The Spirit of the game
Sigh,
It seems like everywhere you go and anyplace you turn people are finding new parts of our lives to jam a small electronic device into. First, electronic wristwatches to replace the perfectly functional sundial. Then TV's built into refrigerators, because it's too much to have to turn away from the counter top TV or, Heaven forbid, go into an adjacent room lacking the babblebox. And now the crown jewels in the digital crown; people walking down the street, eyes glued and ears plugged into the magic box. They use their technology to prevent interaction with the real world so they can "interact" with their friends, some of whom they have actually "met".
And now it's in the poolrooms
I heartily endorse the right of any individual to pursue any activity that brings them pleasure, so long as it does not result in the lessening of someone else's pleasure. That being said, I fully support the right of these individuals to walk blindly in front of a city bus. I will shed not a tear, but instead feel a swell of pride that I live in a country that allows people such freedom.
And here's what I've seen:
Pros-People who are practicing by themselves can drown out the noise around them and focus on improving aspects of their game. This can free them from distractions and improve mental clarity, which leads to a loosening of body and in general a greater chance of succeeding at practice. Players improve their skills, the game gets more highly skilled individuals who will be good ambassadors for the sport and all is right in the jungle.
Cons-People who for some unfathomable reason have decided they do not need to interact with their fellow players, despite the fact that they are playing at minimum a two person (often up to a many as ten or fifteen) competitive game. Being courteous and respectful, a gentleman or woman, was once a hallmark of our games. This went so far as to discourage cheering and clapping in favor of a few finger snaps or light taps on the shaft. But because nothing in the universe is static these are no longer the norms. Loud music and raucous behavior are the new standard. For these reason's I could almost encourage the use of mp3 players, the Izombies tend to be quiet and well-behaved if a little unobservant which is frustrating but ultimately not such a big deal.
But...
RESPECT AND PROPER BEHAVIOR is what will lift our game out of the stereotypical smoke filled bar, with it's lascivious women and degenerate men. Pool can then enter the light filled arena of Respectable Sports, a place it deserves being longer practiced in this country than our national pastime. By inserting those earbuds you have made a social statement, 'Even though I am physically here right now playing this interactive game with you (or more), I do not feel the need to interact with my surroundings, or for that matter you personally'. You will then list a whole host of reasons that justify your actions but only amount to so much whining. Music wrong type or too loud, other people actually talking or !Gasp! someone commenting on your game. These are all parts of the environment that we have chosen to be in. Learning to be comfortable in your surroundings, no matter what they be, is one of the attributes that separates the wheat from the chaff. And what if your opponent is not facing you to verify that he heard you? Should your opponent be required to face you during all verbal communications? Because of your choice? I think not. And the same goes for poker players; interacting with your opponents is more than half the game since the cards fall randomly. In pool we can choose what happens, and I chose to interact with my fellow players with respect and sportsmanship. Which is what I expect in return.
I thank everyone for bearing with me during this rant and hope your day goes better than expected.
Prospero
), and I know that the stuff I have on it all fits my personal tastes.
