How do we all help improve the image of pocket billiards?

[CJ Wiley]

Mark Cuban / Dallas Maverick

Hey CJ, I just had a thought, I'm sure you've been through this before but just in case. Pretty much I think we're all in agreement that pool needs to grow and needs a, or several financial resource(s). Someone that might be able to get behind it and and be vocal and enthusiastic. Someone successful that might lend some credibility and possibly draw other suitors. You're there in Dallas, has you or anyone else ever thought to contact Mark Cuban regarding any of this? I don't know him. Just by what I've read but I gather that he's a younger man and likes to have fun, maybe this something he'd be interested in

I've met Mark a couple of times, he used to come to Carsons Palace on occasion ...I've met his brother about doing something on HDNET, and that was a few years ago, and yes, he's someone that like to do "outside the box" things....but I have others here in Dallas that are better suited, but at some point we may talk to him about specifically the TV part of this project.

 

[CJ Wiley]

I personally think the answer is very simple, everything is based upon the action of the players. I am not only talking about the Pro-players, I am also talking about the short stops. If these people made themselves more available and set the example to follow a very large number of the lower level players would follow that example.

A good place to start would be the organized Pool leagues since they current make up the largest group of pool players in the country. While they are certainly centered around drinking and bars it doesn't mean that bad behavior should be tolerated. In addition the Pro-players should do a great deal more than they currently do to support these leagues. These are the people who buy most of the products that the Pro's promote, and in many cases these are also the people who pay their money to go to tournaments to watch the pro-players play.

I think for to many people are not willing to do their part to improve this sport unless their is a pay check involved. But when it comes to pay checks there are two kinds immediate cash in hand or the kind of cash that comes with an investment over time.

We should appreciate if you could and would:thumbup: thanks

 

[CJ Wiley]

Pro Players Raise over $7500 for St Jude's Children's Hospital

For starters: Pocket Billiards needs to get the hell away from bar-pool if it wants to go anywhere. Just give it up. Stop trying to ride on back of the success of miniature pool. It's not working. Bar pool has its own venue (corner bar), its own game, and its own demographic. Bar-pool will never have a highly regarded image or gain the respect that you folks are talking about.

We're doing better, we really do want to succeed, we just need your help.

 

[Paul Schofield]

I recognize your sincerity and enthusiasm. I will add this: Your time and effort are limited commodities. Be careful how you spend them. They could be better spent and more fruitful if applied (toward pool) in another way. Life is short.

 

[Snapshot9]

Too many egos and too political. That is major problem. We have CSI, USAPL, BCA, Dragon Promotions, WPA, and numerous other independents that push and pull from one another making it impossible for unity.

This is just a quick response and the way I've seen it, along with pros and the likes in the industry.

To enlighten you a little, what I advocated to be done would have to be passed through Congress in Washington, D.C.. This would elevate the National Association of Cuesports to be over all cuesports in the USA, including those organizations. In other words, they would have to follow
regulations and guidelines set forth by the National Association. This is what I meant about a 'top down' solution.

 

[chefjeff]

To enlighten you a little, what I advocated to be done would have to be passed through Congress in Washington, D.C.. This would elevate the National Association of Cuesports to be over all cuesports in the USA, including those organizations. In other words, they would have to follow
regulations and guidelines set forth by the National Association. This is what I meant about a 'top down' solution.

Count me out of that 'we.' I'd rather play alone in my basement.

Jeff Livingston

 

[Banks]

For starters: Pocket Billiards needs to get the hell away from bar-pool if it wants to go anywhere. Just give it up. Stop trying to ride on the back of the success of miniature pool. It's not working. Bar pool has its own venue (corner bar), its own game, and its own demographic. Bar-pool will never have a highly regarded image or gain the respect that you folks are talking about.

Keep your pool snobbery out of my bar pool.

 

[ComptonCustomCues]

For SOMEONE to stop talking about it and DO IT!
I think we have plenty of the solutions in this very thread....now we ALL have to go out and do our part. Promote, talk and share, convince the pros to lend a hand.....and Mr. Wiley...I think your the man for the job. Your the one that can reach people in the tv networks. You are very good in front of the camera and can communicate with people in a positive way:thumbup:

 

[Goldy]

To unify and improve the image of billiards, this is what I've been developing for the past year.

