Responce to Jerry Forsyth Article

Jerry Forsyth said:
I don't mean to be picky, you guys can discuss whatever you wish, but none of these posts is actually a discussion of the editorial. The subject was how pool fans do not support pool sponsors, not about how to present the game or any of this other stuff.
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Jerry, in a weird way, I think we are. The major problem with pool/billiards is it has done an abysmal job creating fans of the sport (yes, it's a damn sport!!). Right now the only real fans are other poolplayers. It seems that the discussion has turned into theorizing ways to bring fans into our sport, thus creating a bigger market for potential sponsors.
 
TX Poolnut said:
In my opinion, the problem with high level pool is that it looks really easy therby boring the general audience.
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Any professional makes his/her sport look easy. Kobe, Tiger, Tom Brady, etc. all make it look easy, that's why they're pros.
 
Jerry Forsyth said:
I don't mean to be picky, you guys can discuss whatever you wish, but none of these posts is actually a discussion of the editorial. The subject was how pool fans do not support pool sponsors, not about how to present the game or any of this other stuff.
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atually jerry this was a main point on my post, if the kids get into it the adults have no choice but to follow little johnny. The kids are the best fans you can ever have, because they are the ones that MAKE the adults spend the money.

Other than that, your article was a super valid point, and I agreed with it 100%
 
TimKrazyMon said:
Jerry, in a weird way, I think we are. The major problem with pool/billiards is it has done an abysmal job creating fans of the sport (yes, it's a damn sport!!). Right now the only real fans are other poolplayers. It seems that the discussion has turned into theorizing ways to bring fans into our sport, thus creating a bigger market for potential sponsors.
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Agreed it is a sport in your thinking and in mine. But how does the public see it, there is the rub.
 
Joe, I think the public does view it as a sport. The problem is it is widely viewed as a corrupted sport. Gambling isn't the problem per se, it's the fact that the participants are involved. If you look at every other major sport in the US, any player betting on his/her own sport faces a LIFETIME ban. On top of that is the sandbagging issue facing many leagues today. I think what every major sport has that pool lacks is a major governing body ACTIVELY POLICING it. Once the public sees an honest attempt to clean house, the fans will come.
 
greyghost said:
..........If you start with the kids, and give people proper instruction then they will understand the game more, and acutally know what and how to perform. You start with the kids and move from there, and you watch what happens. ............................................................................................................................................
THE PROBLEM WITH POOL IS WE ARE NOT INVOLVING THE KIDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.............................................................If we can get the kids interested, its all over and I really believe that. Mommy and daddy can't say no to little Johnny, and if little Johnny is playing a summer pool league (why not year round) then he is that much more likely to want to watch it whenever he can on tv, and mommy and daddy are going to be watching it too.

Does anyone agree with me on this???

Grey Ghost
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Yes....................

It's got to start with the youth. There has to be "kid freindly" rooms for children to play and learn w/out being accosted by more experienced players looking to take their money (or their toys), and an atmosphere where a parent would be comfortable bringing their child.. the most important, most loved, most cherished part of their lives...

Most pool rooms I wouldn't even bring my daughter into for the sole reason of the crap on the speakers... let alone leave her there for a couple of hours to "play" given the hustlers mentality of most "players".

A more knowledgable base will grow the sport and the audience, and thus interest sponsors in time. I feel however, that we are already in the midst of a HUGE boom in the sport right now and with a beer or cola sponsor for TV viewing anything could happen at any time to get to the next level.
Renewable use sponsors will be the only way to get there though.... you only need one cue, one table, and just a few extraneous items to play (and you really don't even NEED those), and paying for viewing... it should just be part of the cable network IMO. I won't pay to watch a grainy little picture on my computer... that may or may not freeze at any time, and/or I may need to trouble shoot to figure out how to view it. I love streams ..... but TV is the goal IMO.

td
 
tap tap tap...........its not about the gambling in itself, its the way the players hold themselves in public and yes, giving back is what will gain additional viewership, interest and fans!
 
JoeyA said:
Just yesterday, I was preaching to a very talented professional pool player about the need for community service by professional pool players.

...................................................................................................Community Service is a great place to start and I am certain that the external return on the players' investment of their time will be rewarded in kind, especially if they realize the joy that they bring to other people by sharing their time.

....................................................................................................I am willing to bet that the professional players who give selflessly to these type of efforts will receive far more than they could ever receive by doing anything else.[/B]
Sincerely,
Joey Aguzin
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Dang it Joey...... You're a "Preacher" too!!??? :wink:

Until the whole of the pool industry realizes what the rest of the world has known for a long time......... that you have to give, to receive.... things will remain essentially as they are. When it learns that giving IS the best thing to receive, we may move forward. There are a lot of people in the industry that know and work on this basis.... but very few players.... it has
to start with the players. $.02


td
 
jay helfert said:
That was at the Bicycle Casino and Danny was playing Corey Deuel in the finals. A very exciting match by the way. Good observations here by StrokeofLuck. A little personality development prior to or during the match will bring more viewers to the sport. We need to create stars!
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And....... Pool as a viewing sport is WIDE open to allow for some really great and entertaining commentary..... funny, fun, challenging, knowledgeable, interesting..... There's plenty of personalities out there to tap into!! :wink:

td
 
Big HOORAHH for Ken Quarters and his CUE SPOT!!!!!!!!!

grindz said:
Yes....................

