Respect.

[JB Cases]

Sometimes it's truly embarrassing to be part of this board.

I have never in my life seen a bunch of people be so disrespectful in my life to the veterans of our sport.

I guess that this is the way it goes in the internet age. Everyone has an opinion and every one has a keyboard so just blurt it out no matter who it hurts or how disrespectful it is.

We have a UNIQUE opportunity here to talk with and learn from the GREATS in this game. And what do we do with that? We throw it away, just flat out throw it away and trample on it.

Does Jack Nicholas frequent golf forums? Does Tiger Woods? No but if they did they would be treated with golden gloves and revered.

But only on here does the average player take it upon themselves to belittle the truly great stars of our game and insure that they feel even worse about the state of pool and their life choices.

These great players chose pool for a variety of reasons that are known to them. Whether it was the right life choice or not they battled as hard on the pool table as any top athlete in any other sport has ever done. They entertained us and showed us the spectacular over their lifetime.

They wrote books, made tapes, instructed thousands personally. If nothing else these players deserve nothing less than to be talked to with respect. You may disagree with them, that's fine. Do it respectfully. Discuss the merits of the issue at hand and don't belittle them.

What other sport do you get to rub shoulders with the elite like this? Don't go out of your way to make sure that they don't want to hang out with us.

 

[pooltchr]

Very well said!
That's worth a whole string of greenies.
Steve

 

[eezbank]

I'm glad somebody came out and said it. Thanks John.

 

[Fast Lenny]

Sometimes it's truly embarrassing to be part of this board.

I have never in my life seen a bunch of people be so disrespectful in my life to the veterans of our sport.

I guess that this is the way it goes in the internet age. Everyone has an opinion and every one has a keyboard so just blurt it out no matter who it hurts or how disrespectful it is.

We have a UNIQUE opportunity here to talk with and learn from the GREATS in this game. And what do we do with that? We throw it away, just flat out throw it away and trample on it.

Does Jack Nicholas frequent golf forums? Does Tiger Woods? No but if they did they would be treated with golden gloves and revered.

But only on here does the average player take it upon themselves to belittle the truly great stars of our game and insure that they feel even worse about the state of pool and their life choices.

These great players chose pool for a variety of reasons that are known to them. Whether it was the right life choice or not they battled as hard on the pool table as any top athlete in any other sport has ever done. They entertained us and showed us the spectacular over their lifetime.

They wrote books, made tapes, instructed thousands personally. If nothing else these players deserve nothing less than to be talked to with respect. You may disagree with them, that's fine. Do it respectfully. Discuss the merits of the issue at hand and don't belittle them.

What other sport do you get to rub shoulders with the elite like this? Don't go out of your way to make sure that they don't want to hang out with us.

I agree with you John, if you would not say it to someones face then do not post it online, it is called being a coward. Many of us use our real names on here or people know who we are outside of the forum but many are totally anonymous and face to face would not have much to say but behind a keyboard it is like having a mask on.

 

[mattiefingaz]

I'm a new guy here so didn't know if it was my place to say it, but I'm very glad someone did.

I'm 38 years old (and male) and have been damn near a giddy school girl for the last week telling everyone who would have any idea..."Guess who's forum post I got the chance to reply to....Give up?...Grady Mathews...yes the real Grady"

I feel honored that I've had the chance to read the thoughts of not only Grady but the other pros, top amateurs and influencial people in this game over the last month or so.

Yes, everyone has their opinion and the freedom to say what they feel. I'm taking my right to that to say this...

"Thank all of you for the time, knowledge and thoughts you've given to me"

Respectfully,

Mattie

 

[Fast Lenny]

I'm a new guy here so didn't know if it was my place to say it, but I'm very glad someone did.

I'm 38 years old (and male) and have been damn near a giddy school girl for the last week telling everyone who would have any idea..."Guess who's forum post I got the chance to reply to....Give up?...Grady Mathews...yes the real Grady"

I feel honored that I've had the chance to read the thoughts of not only Grady but the other pros, top amateurs and influencial people in this game over the last month or so.