I've been developing a private interactive billiard streaming network. I have also engineered permanent and portable streaming kits for billiard establishments and tournament venues to drive the cost of live streaming down and make it more affordable for those who have not live streamed before.

I'm hoping in the next couple of years OSPN technology will be scattered throughout the world in pool rooms and tournament venues where billiard enthusiasts can come to the website and peer into pool rooms that are streaming their local talent.

As the network grows it will open the possibility to generate revenue for billiard establishments, tournament productions, and the players through a royalty program. We could see very large money added tournaments again. OSPN is geared to protect recorded billiard content, as currently content is sold out to mass streaming sites for exposure and bragging rights rendering the content worthless. The billiard industry looses out on millions of dollars of advertising revenue because of this.

Despite many who've shot the idea point blank in the head, It has generated a large inquiry from the live billiard streaming community around the world.

I'm looking for support from the AZBilliard community to back the idea and make it successful.

Happy Posting!

 

[Wags]

I don't want to sound braggadocious but I love this game.

I started a BCA pool league after meeting with many bar owners. We started with 34 teams.

I got the results published in the local paper. The paper got the results of play even before the players did. Results included Standings, weekly results and outstanding individual play. Don't think that the players didn't want to see their name in the paper. (BTW, it wasn't that hard, the paper got 34 potential advertisers and the possiblity of selling 200+ more papers on a slow Tuesday, the bars got free recognition every week.)

I incorporated billiards into the youth programs sponsored by the city and gave free lessons to the city youth along with playing.

I started an in-house league for the local Senior center.

I have given numerous four hours lesson seminars.

I have helped in the creation of youth leagues.

I give help anyone that has a question of the game.

All of the above were done for free. No money went into my pocket.

I helped in putting on Casino pool tournaments in ND, SD and MN.

I give individual lessons.

I still want to be part of a program that would entail traveling around and talking to school boards about having an after school billiards program. I've always hoped that the BEF would take that under their wing.

Just think, all of us pool players, players with children, players without children, are paying taxes for the schools. If somehow they could unite in their city and put it before the school board with the help of a professional. Finally a program that would appeal to not just the "lost" kids, but, all kids. A program that wouldn't be judged on height or weight or sex. Sounds perfect to me.

If I've made a difference in one childs life through my endeavors, that is enough for me. It was hard writing this because I don't talk much about these things. But, if it gives some ideas to others it's a good thing.

Jay

I've tested the water the last year and heard all the negative "we can't do it because of blah, blah, blah" and I appreciate everyone's honest input.....Now I want to talk to You that believe IT CAN BE DONE and are more "solution oriented"....what deligence can we individually do to achieve our common goal: IMPROVING THE IMAGE AND POPULARITY OF POCKET BILLIARDS.....I believe it would benefit All of us in the Industry to join together for this common goal...Please be "solution oriented" What have you done or what would you be willing to do to help promote pool? I'm really not looking for ideas about what others could do....I want to know what YOU CAN DO or HAVE DONE in the past.

I am including a YouTube video of one of the positive public relations promotions done in the past Now that I'm back involved with Professional Pool full time I want to do More for the Game than before...much more..."THE GAME IS THE TEACHER" thanks in advance C J Wiley

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj5ZV3sSc6g&feature=plcp

 

[CJ Wiley]

Research and Development

I recognize your sincerity and enthusiasm. I will add this: Your time and effort are limited commodities. Be careful how you spend them. They could be better spent and more fruitful if applied (toward pool) in another way. Life is short.

I understand your point and we agree... I have to do my R&D ...and I'm doing two DVD's right now, so there's a need for "entertainment".CLICK PICTURE ...Aloha

 

[Uski]

hello cj check out my website. i think u will really enjoy it

 

[sjm]

Great thread.

As several have already noted, I think the kids are the key to pool's future. As one poster noted, if pool were somehow integrated into what kids do at school, it would really help. Still, I feel that another thing that keeps the kids away is that the pool halls of America are not kid-friendly enough. Each of us should strive to do our part in making the pool halls of America more civil and kid-friendly. At the pool hall, players need to be tastefully attired and well behaved, Pool room proprietors need to stricly enforce a behavioral code and must not allow predatory types to feast on new customers.

Far too many parents see the poolrooms as too dangerous a place for their kids, and we've got to change that. Each of us has a responsibilty in bringing us closer to this goal.

 

[poolmouse]

Far too many parents see the poolrooms as too dangerous a place for their kids, and we've got to change that.

Tap, tap, tap...

 

[CJ Wiley]

Getting the Kids interested in something "not virtual"

Great thread.

As several have already noted, I think the kids are the key to pool's future. As one poster noted, if pool were somehow integrated into what kids do at school, it would really help. Still, I feel that another thing that keeps the kids away is that the pool halls of America are not kid-friendly enough. Each of us should strive to do our part in making the pool halls of America more civil and kid-friendly. At the pool hall, players need to be tastefully attired and well behaved, Pool room proprietors need to stricly enforce a behavioral code and must not allow predatory types to feast on new customers.

Far too many parents see the poolrooms as too dangerous a place for their kids, and we've got to change that. Each of us has a responsibilty in bringing us closer to this goal.

I remember when we were kids we wanted to do what we weren't allowed to do....Maybe we should make pool an "Adults Only Game" and the kids will be climbing walls to get in to play the game.

Maybe the older demographic is overlooked. I know many in their 60's, 70's, and even 80's that would love to have a better reason to play pool...it's a great game for your Mind, Body and Spirit and can be played by everyone including all ethnicities, gender's and ages.. truly a sport/game for EVERYONE to enjoy... the Master Game -'The Game is the Teacher'

 

[sjm]

I remember when we were kids we wanted to do what we weren't allowed to do....Maybe we should make pool an "Adults Only Game" and the kids will be climbing walls to get in to play the game.

Maybe the older demographic is overlooked. I know many in their 60's, 70's, and even 80's that would love to have a better reason to play pool...it's a great game for your Mind, Body and Spirit and can be played by everyone including all ethnicities, gender's and ages.. truly a sport/game for EVERYONE to enjoy... the Master Game -'The Game is the Teacher'

Your point is well-taken, but to focus on the older demographics makes pool less appealing to would-be investors because it denies them access to the most important consumer groups.

 

[CJ Wiley]

Everything's crystal clear indeed

Your point is well-taken, but to focus on the older demographics makes pool less appealing to would-be investors because it denies them access to the most important consumer groups.

That makes sense I was wondering why "would be" investors were waiting around....it's to target the kids....now it's crystal clear indeed

 

[CJ Wiley]

Leagues are good for a social experience

One thing that would help would be for the USPPA, BCA, APA, ACS, TAP, etc. to all go bye, bye, and Pool like oter REAL Sports was under ONE Governing Body like the Basketball has the NBA, Baseball has MLB, Auto Racing has NASCAR, Drag Racing has NHRA, etc.

With one set of rules, dress code, etc. Having 7 or 8 different organization is great for the 7 or 8 KING FISH each with their little empire, or pond. But sure has not been good for the Amateur or Pro Players.

Had the like of Kevin Tradau been governed by one Pool governing body, maybe he would have never left players unpaid, like is an almost monthly event on tis forum, like the RENO Fiasco.

JMHO nothing more.

I don't see anything wrong with amateur leagues and handicap systems. I played on a BCA league here in Dallas last winter and it was fun.....playing 1 game of eight ball with 5 players wasn't exactly what I'm used to, however I used it to socialize with players I hadn't seen in awhile.

 

[manwon]

We should appreciate if you could and would:thumbup: thanks

Well thanks and I certainly have!!!!!!

Thanks Craig

 

[CJ Wiley]

Elaborating what we've done in the past for pocket billiards and what will do

Well thanks and I certainly have!!!!!!

Thanks Craig

The purpose of this Thread is to elaborate ...your opinion is appreciated