It's got to start with the youth. There has to be "kid freindly" rooms for children to play and learn w/out being accosted by more experienced players looking to take their money (or their toys), and an atmosphere where a parent would be comfortable bringing their child.. the most important, most loved, most cherished part of their lives...

Most pool rooms I wouldn't even bring my daughter into for the sole reason of the crap on the speakers... let alone leave her there for a couple of hours to "play" given the hustlers mentality of most "players".


THis is why I give a big huge TAP TAP TAP, to MR. KEN KEN QUARTERS that is owner/operator of the Cue Spot in Tulsa Ok. He took a pool hall that had been filled by drugs/fights etc.. it was open for 40yrs until it closed and ken reopened it and turned it into a family joint. A place you would feel your children were safe if you dropped them off. He put in a big screen and has pool videos you can watch for free, and usually has a bite of something to eat like soup for free. Its definitely not a gamblers place, and as well it shouldn't be because the kids and families needed something too. No one else would do it b/c of the ability to fade the investment untill business picked up. Well Ken thankfull had the $$$ and I saw the place struggle for almost a year, and ever since then business was always good when I stop by, very glad he MADE it happen. Congrats Ken and thanks for helping to share this wonderful game so many of us love with families and their childern.

Heres to you Ken,
Grey Ghost
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Macguy didnt

Macguy didn't Nail it. Fast Lenny did. Read his post.

Macguy had 1 right point, but he is wrong to say gambling didn't hurt the sport. It did, hands down, and there is no debate. That is what hurt the sport and that is what will continue to hold it down. From a promoters stand point, I have spoke to several MAJOR corporations about sponsorship, and I have told them, THIS tour is trying to show the true professioanls. Which has been my biggest selling point. Therefore I have some major corporations who are considering sponsoring year 2 or 3, once I prove to them we have a following, and we have a viable tour.

Gambling in pool is what hurt pool. No question.
 
DrMikeUSN said:
Gambling and hustling, dumping, ect... all warpped up in one word, bein gambling.
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Forgive me for not reading the whole thread, but..

Pool has and will forever been assosicated with gambling/hustling. Just like cowboys will forever be assosicated with horses and the "wild west". Does that make it a bad thing? Not at all.

The fact is, the ONLY things that have done well in the mainstream media that invovle pool, invovled gambling. (the hustler, the color of money) Someone on here once called pool, "the last gunslingers" and that couldnt be more right on. Hustling is interesting and everyone, pool fan or not, likes to see people win and lose money. That dark, mystrious pool hustler is a very well known part american cultrue. Rather than shun it, embrase it. The ones who have, and did it right, did well.
 
yup

cleary thats one of the best posts on this thread but dont overlook what mike is trying to do. i think his event at reed hospital will be a great move for the cause !

and mike, just where is the forsyth article in question as i have not seen it yet. tyia
 
Great benefit for the Vets.

The Billiard industry has always been a provider for overseas rec centers for this country's military.

Donations from table manufactures and cue and ball suppliers have been appreciated for a very long time.

A very positive step for the pros to donate their time.

Are there any future plans for the pros to work with the amateur pool players? you know, like free clinics and charity appearances and/or matches that the money goes to local charities?
 
thanks for the link Tom. now i understand jerry's frustration more with the posts that go astray. geeez that never happens here either ! :rolleyes:


hope your well Tom.
 
DrMikeUSN said:
Macguy didn't Nail it. Fast Lenny did. Read his post.

Macguy had 1 right point, but he is wrong to say gambling didn't hurt the sport. It did, hands down, and there is no debate. That is what hurt the sport and that is what will continue to hold it down. From a promoters stand point, I have spoke to several MAJOR corporations about sponsorship, and I have told them, THIS tour is trying to show the true professioanls. Which has been my biggest selling point. Therefore I have some major corporations who are considering sponsoring year 2 or 3, once I prove to them we have a following, and we have a viable tour.

Gambling in pool is what hurt pool. No question.
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Strangely enough many important people keep their distance from pool even though they play. I personally tried to get some name connections to tournaments without any luck. This included Jackie Gleason. I wanted to do a tournament along with his golf tournament. I lived near him and we had many mutual friends. Had only one meeting. Not interested. Roger King, a billionaire who loved pool and played often. You may know him as the one who started Oprah and owned Wheel of fortune. Not interested. I tried to get several celebrities to maybe lend their names among them James Caan, Peter Falk, Dion Dimucci (Dion and the Belmonts). Even KC from KC and the Sunshine band who I have known for 35 years, none would come near pool with a ten foot pole. None would let their name be used as a sponsor, IE "The Peter Falk straight pool open", regardless the fact they all play and love the game. There is something they don't want to be associated with, Pool is not a tough sell, it is an impossible sell.
 
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