I've read/skimmed most of the 47 pages and there are a few points that need to be made. A little background in case people don't know, I'm a pro player, although on the women's side of things. But, my fiancee is a male pro player so I know a bit about how things work on that side. None of what I say are his feelings and thoughts, I hope no one associates what I say with him. Anyway...
I have always been for a 'players union'. It is a known fact that players need to band together and work in conjunction with promoters, sponsors, fans, etc. Pool is always compared to other sports/games (poker, golf, bowling, tennis, etc.). Majority of those struggled at one time and found a way to change. I think pool can do the same but, although a lot of the guys that are a part of the ABP are my friends, I don't agree.
If we are going to make things grow, there have to be outside people that run things and help keep things organized. As someone stated earlier, the way pool is run in most aspects are that of a club, not a professional organization. There has to be a plan. A plan of action, business plan/model, structure, public relations, promotion, etc.
As a pool player myself, I know how hard it can be to think of things other than pool and to not be disgusted by the fact that you struggle to get by. That being said, a lot of pool players with their heart and emotions behind their actions can be detrimental. Not to put the guys down, but dealing with one of the top guys myself, I know that sometimes just getting flights and arrangements made can be like pulling teeth and requires some help. Unfortunately, it takes money to get outside people to invest their time to help an organization. I am a firm believer that is the reason why pool doesn't change. We have to think of a way to make things more appealing, make people want to invest, and give ourselves some future.
I agree that not being paid on time does suck. I know the cost of traveling all over the United States and all over the world. The estimate that was given by one of the pros was right, $1000-$4000+ is about right when it comes to traveling within the States and overseas.
One thing that I have to point out is the payment while spending a HUGE amount of money to travel overseas, those tournaments don't always pay asap. I know a couple of events this year were paid via wire transfer and took over two months to receive payment. Both of those trips cost around $3000, maybe a little more. Last I checked our bank account, we didn't have an extra $3000 hanging out waiting to be spent. Last I also checked we had lots of bills to pay. My other half had a great finish in the event and it was over double the expense amount that we waited two months on. One event from this year overseas is still up in the air on whether the money has been paid or not since it wasn't via wire transfer, check or cash. My question is, why is it seeming to be more beneficial to travel overseas when there is even more of a chance of waiting to get paid and more expense??
Another thing is when Barry is talking about his expenses and the sponsor money, entry and vendor revenue paying the field, I believe it. My dad used to own a pool room. He was a real pool lover even though pool doesn't make money, alcohol does. He would hold a $1000 added event once a month and a $5000 added event every three months. Everyone knows pool players don't spend a ton when at a venue. We are all cutting costs the best way we can so that means not buying drinks, food, table time at the venue. I saw my dad struggle to pay that $5000 added and the prize fund. I watched him emptying the coin-op stuff, having nothing left in the register, practically begging, borrowing and stealing to pay-out. While I don't agree that waiting for payment is always right, I can see how it is so difficult to have the amount of money that is needed. Players should keep the struggle in mind when they attend added money events. ESCROW is obviously the way to go and hopefully in the future it is something that can happen.
All of the argument of people going to work and what if we couldn't get paid. I know at my job, I get paid every two weeks. If I run out of money within that two weeks, that is my problem to deal with and I better learn how to manage my money a little better. Also, my job doesn't have any added money. While I wish I could go to my boss and say "hey, do you think this pay period you could add $5000 to my check? I'll work real hard and promise to do really well." Its not gonna happen! I think comparing playing pool for a living and working are worlds apart. I have done both and they are completely different.
One other observation from these threads is people pointing out that so and so must have been steps from bankruptcy to not be able to go to tournaments. Most pool players should have declared bankruptcy a LONG time ago. A lot of players are lucky to get help from family, friends, sponsors and investors. It is unfortunate that some players have to live up to a lifestyle that isn't possible. The "rockstar" life is expensive to keep up. Some people should take in to consideration that if you are partying in the VIP section of the club with bottle service and complaining about how you have no money and bragging about being a pro...you might want to check your priorities asap. Not saying that has happened, but I can picture it.
All-in-all, I think the main thing is to put egos aside and work together on things. Pool is dying in the United States and it is really sad to see it happening. The only way that things will get better is by working together as lovers of the game. Believe it or not, there are some extremely bright people in the pool community that could help if everyone would just listen and take things with a grain of salt...put egos aside. Pool players know how to network and I think that is something that needs to happen.
Sorry for my longest rant ever. I couldn't resist.
Sarah
I have always been for a 'players union'. It is a known fact that players need to band together and work in conjunction with promoters, sponsors, fans, etc. Pool is always compared to other sports/games (poker, golf, bowling, tennis, etc.). Majority of those struggled at one time and found a way to change. I think pool can do the same but, although a lot of the guys that are a part of the ABP are my friends, I don't agree.
If we are going to make things grow, there have to be outside people that run things and help keep things organized. As someone stated earlier, the way pool is run in most aspects are that of a club, not a professional organization. There has to be a plan. A plan of action, business plan/model, structure, public relations, promotion, etc.
As a pool player myself, I know how hard it can be to think of things other than pool and to not be disgusted by the fact that you struggle to get by. That being said, a lot of pool players with their heart and emotions behind their actions can be detrimental. Not to put the guys down, but dealing with one of the top guys myself, I know that sometimes just getting flights and arrangements made can be like pulling teeth and requires some help. Unfortunately, it takes money to get outside people to invest their time to help an organization. I am a firm believer that is the reason why pool doesn't change. We have to think of a way to make things more appealing, make people want to invest, and give ourselves some future.
I agree that not being paid on time does suck. I know the cost of traveling all over the United States and all over the world. The estimate that was given by one of the pros was right, $1000-$4000+ is about right when it comes to traveling within the States and overseas.
One thing that I have to point out is the payment while spending a HUGE amount of money to travel overseas, those tournaments don't always pay asap. I know a couple of events this year were paid via wire transfer and took over two months to receive payment. Both of those trips cost around $3000, maybe a little more. Last I checked our bank account, we didn't have an extra $3000 hanging out waiting to be spent. Last I also checked we had lots of bills to pay. My other half had a great finish in the event and it was over double the expense amount that we waited two months on. One event from this year overseas is still up in the air on whether the money has been paid or not since it wasn't via wire transfer, check or cash. My question is, why is it seeming to be more beneficial to travel overseas when there is even more of a chance of waiting to get paid and more expense??
Another thing is when Barry is talking about his expenses and the sponsor money, entry and vendor revenue paying the field, I believe it. My dad used to own a pool room. He was a real pool lover even though pool doesn't make money, alcohol does. He would hold a $1000 added event once a month and a $5000 added event every three months. Everyone knows pool players don't spend a ton when at a venue. We are all cutting costs the best way we can so that means not buying drinks, food, table time at the venue. I saw my dad struggle to pay that $5000 added and the prize fund. I watched him emptying the coin-op stuff, having nothing left in the register, practically begging, borrowing and stealing to pay-out. While I don't agree that waiting for payment is always right, I can see how it is so difficult to have the amount of money that is needed. Players should keep the struggle in mind when they attend added money events. ESCROW is obviously the way to go and hopefully in the future it is something that can happen.
All of the argument of people going to work and what if we couldn't get paid. I know at my job, I get paid every two weeks. If I run out of money within that two weeks, that is my problem to deal with and I better learn how to manage my money a little better. Also, my job doesn't have any added money. While I wish I could go to my boss and say "hey, do you think this pay period you could add $5000 to my check? I'll work real hard and promise to do really well." Its not gonna happen! I think comparing playing pool for a living and working are worlds apart. I have done both and they are completely different.
One other observation from these threads is people pointing out that so and so must have been steps from bankruptcy to not be able to go to tournaments. Most pool players should have declared bankruptcy a LONG time ago. A lot of players are lucky to get help from family, friends, sponsors and investors. It is unfortunate that some players have to live up to a lifestyle that isn't possible. The "rockstar" life is expensive to keep up. Some people should take in to consideration that if you are partying in the VIP section of the club with bottle service and complaining about how you have no money and bragging about being a pro...you might want to check your priorities asap. Not saying that has happened, but I can picture it.
All-in-all, I think the main thing is to put egos aside and work together on things. Pool is dying in the United States and it is really sad to see it happening. The only way that things will get better is by working together as lovers of the game. Believe it or not, there are some extremely bright people in the pool community that could help if everyone would just listen and take things with a grain of salt...put egos aside. Pool players know how to network and I think that is something that needs to happen.
Sorry for my longest rant ever. I couldn't resist.
Sarah
uttahere:
