Pool Careers

[justnum]

The careers in pool are limited to pro player, instructor, coach and promoter.

As a career choice it is tough for the people that made that sacrifice. Because if the players are the ones that do all the prepping making sure they got the talent to play, then everyone else just rents space or benches for people to watch. Sure they nickel and dime the fees so players can get paid, but it is slim pickings.

It is the ultra cream of the ultra cream of the top that can survive in the billiards profession as a player. But they make it work.

As for the other industry people they have to spend their money and try to remain profitable. I don't know how many new products are launched or how many new services are created yearly but it seem like there is a market for it.

What does a career in pool mean? I am not saying what it should be, I am asking what is it.

Promoters sell tickets, players sell talent and room owners sell table time and drinks. Yes it is an oversimplification but times are getting worse and it is unknown what people think of it. No sense in hoping for a big break if all the breaks passed.

 

[Black-Balled]

What about products?

Manufacturing, R&D, Marketing...

 

[justnum]

What about products?

Manufacturing, R&D, Marketing...

Suppliers good point, and cue makers and cue accessories like pool cases and tables.

Those producers are involved but are they involved in the development of the sport? They rent out tables and stuff and lend prize money, so they help keep it going. But there isn't a ladder there.

Pool players have a ladder to climb, everyone else just kind of sits at the top of it.

 

[LeagueGuy]

Justnum,

I would suggest others that might be doing well are pool hall owner, League Directors or Operators, Cue makers and maybe some others. Many seem to do pretty well making a living off the game. Then there are the admin people that work at the CSI and APA offices.

You seem to have an isssue with promoters and you want to use that to drag everyone else in the pool world down.

Here's a thought. Instead of consistantly telling everyone that pool is broken, why not suggest real ways that it can be fixed. Start by talking about what specific things and specific behavious need to occur in order to make a positive change.

The constant babbling about promoters not paying is getting old. Until you can offer a reasonable alternative, you are doing nothing but rambling and have zero credibility.

Just my thoughts.

Leagueguy

 

[Scott Lee]

LeagueGuy...Add to that, Justnum didn't even mention what is a very viable and lucrative "pool career"...that of the pool entertainer. I've been doing exhibitions since 1995, and have done very well with it. I've said before that there could be 100 guys/girls like me, all out there making a living. It just takes the right amount of smarts, manners, skill and humility to make it work! There is PLENTY of work available...and it's a great way to positively promote pool to the masses.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

Justnum,

I would suggest others that might be doing well are pool hall owner, League Directors or Operators, Cue makers and maybe some others. Many seem to do pretty well making a living off the game. Then there are the admin people that work at the CSI and APA offices.

You seem to have an isssue with promoters and you want to use that to drag everyone else in the pool world down.

Here's a thought. Instead of consistantly telling everyone that pool is broken, why not suggest real ways that it can be fixed. Start by talking about what specific things and specific behavious need to occur in order to make a positive change.

The constant babbling about promoters not paying is getting old. Until you can offer a reasonable alternative, you are doing nothing but rambling and have zero credibility.

Just my thoughts.

Leagueguy

 

[inside_english]

The careers in pool are limited to pro player, instructor, coach and promoter.

As a career choice it is tough for the people that made that sacrifice. Because if the players are the ones that do all the prepping making sure they got the talent to play, then everyone else just rents space or benches for people to watch. Sure they nickel and dime the fees so players can get paid, but it is slim pickings.

It is the ultra cream of the ultra cream of the top that can survive in the billiards profession as a player. But they make it work.

As for the other industry people they have to spend their money and try to remain profitable. I don't know how many new products are launched or how many new services are created yearly but it seem like there is a market for it.

What does a career in pool mean? I am not saying what it should be, I am asking what is it.

Promoters sell tickets, players sell talent and room owners sell table time and drinks. Yes it is an oversimplification but times are getting worse and it is unknown what people think of it. No sense in hoping for a big break if all the breaks passed.

I have dipped my big toe in the pool of tournament directing for the last 6 months. I did not do it for the money (because there is none) but for the love of the game and so that players in my area would have a place to compete at moderate-to-high levels.

A few have suggested that perhaps I should consider doing this professionally.

While I am appreciative of their compliments, I am quite discouraged for a host of reasons...not the least of which is, "How in the world does one make any real money promoting pool tournaments?"

Unless you're huge (Allen Hopkins, Mike Zuglan, Barry Behrman) the odds are not in your favor.

I hate to be a naysayer and to sound as though I have given up without even trying...but I already have a steady job with decent health insurance...and have been with my current company for 14 years.

To give that up in search of a sketchy career with dubious returns seems insane to me. Not to mention having to deal with pool players on a regular basis...no easy feat!

So I am thinking about maybe running a few here and there, but the money won't be the reason.

Room owners can barely afford to add money...how can they afford to pay someone who wants to make money doing this?

Anyway, just my 2c.

 

[justnum]

I have dipped my big toe in the pool of tournament directing for the last 6 months. I did not do it for the money (because there is none) but for the love of the game and so that players in my area would have a place to compete at moderate-to-high levels.

A few have suggested that perhaps I should consider doing this professionally.

While I am appreciative of their compliments, I am quite discouraged for a host of reasons...not the least of which is, "How in the world does one make any real money promoting pool tournaments?"

Unless you're huge (Allen Hopkins, Mike Zuglan, Barry Behrman) the odds are not in your favor.

I hate to be a naysayer and to sound as though I have given up without even trying...but I already have a steady job with decent health insurance...and have been with my current company for 14 years.

To give that up in search of a sketchy career with dubious returns seems insane to me. Not to mention having to deal with pool players on a regular basis...no easy feat!

So I am thinking about maybe running a few here and there, but the money won't be the reason.

Room owners can barely afford to add money...how can they afford to pay someone who wants to make money doing this?

Anyway, just my 2c.

I play in a straight pool league and wanted to suggest to the operator that maybe we can have a high run promotion so that the players can be part of an organization during league day.

Or an idea about who can win with the biggest score difference. Because league day feels like a tournament but the guy doesn't put in the gimmicks and cheap "do-dads." It is just play the match and go home so the bar can make money with drinking customers.

If the guy ran the league like the way you talk I'd have no problem talking with him about it. But some people just like the way things are and don't like suggestions. Others like knowing they own a strong share of the market in the tournament business.

I just like playing in the league but I think there can be more prizes it doesn't have to be cash, for the high run they could just giveout a free drink or something, or a free song request via the jukebox.

League day to me is like a tournament and when I goto pro tournaments the atmosphere is all about "staying positive." There is no feedback or communication between people that pay and people that profit. Without any feedback the mystery is how long before they go belly up.

As a customer at a tourney or league I just want to enjoy my time, but when people have a hard time balancing their responsibilities it can be discouraging. I understand people have limited resources but don't be a jerk about it. Like at the tourney if a super pro loses then its just go home loser, there isn't anything left for them at the event.

 

[justnum]

LeagueGuy...Add to that, Justnum didn't even mention what is a very viable and lucrative "pool career"...that of the pool entertainer. I've been doing exhibitions since 1995, and have done very well with it. I've said before that there could be 100 guys/girls like me, all out there making a living. It just takes the right amount of smarts, manners, skill and humility to make it work! There is PLENTY of work available...and it's a great way to positively promote pool to the masses.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

Stories like that can inspire people to think what people can do when they take their career in their own hands with the talents they have. It is a better story then I went to the unemployment office and people found me a job. Or I paid for job training and the people never found me work.

 

[Buckzapper]

The careers in pool are limited to pro player, instructor, coach and promoter.

As a career choice it is tough for the people that made that sacrifice. Because if the players are the ones that do all the prepping making sure they got the talent to play, then everyone else just rents space or benches for people to watch. Sure they nickel and dime the fees so players can get paid, but it is slim pickings.

It is the ultra cream of the ultra cream of the top that can survive in the billiards profession as a player. But they make it work.

As for the other industry people they have to spend their money and try to remain profitable. I don't know how many new products are launched or how many new services are created yearly but it seem like there is a market for it.

What does a career in pool mean? I am not saying what it should be, I am asking what is it.

Promoters sell tickets, players sell talent and room owners sell table time and drinks. Yes it is an oversimplification but times are getting worse and it is unknown what people think of it. No sense in hoping for a big break if all the breaks passed.

A career in pool? How about as a player? It would be nice to have Earl's talent, coupled with the ability to know what to say and what not to say and when to completey shut up.

 

[justnum]

A career in pool? How about as a player? It would be nice to have Earl's talent, coupled with the ability to know what to say and what not to say and when to completey shut up.

Well the only things worth having in the old billiards world is the ability to win. Everything else is just shut up and put up with the way things have been and are going to be from now on.

For some players that wasn't what they pursued others did promotions, some started leagues others did instructing so there seem to be lots of room to try new things in the billiards industry.

But people just want more of the same, I don't know why does it work? Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't. The next idea is to stick with what continues to work and rarely breaks down. And if your adventurous try something new and untested.

I like writing and I like billiards, I don't mind writing about billiards, it is not stressful to me.

 

[randyg]

A career in pool? How about as a player? It would be nice to have Earl's talent, coupled with the ability to know what to say and what not to say and when to completey shut up.

Not a lot of money out there for a top level player. Tough career.
randyg

 

[bfdlad]

There is ok money out there for people in the pool biz. Especially Mueller, OZone etc and some cue makers/companies. The others do ok to fair, but it takes a hell of a lot of work, enthusiasm, risk, creativeness and love of the game. Without these elements a pool career does not work at all and even with them its up and down.

Ask anyone of those type of people who come on this forum about the ups and downs. I'm willing to bet money that Scott Lee, Rangy G, Justin from TAR, Nathan at Runout Media and many others have ALL put their heart and soul int o a idea. Spent the money, took the time and traveled to the location to find its a bust for one reason or another. The reasons don't really matter to be honest but now you have to pick yourself and your ego off the ground and start again and realize that all the work etc has brought you in very little cash if any. By the way I include myself in with those names.

So at this point in time even for pool room owners who a lot of people seem to think are all doing great a career in pool is something that you have to go into knowing that you are gonna work hard, little money or should I say up and down money cos really I do pretty good just not consistant and you have to want to see the game do well.

Having said all that I have some great memories and I have met mostly great people from all over the country and the world. I have probably had more life experiences being involved with pool than most who chose a different path.

I guess I am going on a bit here so I will leave it there and hope that anyone reading this can see the highs and lows.

Support anyone in the pool world you can if you can.

Mark,

 

[JAM]

Very few people can make a living doing what they love, and this is especially true for pool players.

As others on the thread have stated, there are some who were able to eke out a living in pool. Allen Hopkins comes to mind. He realized a long time ago that being a tournament soldier wasn't going to pay the bills or give him the lifestyle that he wanted, so he came up with putting on exhibitions. He's been quite innovative over the years. I remember the Gabriel's championship in Vegas that Allen put on with others, as well as the Skins Billiards Championship. Today, of course, he's most known for his successful Super Billiards Expo.

Jeanette Lee managed to capitalize on her talent *and* good looks. With the help of an agent and hard work, she's probably the most recognized pool player in the United States. She, like Allen, found a way to follow her passion and make a living, a good living at that.

I have always believed that if you want something bad enough, you can get it, no matter what your chosen field is. There's something quite magical about the power of positive thinking. Success usually doesn't drop out of the sky. There's a lot of hard work involved if you want to get rich.

That said, money doesn't always buy happiness. Having a loving family and friends may be more important to some than having a fat bank account.

 

[justnum]

Very few people can make a living doing what they love, and this is especially true for pool players.

As others on the thread have stated, there are some who were able to eke out a living in pool. Allen Hopkins comes to mind. He realized a long time ago that being a tournament soldier wasn't going to pay the bills or give him the lifestyle that he wanted, so he came up with putting on exhibitions. He's been quite innovative over the years. I remember the Gabriel's championship in Vegas that Allen put on with others, as well as the Skins Billiards Championship. Today, of course, he's most known for his successful Super Billiards Expo.

Jeanette Lee managed to capitalize on her talent *and* good looks. With the help of an agent and hard work, she's probably the most recognized pool player in the United States. She, like Allen, found a way to follow her passion and make a living, a good living at that.

I have always believed that if you want something bad enough, you can get it, no matter what your chosen field is. There's something quite magical about the power of positive thinking. Success usually doesn't drop out of the sky. There's a lot of hard work involved if you want to get rich.

That said, money doesn't always buy happiness. Having a loving family and friends may be more important to some than having a fat bank account.

That makes a lot of sense, starting and going into business as a competitor is a whole new twist. Instead of just following rank and file what everyone else has been doing, inventing new angles and developing different aspects helps to keep the industry current and the crowd entertained.

It is realistic to expect some cycles in cash flow but if there is an acceptable loss limit then it won't be a "OMG I am out of business if I don't make the numbers this month."

Sure there are some pool prodigies out there but the industry is more than just playing pool.

GREAT POST!

BTW the I can create slo motion footage of pool, If you have old pool footage and need it restored I can do that. The technique is called digital remastering.

 

[justnum]

There is ok money out there for people in the pool biz. Especially Mueller, OZone etc and some cue makers/companies. The others do ok to fair, but it takes a hell of a lot of work, enthusiasm, risk, creativeness and love of the game. Without these elements a pool career does not work at all and even with them its up and down.

Ask anyone of those type of people who come on this forum about the ups and downs. I'm willing to bet money that Scott Lee, Rangy G, Justin from TAR, Nathan at Runout Media and many others have ALL put their heart and soul int o a idea. Spent the money, took the time and traveled to the location to find its a bust for one reason or another. The reasons don't really matter to be honest but now you have to pick yourself and your ego off the ground and start again and realize that all the work etc has brought you in very little cash if any. By the way I include myself in with those names.

So at this point in time even for pool room owners who a lot of people seem to think are all doing great a career in pool is something that you have to go into knowing that you are gonna work hard, little money or should I say up and down money cos really I do pretty good just not consistant and you have to want to see the game do well.

Having said all that I have some great memories and I have met mostly great people from all over the country and the world. I have probably had more life experiences being involved with pool than most who chose a different path.

I guess I am going on a bit here so I will leave it there and hope that anyone reading this can see the highs and lows.

Support anyone in the pool world you can if you can.

Mark,

I completely agree with you that when people go into business for themselves they give it everything they got.

And there are so many different ways to become involved with the billiards industry especially with technology as cheap as it is. Developing the techniques to apply it is all that is needed. As for producing pool events or media that is exciting, but I am considering a different direction. I am more tech oriented. I'll bring out some ideas when I have finished products.

 

[justnum]

A Review

Careers in pool:

Pool player-> Tournament winner, exhibition player, advertiser, league owner, room operator

Room owner ->

Tournament Organizer -> referees

Magazine Publisher -> Writer, Photographer, advertising sales, subscription sales

Pool content producer -> Cameraman, grip, lighting and commentary.

Cuemaker

Cuemaker of accessories

Table Maker -> Table installer, table seller, table distributor

Internet Forum Owner-> Web hosting, system maintenance, system administration

I could see myself in a writer/computer service provider.

Services billiards hobbyists might be interested in:
Digitally enhancing their old billiard videos.
Digitally enhancing their old billiard photos.
Digitally storing old billiard magazines.
Customizing their billiard videos or photos for an anniversary party.
Creating a video for a billiard celebration.
Creating 3D logos for a website.
Creating 3D billiards videos.
Creating 3D movies of great matches so people can replay the match from different angles.
Creating video content for portable devices.
Creating billiard games or pool management games.
Creating tournament templates for people to printout.
Creating league software to automate match making.
Remastering homemade video footage for stroke analysis.
Creating software to design skins for cue sticks.
Creating software to design stickers for cue cases, so players can customize for their team league night.
Writing the history of billiards.
Producing a video chronicling the history of pool and trends over the years.
Writing about the latest trends in tournament formats.
Writing biographical information about players.
Researching about regional trends developed in different areas and writing about them.
Writing about what kind of people play pool.
Writing about what people are interested in when they play pool. (This could be a big article)
Writing about what pool players are interested in seeing in the future of their sport. (They are really pushing for standard formats.)
Writing about what tournament organizers hope to see in the future of their sport. (They just want positive support and not a lot of constructive criticism)


Technology has barely reached the billiards community. Most of the ideas are from other industry applications.