The X - Games, Bonus Ball ....

[1 Lone Wolf]

All of the hoop la going on right now should be put to rest with reading this thread. Pool in its current format has been, in my opinion, Stagnent for years. There are people that have worked hard to promote pool including myself. It has failed miserably in attracting any Attn. from a possible corporate sponsor. A group comes in with a new idea and they get bombarded with hate.

I got to thinking, then I thought of the X Games. Who ever heard of snowmobiles doing backflips. 250lb motorcycles doing backflips. Then there is Tony Hawk who introduced the world of tricks on skateboards. Mountain bikes flying down a mountain path at great speeds. We all know of snowskiers have been speeding down mountains for years.

Motorcycle racing has been popular for a long time. They have taken a lot of different games or sports, not just what I have mentioned, and invented NEW games that attract major sponsors. Their money comes from companies like Mountain Dew, etc. etc. etc. Skateboarding started with simple courses and tricks. Motorcycles raced in a circle or on a different track. Now someone has combined a lot of different sports or games , Now the X-Games are beyond huge.

They have taken existing sports or games and have taken in beyond anyones belief. Except the visionary's who saw something new. These are just a few of the examples I have listed. Their are many more. If you would like to learn something and then report back to this thread. GOOGLE X - GAMES. Then go to Wikipedia, You would be surprised at the information available. I especially would like the organizers of Bonus Ball to read the information. For I believe they are on the right track. And to tell you the truth. I think they are on the right track.

They have taken existing games or sports, and invented new, more popular than ever, events. Using the same equipment. Our problem with pool, we have looked in the wrong places, The answer may have been right under our nose. Simple as inventing a new game. Although I don't believe it was simple. A lot of input from a lot of minds. Keep it up, We are far from finished. Good Luck !

 

[Shannon.spronk]

Most of what you say is very true. The biggest difference being that during the X-Games there are people that watch just for the danger aspect. They want to watch someone doing something they would never dare to do. Unless the winning shot in bonus ball involves jumping the ball through a flaming hoop and into someone's mouth then the comparison is not really there. I especially watch the X-Games for the reason that there is no way I would even attempt those things. I would however attempt a 3 rail bank with the risk of the cue ball getting in the path and me missing the desired shot.

I am not anti bonus ball. I want it to succeed. I am just not sure about the game though. I really hope for the best as far as the WPBL goes, but as of yet I am unconvinced.

 

[1 Lone Wolf]

Agreed .

Most of what you say is very true. The biggest difference being that during the X-Games there are people that watch just for the danger aspect. They want to watch someone doing something they would never dare to do. Unless the winning shot in bonus ball involves jumping the ball through a flaming hoop and into someone's mouth then the comparison is not really there. I especially watch the X-Games for the reason that there is no way I would even attempt those things. I would however attempt a 3 rail bank with the risk of the cue ball getting in the path and me missing the desired shot.

I am not anti bonus ball. I want it to succeed. I am just not sure about the game though. I really hope for the best as far as the WPBL goes, but as of yet I am unconvinced.

My point being, They have taken existing games, and came up with something newer and better ! My thinking is change the perception for the potential viewer or sponsor. It doesn't mean it has to be something dangerous. It means it must have a new appeal.

 

[1 Lone Wolf]

Duck !!

My point being, They have taken existing games, and came up with something newer and better ! My thinking is change the perception for the potential viewer or sponsor. It doesn't mean it has to be something dangerous. It means it must have a new appeal.

Or maybe ducking Scotts famous Drop Kick lol !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[lfigueroa]

A group comes in with a new idea and they get bombarded with hate.

lol, in what alternate universe does reality = hate?

And I'm sorry. Watching JA pick lint off a table and moving balls from pocket to pocket while dressed in a hockey shirt is not exactly X Games material.

Lou Figueroa
that would be reality
not hate

 

[Shannon.spronk]

Or maybe ducking Scotts famous Drop Kick lol !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well maybe we are actually on to something though. Maybe danger is the key. Let JJ and Earl go after eachother. We all know that Earl has no problem breaking a cue. Maybe add 10 lashings for each missed shot. Electrically charged felt just to make it interesting. We really got something now.

 

[perspicaz]

I don't think x-games have invented any new sports, they just market them really well. All of the sports they showcase existed previously. And, certainly, Tony Hawk (mostly a vert skater) didn't introduce the world of tricks in skateboarding, I would give that honor to Rodney Mullen who invented the ollie and the kick-flip for example, although lesser tricks were done before that.

I do see your point, though. But I don't think billiards are comparable to X-Games or that BB brings pool any closer to that kind of sports.

 

[klone]

Something like Bonus Ball can succeed, but I think it needs to be tweaked some more... Fans want to see something exciting, and BB in its current form/format isn't at that level yet, IMO. Niche sports programming has its audience and million dollar markets (e.g. poker, Magic cards, computer gaming, etc) - and it doesn't have to be mainstream to make money. You just need to create a loyal fan base.

Right now a BB fan can't even play the game at his/her home or local pool room.

BB pros are promoting the game but BB needs everyday pool players to be ambassadors to the game. Maybe start a BB league?

And constructing a professional studio in Las Vegas was a sign of commitment, but wouldn't a better format be to hold season competitions in pool rooms across the nation? For example, why not play/stream from Archer's Marietta Billiard Club when the Houston Hustlers are at Atlanta Scorpions? Imagine the potential to create local fans, them being able to check out BB at their familiar rooms, seeing pros compete and ask for autographs later, like at any pro sports game.

I like to root for the Scorpions, but it'd be awesome if me and my friends are at a local room cheering them on with other spectators instead of staring at the computer.

