. As you say, it is a very tough market right now and in truth the video market is tough in general. For every DVD or set that makes money there are dozens, probably hundreds, that don't. Several friends have DVD's out and another has CD's out. They are doing OK but none of them are making enough to change their lifestyle. Some of the earlier video's didn't pay wages.

I wish you well in your venture just as I wish everyone else well trying to make an honest dollar in pool or business. That doesn't make me blind to marketing ploys however. This one seems to be a loser for you from what you just posted. You might try direct links to the samples in your thread starter. Viewing the samples might get you some orders. Seems that people aren't following the links to get that far.

Have you tried getting a review posted on the main forum from someone like Dr. Dave, Blackjack, JoeyA, Bob Jewett, or Mike Page? Seeing an occasional in-depth review on AZB from some of the more astute members of the forum would probably be more effective than the giveaways.

Good Luck,
Hu


nathandumoulin said:
1200 posts for this giveaway yesterday, and my site only got like 20 extra views. Not a single sale resulting from it. My point is that Kaznj is absolutely right. The market right now is TOUGH.

Also, Im just a young guy trying to make a career for himself. I made those movies out of passion for the sport, and I have yet to even pay off the debt I incurred from production expenses.

Besides, its not like I just come on the forum to advertise. I post regularely and do my best to contribute to the forum in every way possible. My last advertisement was over two months ago, and when I do advertise, I give away a few freebies. Some people appreciate this...although I'm sorry to hear that you do not.

Also, I'd like to say thanks for people like Kaznj. I have little doubt that the industry appreciates your support. :thumbup:
Click to expand...
 
The economy is tough right now and players and people within the industry are hoping to get a little attention to their products and or services.

First of all giving people on this forum the information that something new is available is something I think the majority of AZers want to know about. So the free advertising in my opinion is also giving people what they are here for, INFORMATION.

This "Free" advertising not only gives pool fans info but it also gives them a chance to get something for free, I think it is awesome and see nothing but good. Of course I am a little biased on this but again, I see nothing wrong with giving info to the pool community and then something for free. Hey maybe I got ot all wrong.
 
nathandumoulin said:
1200 posts for this giveaway yesterday, and my site only got like 20 extra views. Not a single sale resulting from it. My point is that Kaznj is absolutely right. The market right now is TOUGH.

Also, Im just a young guy trying to make a career for himself. I made those movies out of passion for the sport, and I have yet to even pay off the debt I incurred from production expenses.

Besides, its not like I just come on the forum to advertise. I post regularely and do my best to contribute to the forum in every way possible. My last advertisement was over two months ago, and when I do advertise, I give away a few freebies. Some people appreciate this...although I'm sorry to hear that you do not.

Also, I'd like to say thanks for people like Kaznj. I have little doubt that the industry appreciates your support. :thumbup:
Click to expand...
Nathan, please shoot me a email, I would like to find out what you charge for your services. You have done a great job on that DVD and I may have a some work for you. Cantrillmark@yahoo.com thanks and keep up the good work.
 
I haven't taken offense to it, just was pointing out a couple mistated facts he neglected to look into or mention. I admit, I have about 10-15 posts in there and have not been the website yet. You also don't see me complaining about people not offering free stuff either though. I am neutral here, maybe the original post initially rubbed me the wrong way. He is entitled to his opinion as I am of mine. There are other ways to advertise and try to get more hits or more sales but let's not get into that because yes, times are tough right now for some.
 
ShootingArts said:
Nathan,

Don't misunderstand me, I don't have any strong feelings one way or another about such threads. Without a comment in the opening post that you are attempting to promote your product I do feel like you and others using this method are doing a little game playing and trying to manipulate the forum members. It is a little like somebody trying to hustle us on a pool table and who likes being hustled? Your product doesn't need a hustle to sell it. It may need more advertising than you can afford however. Marketing is a very tough racket and it seems like I posted the same thing in a thread where you asked for help. Perhaps it was someone else.

Giveaways may be as good a way as any to do a little promoting of your product. As you say, it is a very tough market right now and in truth the video market is tough in general. For every DVD or set that makes money there are dozens, probably hundreds, that don't. Several friends have DVD's out and another has CD's out. They are doing OK but none of them are making enough to change their lifestyle. Some of the earlier video's didn't pay wages.

I wish you well in your venture just as I wish everyone else well trying to make an honest dollar in pool or business. That doesn't make me blind to marketing ploys however. This one seems to be a loser for you from what you just posted. You might try direct links to the samples in your thread starter. Viewing the samples might get you some orders. Seems that people aren't following the links to get that far.

Have you tried getting a review posted on the main forum from someone like Dr. Dave, Blackjack, JoeyA, Bob Jewett, or Mike Page? Seeing an occasional in-depth review on AZB from some of the more astute members of the forum would probably be more effective than the giveaways.

Good Luck,
Hu
Click to expand...

Well said. I'd also like to point out that I appreciate the respect that you've given me by taking the time to write this. Your suggestions are good ones, and you've actually indirectly given me a really good idea. Thanks :)

As for getting AzB to review my DVDs, I sent Mike and Jerry a set about 3 or 4 months ago. I guess they just never got around to reviewing them. Perhaps I'll message some of the other members that you mentioned in hopes that they'll be willing to do a write-up.
 
Even if he decided to post based on a mistaken impression (believing 1,000 posts = 1,000 potential buyers)... kaznj has a good point. It probably IS the economy though, "only" 80-something percent being employed is awful. We're looking at hard times the likes of which haven't been seen for over 50 years.

Maybe pool players are inherently cheap too, I dunno. If I could spare it, I'd be thrilled to drop 50 on a some dvds. Right now my spare cash does go to the pool hall.

I don't think people can be guilt tripped into spending money on pool... but if they can, kaznj is preaching to the wrong audience, because the guys on this forum mostly support pool and put a percentage of their income into it. The bangers who walk into his hall with water bottles under their jackets are the ones who ought to read this.
 
bfd your session with Archer and Varner was good example. I went to the one at Rockaway Billiards in New Jersey. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was surprised to see a less than full group. A chance to spend a few hours with two legends of the game. Why did people not jump all over this?

I cannot blame the economy. I remember going to one of the first Super Billiards Expos. I met a man who said he would never spend a penny at any of the vendors.He said the entry fee should cover everything. I feel the expo is a great buy. From the entry fee to the fee to enter the pro arena to the vendors. The economy was doing well at the time. This guy was just cheap. We have to support the vendors or they will not show up.
By the way, do yourself a favor. If you don't win the dvd's then buy them. They are worth it. If anyone if affended by my comments because they support the industry then oviously I am not talking to you. It is the people who only want something for free without consideration to the hard work and talent of others.
 
kaznj said:
bfd your session with Archer and Varner was good example. I went to the one at Rockaway Billiards in New Jersey. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was surprised to see a less than full group. A chance to spend a few hours with two legends of the game. Why did people not jump all over this?

I cannot blame the economy. I remember going to one of the first Super Billiards Expos. I met a man who said he would never spend a penny at any of the vendors.He said the entry fee should cover everything. I feel the expo is a great buy. From the entry fee to the fee to enter the pro arena to the vendors. The economy was doing well at the time. This guy was just cheap. We have to support the vendors or they will not show up.
By the way, do yourself a favor. If you don't win the dvd's then buy them. They are worth it. If anyone if affended by my comments because they support the industry then oviously I am not talking to you. It is the people who only want something for free without consideration to the hard work and talent of others.
Click to expand...
Kaznj, you do a good job of supporting the sport. I know this from experience, I also know that among the people like yourself there are others who do want the free ride. I will give you a example. I got a call from a man wanting info about a pool school with Archer and Strickland. he asked if the pool room was going to be open to the public also that day. I told him that it was because the owner still has to make a living but we would be keeping people at a distance.
Well he never signed up but he did show up with a notepad and a camcorder. he was actually please to see me and said "Hey, I spoke with you on the phone, I decided not to do the school" I asked him what he was doing and without hesitation he said "Well I figure I will just record it and watch and then I can go home and work on some of these things". I asked him if he thought that was fair since everyone else came and paid $200. He said "Well that guy has a camcorder over there too" I said "Yes but he has paid to be in the class and you havn't paid" He got a little pissed at me at that point and said "I HAVN"T PAID??? I HAVE PAID MY WHOLE LIVE". Well I told him that unfortunatly we don't allow this and he stormed off.

All I am saying is sometimes people take advantage and thing they deserve something for free even if they really don't mean it. This guy had no idea he was doing something wrong. Anyway, I think the real pool fans support as much as they can, we are really talking abouta few who want to help but can't or a few nits who won't.
Times are tough,
 
Does that include paying for a yearly membership to this forum to help support its hosting costs so that people can congregate on the internet to talk about billiard related topics?
 
I would just like to add that i did post a lot to try and win a free dvd but i have been to the website many times and have told all my friends about the videos and how i want to buy them. Unfortunately I am truelly just to broke at the moment but hopefully will order them in a few weeks. I appreciated the giveaway and wish you well with your videos. The look amazing.
 
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