Yes, everyone has their opinion and the freedom to say what they feel. I'm taking my right to that to say this...

"Thank all of you for the time, knowledge and thoughts you've given to me"

Respectfully,

Mattie

Glad to have you on board.

 

[Perk]

Apparently I got to spread some rep around, but this post deserves some. Well said.

 

[Johnnyt]

You are right John. And I will watch what I say from now on. If I have ever been direspectful of a legend on here I am sorry. Johnnyt

 

[Tbeaux]

Could not agree with you more JB! :thumbup:

errr..............well unless you're referring to my Strickland-Michaela Tabb post on the funny pic thread.

Terry

 

[alstl]

I agree but some the biggest flaming is generated by pros and directed against other pros.

 

[Shawn Armstrong]

I agree but some the biggest flaming is generated by pros and directed against other pros.

See, you had to go and ruin it. Just pat JB on the back, say great post, and move on.

And, BTW, it's Jack Nicklaus, and Grady's last name is spelled Mathews. Thanks.

 

[JB Cases]

See, you had to go and ruin it. Just pat JB on the back, say great post, and move on.

And, BTW, it's Jack Nicklaus, and Grady's last name is spelled Mathews. Thanks.

Thank you Shawn. Glad to see that you know how to spell their last names correctly. Now if you can refrain from insulting the few veteran pros who do come here we might be able to enjoy their company a while longer.

 

[Cuebuddy]

I have never been embarrassed to be part of this forum, but I do wish that I could write my thoughts as well as you do. There are many respectful people on this forum and part of being respectful is keeping your nose out of other peoples business. I realize that certain people come on here and open them selves up to scrutiny but it is usually because the care about the game and wish it were better. History shows that this game was great back in the day, and in my opinion it will be great again and its because people who care will always breath life back into it.

 

[mattiefingaz]

and Grady's last name is spelled Mathews. Thanks.

Not for nothing, but I think I was the only person to type Grady Mathews name...and if memory, and the ability to look back at the post serves, I spelled it correctly.

I do apologize if I've overlooked something or have misinterpreted your post. I have had a couple of glasses of gin.

Mattie

 

[JB Cases]

I agree but some the biggest flaming is generated by pros and directed against other pros.

And? Then let them handle their business. I wasn't speaking of "pros" in general, I was speaking specifically about the veterans.

I also feel that when someone chooses to mix it up here then they have to be open to criticism. But do it respectfully.

I have argued with John Schmidt. I think that John understands that while I didn't agree with his premise I totally respect his accomplishments thus far and his contributions to the game.

Other people weren't so diplomatic about it and try to make things personal.

This is all I am saying. Agree or disagree doesn't matter. Just don't go off personally insulting and deriding a veteran professional.

I have seen Grady mix it up in the poolroom for example and have seen him barked at and doing the barking. I can tell you that this is banter among his peers.

When it comes to discussing the ins and outs of professional pool as seen through a pro player's experiences then almost none of us can truly relate.

If Billy Incardona comes on here and tells Grady he is being childish then that's coming from one professional to another, from one person who has "been there" right along with him. If I tell Grady he is being childish and to "suck it up" then I am being disrespectful and speaking from a position of zero understanding for his perspective. It may well be my opinion but out of respect I don't have to put it out there. That's the choice we all have to make.

And if the current pros choose to use this venue to bark at each other then they probably know that somewhere along the line they are doing themselves harm in the eyes of potential sponsors and fans. Or not. Sometimes it's a treat to see them barking at each other. But it's not our place as amateurs to jump in the mix and start insulting them.

I am not advocating that we all bow down like supplicants either. All I am saying is that we try to make our points with respect in a way that speaks to the issue rather than making it personal.

What prompted this post was the FACT that Shawn Armstrong chose to denigrate Grady Mathews with silly comparisons, labeled his grievance as acting childish, and then presumed to tell a lifelong veteran of the sport to just "suck it up". This is just the latest example of such arrogance and disrespect. Shawn makes good points a lot of the time. But sometimes he goes off the reservation and when it's pointed out to him that maybe that wasn't the most tactful way to go he then makes it a point to go even further. If I were Grady I'd turn my back on the board completely. And I am sure some people would applaud that.