Anyways, just some ideas... Would like to see BB succeed, but IMO more work has to be done...

 

[1on1pooltournys]

Lugnutzzz games

Lets call it the LUGNUTZ GAMES!!

There is no better feeling than a little dough on the line playing Gary :thumbup:

 

[1 Lone Wolf]

Lmao !

Lets call it the LUGNUTZ GAMES!!

There is no better feeling than a little dough on the line playing Gary :thumbup:

You can't seem to get that lugnut dough though, Can't wait to see you. Getting a little short ! Easy Gary Lutman

 

[1 Lone Wolf]

Agree

Something like Bonus Ball can succeed, but I think it needs to be tweaked some more... Fans want to see something exciting, and BB in its current form/format isn't at that level yet, IMO. Niche sports programming has its audience and million dollar markets (e.g. poker, Magic cards, computer gaming, etc) - and it doesn't have to be mainstream to make money. You just need to create a loyal fan base.

Right now a BB fan can't even play the game at his/her home or local pool room.

BB pros are promoting the game but BB needs everyday pool players to be ambassadors to the game. Maybe start a BB league?

And constructing a professional studio in Las Vegas was a sign of commitment, but wouldn't a better format be to hold season competitions in pool rooms across the nation? For example, why not play/stream from Archer's Marietta Billiard Club when the Houston Hustlers are at Atlanta Scorpions? Imagine the potential to create local fans, them being able to check out BB at their familiar rooms, seeing pros compete and ask for autographs later, like at any pro sports game.

I like to root for the Scorpions, but it'd be awesome if me and my friends are at a local room cheering them on with other spectators instead of staring at the computer.

Anyways, just some ideas... Would like to see BB succeed, but IMO more work has to be done...

You have just repeated what I have been saying all along. That is a great possibility that may be something planned for the future. In St. Louis, The league players would be all over this. Gary

 

[Roger Long]

Something like Bonus Ball can succeed, but I think it needs to be tweaked some more... Fans want to see something exciting, and BB in its current form/format isn't at that level yet, IMO. Niche sports programming has its audience and million dollar markets (e.g. poker, Magic cards, computer gaming, etc) - and it doesn't have to be mainstream to make money. You just need to create a loyal fan base.

Right now a BB fan can't even play the game at his/her home or local pool room.

BB pros are promoting the game but BB needs everyday pool players to be ambassadors to the game. Maybe start a BB league?

And constructing a professional studio in Las Vegas was a sign of commitment, but wouldn't a better format be to hold season competitions in pool rooms across the nation? For example, why not play/stream from Archer's Marietta Billiard Club when the Houston Hustlers are at Atlanta Scorpions? Imagine the potential to create local fans, them being able to check out BB at their familiar rooms, seeing pros compete and ask for autographs later, like at any pro sports game.

I like to root for the Scorpions, but it'd be awesome if me and my friends are at a local room cheering them on with other spectators instead of staring at the computer.

Anyways, just some ideas... Would like to see BB succeed, but IMO more work has to be done...

klone,

You make some good points, but a couple of your points overlook reality (to borrow a word from Lou).

1) Fans can actually play Bonus Ball any time they want, in any pool room they want. All they have to do is substitute four solids for the purple balls, four stripes for the orange balls, and the 8-ball for the black ball. They can then keep score with coins under the rails. The rules for the game can be found on the WPBL website.

2) Bull Shooters Billiards in Phoenix has purchased the full season of BB ppv, and they air live and archived matches on a big screen TV for their players to watch and learn more about the game. Pool rooms all over the world could do the same thing (and will, if they care anything about promoting the sport).

3) Having the teams travel to and from the various cities would involve tremendous expenses that the league cannot possible bear at this time. The cost would actually be far greater than what it is with the fixed location in Vegas.

Roger

 

[Roger Long]

lol, in what alternate universe does reality = hate?

A person's perception of reality may only be that person's opinion of what is actually real. And when that is the case, then reality equals hate when that "reality" is constantly being forced on others who have a differing opinion.

Roger

 

[cue fix]

I don't see why Bonus Ball Leagues couldn't be formed and league tournaments played in Vegas like all the other leagues. It seems like it is more team oriented than other leagues because they talk to each other on what their plan of attack is, while other leagues you get 1 or 2 timeouts for help, but other than that it is an individual sport. I would join a league to try out something new. I am sure it would catch on. I could even see it having more opportunity of becoming an Olympic Event than just regular pool has. That is my opinion on Bonus Ball.

 

[kittykat]

I was at the venue today and was held spell bound by today's match! Never saw pool this exciting. i think perhaps free viewing for the public for the first two months. Educated and entertain players and then PPV the last half of the season. there is so much more involved here than just games. There are stories unfolding. it has me enjoying watching pool again!

 

[lfigueroa]

A person's perception of reality may only be that person's opinion of what is actually real. And when that is the case, then reality equals hate when that "reality" is constantly being forced on others who have a differing opinion.

Roger

Roger, I agree with your first sentence. But not your 2nd.

No one can "force" their perception of reality onto anyone else. IOW, I cannot force my reality onto you any more than you can force your reality onto me. We're all just stating *opinions* here, not realities.

Lou Figueroa

 

[Majic]

A person's perception of reality may only be that person's opinion of what is actually real. And when that is the case, then reality equals hate when that "reality" is constantly being forced on others who have a differing opinion.

Roger

do you equate hate to differing of opinions? and when is anything forced on others in a forum. everyone has free will and can choose to read and or ignore.

 

[Diamond69]

I was at the venue today and was held spell bound by today's match! