Bonus Ball

[JAM]

Boxing was fun back in the day then MMA came along(its as legit as WWF/WWE HulK Hogan stuff) not to say boxing is always on the square either, but it was more fun I thought anyway,

I had a job dealing with M1 Challenge, M1 Global, and the Affliction-sponsored one. It was MMA with a team concept, like BB.

I was introduced for the first time to this Russian named Fedor. I think the Russian team was Red Devils. I was hooked on MMA with all its armbars, rear rodeo mounts :grin-square:, clinching, et cetera. This concept, FWIW, is similar to BB, except M1 went around the world, whereas BB is strictly in the U.S.

Since pool in the U.S. is at an all-time low, this could be BB's biggest blunder, first time out of the gate, restricting itself to the States.

I wanted to name my new puppy "Fedor," but my family wouldn't let me. :embarrassed2:

 

[D_Lewis]

Dan Lewis, write me a cheque and you can own 20% of the only company that matters, the World Wide Sport of Billiards. $100k and a $24k a year until Im paid off $525k. It could be a great investment if Larry Chiborak is removed and Nathan and John take over. I'll be checking my emails every hour! barry@playbonusball.com

Check your mail, I sent a cheque.

Did you spend 525k? I say there is zero chance you did.

 

[Mr. Bond]

In January and February I was Larry's best buddy! Patting him on the back, comforting him, telling him to man up to the billiard world and confess that he was broke because I, as executive vice-president, saw the mess, the unpaid bills and knew his unrealistic dream of a professional billiard league was finished. I honestly felt sorry for this man. He was devastated! The fancy grin, the polished shoes and the flashy sports car were now gone. How could you not feel his pain!?

I was buying dinner for a couple of fantastic pro players that were starving to death waiting for his dream to come true and when they asked me if Chiborak had the million dollar prize money, I had to be honest. The next day I got a phone call from a furious Larry Chiborak for being honest with these players. He screamed that he would lose everything if he did not pull this boon doogle off. He never mentioned the word fired, let go or laid off.

This is now mid-March and I meet with John Gigoloti, a 10% shareholder in our corporation. My first question was, were is Larry hiding? Second question, do you have the money to even consider saving this train wreck. I have to save it was his answer. I brought all my friends into this! WOW! Excuse me, I'm vice-president and a major shareholder and I don't know this? WTF He then explains to me that Larry wrongfully opened up a corporation in the USA behind my back and that he was going to disolve it and open a new corpoation in Canada and make things right with me. I would be given a nice salaried job as amateur Bonus Ball promoter. WAIT A MINUTE! Do I get any shares...well no, Larry and I sold your shares to my buddies and if we give you your shares, we lose control of the company.

I actually pondered this thought. Hmmm this is jail term shit what Im hearing. I then said, listen, I will agree to a fair buy-out of my shares so you can start this fourth corporation to you for 20k and a $1 a year. The value of my shares, based on what you sold them to your buddies is $525,000. When the company gets profitable, you can pay me the rest.

Here is the kicker, you must be in charge of all finances John and you must kick larry into a corporate box and never let him think again. Let him be a PR guy or sell popcorn or sweep the floors, but I want him out! he has proven in four years to not be able to do one thing right.

Here I am today, still doing my job and teaching amateurs how to play the game. It's my job as executive vice-president to continue marketing this company until such time as the president, Larry Chiborak, gives me written notice that I am fired. At that point, a settlement will have to be reached on the back wages owed and a years severance package will be in order, there is no doubt about that.

I completely refuse to have any part of the WPBL anymore unless they show me the financials of any company, A, B or C, that proves that they actually have the funds to finish at least one season. I stand by that because it's not for the money I started this project. It's because I saw a beautiful man by the name of Johnny Archer and many of his friends wanting a future so he could stop spending weeks away from his lovely family and grow a sport for pool for the next generation.

Watching Larry Chiborak piss everything down the river made me decide, enough is enough. I'm not going to be part of this WPBL train wreck. I am a man that tells it like is and if larry Chiborak wants to fire me from this corporation for being honest with the players, so be it. I still own the game of Bonus Ball through another company that is protected from this mess, Flying Elephant inc. and I will continue promoting my game to amateurs all over the world.

For the last two months I have been to Reno, Canada, Las Vegas and Montana...mingling with people and showing them this strategic game. I also am telling the world, I have nothing to do with the WPBL except for holding onto my shares waiting to collect my mother load, as Nathan calls it. Dan Lewis, write me a cheque and you can own 20% of the only company that matters, the World Wide Sport of Billiards. $100k and a $24k a year until Im paid off $525k. It could be a great investment if Larry Chiborak is removed and Nathan and John take over. I'll be checking my emails every hour! barry@playbonusball.com

jeezuz man....and this is exactly why BB has received a lackluster welcome.

here's a free lesson in PR and marketing 101:
(so dont say i never helped lol)

it's somewhat 'normal' for just about every start-up business to run into snags, delays, unaccounted for mistakes, unplanned expenses etc etc.
BUT THE PUBLIC DOESNT NEED - OR WANT - TO HEAR ABOUT THAT STUFF.
why? because you are shaking the public's confidence in your product, and your ability to deliver it, before you have even begun.

all that crap with the contractors, the (failure of) communication, the re-selling of shares, all the delays....we didnt need to see any of that, because thats all part of the "behind the scenes" action that the public doesnt need to know. but now its gotten to the point of airing dirty laundry. quite embarrassing if you ask me.

hell, i wasnt even gonna say anything about it, but at this point, i suppose stating the obvious really couldnt do much more harm.

now dont get me wrong, i dont wish for anyone to fail. as a matter of fact, i'm a big fan of 'thinking outside the box' and following ones dreams, but you guys, dam, yall gots ta get yo' shit together - or get yo' money back - because there aint nothing good about what youre doing to yourselves here.

This is easily the best thread of 2013 so far.

I know right?
wtf

 

[Fatboy]

This is one times the internet is doing more harm than good.

 

[SpiderWebComm]

There are only a couple players out in Vegas for the past months for Bonus Ball and I believe they are or will be taken care of. All players were given $3000 for coming out right before Christmas. You are putting out misinformation and bad information like this and the posting of many on here makes me feel like to get drunk so I can dumb myself down to just listen to this crap. Where did you get that they cannot play any tournaments? For the past few months that is all they have been doing like always and when Bonus Ball starts they still can make the choice to do that but not get paid for that day their team plays.

Lenny, I'll share with you another perspective.

I'm friends with one of the BB players and ran into him at the expo. I don't want to name him only for the fact I'm posting this without his permission. He's in "Flux" right now - basically hopping around from friend's house to friend's house (whoever can take him) because he's unable to sign a lease to an apartment because he can't get locked into a lease in any one spot.

His logic is if he signs a year lease in Vegas and BB flops, he's locked into payments and doesn't want to be there otherwise. If he thinks it's not gonna fly and goes home and gets an apartment and it launches, same problem -- but in reverse.

BB is causing great pain to some players because of the air of uncertainty and that's not right at all. BB did a half-assed job planning this stuff. They could have setup a dorm for the players to stay (maybe rent a few townhouses) at during this delay or basically communicate firm dates and show some respect to those trying to work for them.

I hope the BB stuff goes, but this is a circus -- it's embarrassing -- and it's bad PR for pool. Very poorly planned, imo. Who knows if what Barry says is accurate. Not sure if it matters at this point.

All I know is the ONLY reason I hold out hope for BB is because I have a TREMENDOUS level of respect for you and Nathan and I'd like to think you'd never continue to carry the torch unless you believed this was flying and the history of EMBARRASSING BS is merely a string of unlucky rolls. In fact, if you and Nathan weren't vouching for this, I'd be putting this BB on blast like everyone else. I think Larry (or whoever owns BB) owes you both a big thank you.

That said, if this is 100% flying, do/say something to the players to make them KNOW it's flying and WHEN so they can plan their lives and living situations accordingly. As you know, these guys aren't rich and flip-flopping around isn't right/fair to them.

Respectfully,
Dave

 

[Fast Lenny]

Lenny, I'll share with you another perspective.

I'm friends with one of the BB players and ran into him at the expo. I don't want to name him only for the fact I'm posting this without his permission. He's in "Flux" right now - basically hopping around from friend's house to friend's house (whoever can take him) because he's unable to sign a lease to an apartment because he can't get locked into a lease in any one spot.

His logic is if he signs a year lease in Vegas and BB flops, he's locked into payments and doesn't want to be there otherwise. If he thinks it's not gonna fly and goes home and gets an apartment and it launches, same problem -- but in reverse.

BB is causing great pain to some players because of the air of uncertainty and that's not right at all. BB did a half-assed job planning this stuff. They could have setup a dorm for the players to stay (maybe rent a few townhouses) at during this delay or basically communicate firm dates and show some respect to those trying to work for them.

I hope the BB stuff goes, but this is a circus -- it's embarrassing -- and it's bad PR for pool. Very poorly planned, imo. Who knows if what Barry says is accurate. Not sure if it matters at this point.

All I know is the ONLY reason I hold out hope for BB is because I have a TREMENDOUS level of respect for you and Nathan and I'd like to think you'd never continue to carry the torch unless you believed this was flying and the history of EMBARRASSING BS is merely a string of unlucky rolls. In fact, if you and Nathan weren't vouching for this, I'd be putting this BB on blast like everyone else. I think Larry (or whoever owns BB) owes you both a big thank you.

That said, if this is 100% flying, do/say something to the players to make them KNOW it's flying and WHEN so they can plan their lives and living situations accordingly. As you know, these guys aren't rich and flip-flopping around isn't right/fair to them.

Respectfully,
Dave

Dave I would not be a part of it if I thought it was anything but on the up and up, if I knew that it was not for sure then I would walk away from it. I know some players are not doing well but most were not doing well and going from place to place before this with no permanent home. In Vegas it is cheap to live compared to most places and not too difficult to find a place with a month to month lease or even renting a room from someone if you do not think its going to last.

I feel bad for your friend but it is probably more a financial problem with him more than being worried to settle down in one spot, because as I said he could come out here or anywhere he wants to be including wherever he calls home and I am sure rent a room why he is waiting. I do thank you for having belief in Nathan and myself, trust me when I say we want this to succeed for pool and the pro players.

 

[Fast Lenny]

Lenny Lenny Lenny "anyone with half a brain" would also know that coming onto this site and asking for input should expect that they may just get a few detractors, It's be a bit like walking into a biker bar looking for directions wearing a pink tutu.

I think it's clear there is more money (or not) than sense behind this.

I do not remember BB asking for input at all to be quite honest but I could be wrong.

 

[Fast Lenny]

I dont think anybody is actually against bonus ball.We all would like to see it succeed because we have friends that play the game and money is pretty much non existent in pool outside of gambling, small tournaments and the things TAR does to support the players.Its a show and tell world though.Im sure all of these ppl will support their favorite team if it finally goes off.I will personally bring cleary to a game in vegas.Its just with the current events with bonus ball its hard to believe what u hear.With no facts its impossible to spend time and effort in life supporting or looking forward to something.If it makes it big they will support it.If it fails they will say I told u so.So until some of the main questions and concerns are answered and supported with facts it will just be another vision someone has in their basement.Best of luck to all involved cause I would like to see it happen.Good day.

I look forward to seeing you at one of the events when it takes off. I have to say its more then a vision when the venue is a physical reality along with so much more that has been done behind the scenes. I agree that if it really takes off and is rolling some of the naysayers and maybe some of the bashers will enjoy it and support it.

 

[vpbb123]

When cowards won't live up to their promises and won't return your calls, refuse to fire you or work out corporate problems...go on to azbilliards and pull their pant's down.

After months of trying to get an answer from these guys...I finally got it. A threat of a lawsuit for being a bad guy! I finally got the name of their law firm that must be doing up this fourth company. Thank you lord.

Unfortunately, threats of a suit are one thing...going to court and proving things are another matter. I guess if I was a whimp I might fold under all the legal garble and scary talk.

Guess again. I will continue to be open to all pool players and all pool fans that ask me what the hell is going on!

Intimination only works against the weak. Let the lawsuits fly! Maybe I can get my cheese before there is only crumbs left! I will get justice in the end. It will be by fair and just compensation or they will pay the hard way! I go down, every one is coming with me! Mr. Bonus Ball is cooking up a shit storm!



Carry on boys. These fellow AZBilliards guys are giving you great advice, the Titanic is well, short life boats. It's time to get off!

Jeepers, still I am not fired! What the hell is that all about! LOL

Donations will be accepted to help me fight my legal battle! Thank you brothers!

 

[TimKrazyMon]

I look forward to seeing you at one of the events when it takes off. I have to say its more then a vision when the venue is a physical reality along with so much more that has been done behind the scenes. I agree that if it really takes off and is rolling some of the naysayers and maybe some of the bashers will enjoy it and support it.

Lenny, I really hope it takes off. American pool needs a win in the worst way. But right now, I really need to see more than just an almost completed venue that's a physical reality. I need to see the prize money in escrow or a trust. I need a solid business plan showing this thing can last. We do not need another IPT, XFL, or any other failed league that folds up after year 1.

Please tell Chiborak the pressure is on and the clock is most definitely ticking.

 

[Banks]

Jeepers, still I am not fired! What the hell is that all about! LOL

Don't you have to have a job to be fired?

 

[vapoolplayer]

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[vpbb123]

Apparently, I am still executive vice-president of the World wide Sport of Billiards Corporation, Canada and I'm operating as such. It's a great job. I'm really going to miss working for these dumb asses~!

 

[vapoolplayer]

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[AtLarge]

... I am not helping Bonus Ball, I work for them plain and simple ...

Lenny, what is your role or job with the WPBL?

... rotation 8 ball or call it countdown 8 ball. The game would have been with a shot clock and if I got solids or stripes we play countdown to the 8 ball which wins, balls ran in rotation which means one guy is trying to run from 1-7 and win making the 8 and the other guy shoots backwards 15-9 and wins making the 8. ...

Hey, that sounds like a really neat game. Has it ever been played anywhere in competition?

 

[vapoolplayer]

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[vapoolplayer]

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[Fast Lenny]

This still does not change the fact that BB has had several start dates and players were counting on the monetary "promises" that were made to them.

If I offered you a job and told you to start in Feb, then said.....wait, start in April, wait....start in Nov......shit.....start in May........son of a *****....wait.....we'll call you......

You'd be quite pissed off and would either tell me to **** off, or you'd be holding your life up waiting for this supposed golden opportunity.

You can make up all the excuses you want(I hope it takes off honestly), but the cluster **** BB has become has impacted any player associated with it financially, just as the above hypothetical scenario would impact yourself if it actually happened.

BB has tossed out a huge carrot in front of pro pool players.......thus far all they've done is yank it away. You can blame contractor or martians......it doesn't really matter the reason......fact is, not a single thing BB has claimed has happened yet.

You can piss on someone and tell them its raining all you want, but in the end, BB is going to have to do quite a bit to overcome the bad reputation it brought on itself through apparently horrible management.

$3000 to each player totaling over 100k is a pretty decent sized carrot. I do understand the gripes and it does stink that it did not start as planned but the past cannot be changed and it was a hard lesson learned and best thing is just to move forward to make it really. I do not feel some of the negative opinions on this forum will determine whether Bonus Ball will fail or succeed really which is why I do not really want to debate but clear up misinformation on here with what I do know.

 

[vpbb123]

Apparently, I am still executive vice-president of the World wide Sport of Billiards Corporation, Canada and I'm operating as such. It's a great job. I'm really going to miss working for these dumb asses~!

Lenny, Nathan and Dave are great young guys. Nathan, Dave and Dan Lewis are horrible pool players and I easily beat them at every game. Lenny however, that bugger beats me every time! LOL I was the one who suggested Larry hire Runout Media and I have hundreds of well documented emails, texts and such that show me and Nathan talking about the finances and unpaid bills by Larry. These boys are an innocent victim of Larry's dreams. They are protecting him by nature. He succeeds they get paid. I however will not by nature, bullshit the pool community world. Ask me a question, I will tell you the truth!

 

[Fast Lenny]

Here's a hint for the BB management team:

Any company worth anything by now would have issued a written statement to all BB employees directing them to make absolutely no public statements if they are not explicitly authorized to do so.

Every time anyone affiliated with BB types something here, its a different opinion or story. This looks extremely horrible from a PR standpoint.

This further shows BB lacks even the most basic management. If you guys can't even get your stories straight and rely on a single PR representative......how the shit are you ever going to make this damn thing work?

Please, for the sake of the business you guys claim you want to work, unless you are the designated PR representative for BB, quit posting in these threads......

You have Nathan, Lenny, and now apparently Brittany making statements. Anytime any of you make a statement here, regardless of your intentions, its going to be taken as the opinion of BB.

Sorry but if people are misinforming others about things on here and I have knowledge that is correct then I will inform people correctly because without our input you would have nothing but whatever Barry has been posting on here for months to go off of and rumors. I do not see where my postings are doing any damage whatsoever, would people be totally left in the dark and misinformed on here? I have never been told once by anyone in Bonus Ball of power that my post were out of line or wrong whatsoever. Please answer to me where my postings, Nathans, or Daves are any different or change? I find it funny that people complain when we are silent and complain when we give information, its a tough crowd.