For others of us it would a loss.

 

[poolhustler]

I agree with you John, everyone should be treated with respect if they have shown that they deserve it. Grady was a great player and a fantastic commentator. He has my complete respect for those accomplishments.

But, and please correct me if I am wrong, the only posts that I have seen from Grady lately are posts from him *****ing and complaining about soemthing. They just get a little long in the teeth for me.

Please accept my apology if I just missed the posts where Grady comes on AZ and gives advice, helps other players, etc....

I'll go do a search of Grady's posts and see if there are any that are noteworthy.

PS - Just got one of your cases in a trade deal, the "Strong Bear" case and I love it!!!!

Thanks,

Russ......

 

[manwon]

Sometimes it's truly embarrassing to be part of this board.

I have never in my life seen a bunch of people be so disrespectful in my life to the veterans of our sport.

I guess that this is the way it goes in the internet age. Everyone has an opinion and every one has a keyboard so just blurt it out no matter who it hurts or how disrespectful it is.

We have a UNIQUE opportunity here to talk with and learn from the GREATS in this game. And what do we do with that? We throw it away, just flat out throw it away and trample on it.

Does Jack Nicholas frequent golf forums? Does Tiger Woods? No but if they did they would be treated with golden gloves and revered.

But only on here does the average player take it upon themselves to belittle the truly great stars of our game and insure that they feel even worse about the state of pool and their life choices.

These great players chose pool for a variety of reasons that are known to them. Whether it was the right life choice or not they battled as hard on the pool table as any top athlete in any other sport has ever done. They entertained us and showed us the spectacular over their lifetime.

They wrote books, made tapes, instructed thousands personally. If nothing else these players deserve nothing less than to be talked to with respect. You may disagree with them, that's fine. Do it respectfully. Discuss the merits of the issue at hand and don't belittle them.

What other sport do you get to rub shoulders with the elite like this? Don't go out of your way to make sure that they don't want to hang out with us.

I am with you John, and respect can as simple as listening with out a responce whether you agree or not!!!!!!

I hope people listen to your words and more importantly understand their meaning!!:smile:

Great thread John

 

[Blackjack]

John

I was contemplating writing something similar - your post conveys exactly the way I feel. Thank you for having the courage to tell it like it is.

I was raised and brought up in this game the correct way. I was taught to never underestimate, underscore, or undermine anybody's talent. I was taught that respect was a constant - it applies to all - and that when representing the game, I represented the people that taught me. I was encouraged to conduct myself in a dignified way in all situations, towards all people.

I have met a lot of people through this forum, and I hope that I have lived up to that.

Somehow in the age of the internet, respect seems to not matter anymore. Anybody can be insulted, put down, belittled, to include the legends of the game.

I find that sad.

Two years ago I was offered a spot in the tournament that Grady has been talking about. I had done absolutely nothing to deserve that spot, albeit a last minute wildcard slot - nonetheless - there were hundreds of players more deserving than myself. I was honored to be asked. Who wouldn't want to play in the biggest straight pool event in the world? However, there was no way I could accept something that I did not earn. Respectfully I declined the spot.

In the same breath I asked if the spot could be given to Grady Mathews. I didn't do that to open up a can of worms. I didn't do that to play political games. I did that because I respect and admire Grady Mathews. I respect the man, I respect the player, and I respect his game. That's not ass kissing, that is genuine respect.

I respected the decisions that were made by the people that chose not to invite Grady. That does not mean I agreed with them. I respected Randy's decisions at the time, and he knew how I felt because I told him directly and respectfully. I supported Grady Mathews. I was told by others that I might pay a heavy price for that. I did. Two years later, I'm sticking to my guns. I still support Grady's position.

There comes a time when doing the right thing is more important than following some rigid protocol that only provides or protects the people that wrote it. People puffing their chests out on their perches as if their power means as much to everybody else as it does to themselves.

This is the game of pool. Why do some people try to complicate the hell out of it? If someone wants to play, let them play - especially if they are a world champion in multiple disciplines.

Pool is a game. It's supposed to be fun. It seems to me that the "business and politics" crowd seem to forget who paved the way. The game wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the people that have dedicated their lives to it. Their lack of respect for Grady's contributions will ultimately plant the seeds for their own demise, and the demise of their illusion of power and control. They can only pass on what they have created - so what they are doing now will someday be done to them. There are people that have the power to break that cycle. If you are one of those people, just remember, there is no right way to do the wrong thing.

 

[nasc]

And? Then let them handle their business. I wasn't speaking of "pros" in general, I was speaking specifically about the veterans.

I also feel that when someone chooses to mix it up here then they have to be open to criticism. But do it respectfully.

I have argued with John Schmidt. I think that John understands that while I didn't agree with his premise I totally respect his accomplishments thus far and his contributions to the game.

Other people weren't so diplomatic about it and try to make things personal.

This is all I am saying. Agree or disagree doesn't matter. Just don't go off personally insulting and deriding a veteran professional.

I have seen Grady mix it up in the poolroom for example and have seen him barked at and doing the barking. I can tell you that this is banter among his peers.

When it comes to discussing the ins and outs of professional pool as seen through a pro player's experiences then almost none of us can truly relate.

If Billy Incardona comes on here and tells Grady he is being childish then that's coming from one professional to another, from one person who has "been there" right along with him. If I tell Grady he is being childish and to "suck it up" then I am being disrespectful and speaking from a position of zero understanding for his perspective. It may well be my opinion but out of respect I don't have to put it out there. That's the choice we all have to make.

And if the current pros choose to use this venue to bark at each other then they probably know that somewhere along the line they are doing themselves harm in the eyes of potential sponsors and fans. Or not. Sometimes it's a treat to see them barking at each other. But it's not our place as amateurs to jump in the mix and start insulting them.

I am not advocating that we all bow down like supplicants either. All I am saying is that we try to make our points with respect in a way that speaks to the issue rather than making it personal.

What prompted this post was the FACT that Shawn Armstrong chose to denigrate Grady Mathews with silly comparisons, labeled his grievance as acting childish, and then presumed to tell a lifelong veteran of the sport to just "suck it up". This is just the latest example of such arrogance and disrespect. Shawn makes good points a lot of the time. But sometimes he goes off the reservation and when it's pointed out to him that maybe that wasn't the most tactful way to go he then makes it a point to go even further. If I were Grady I'd turn my back on the board completely. And I am sure some people would applaud that.

For others of us it would a loss.

John,
As you know, you and I don't see head to head for the most part. I do have to agree with you on this post.

Glen

 

[JB Cases]

I agree with you John, everyone should be treated with respect if they have shown that they deserve it. Grady was a great player and a fantastic commentator. He has my complete respect for those accomplishments.

But, and please correct me if I am wrong, the only posts that I have seen from Grady lately are posts from him *****ing and complaining about soemthing. They just get a little long in the teeth for me.

Please accept my apology if I just missed the posts where Grady comes on AZ and gives advice, helps other players, etc....

I'll go do a search of Grady's posts and see if there are any that are noteworthy.

PS - Just got one of your cases in a trade deal, the "Strong Bear" case and I love it!!!!

Thanks,

Russ......

Grady has posted numerous stories here of the road. I am sure if people were to simply engage him in normal dialog then he would be more than happy as he always is in person to help out. Every time I have ever asked him to show me a shot he spends way more time than I deserve teaching me every nuance of it.

And as I said, you don't have to agree with Grady, or any other pro on here for that matter. I would only hope that instead of being deliberately insulting that we would just choose to ignore it.

It's honestly not just about Grady though. It's about a certain attitude that because we are all separated by distance that we can say anything we want without recourse and without remorse. I find that this is liberating and disturbing at the same time. Common civility and courtesy and honestly, the fear of retaliation, keeps people from saying in person the things that they let go here.

Glad you like the case! Now Tony will be on my butt to get his new one done.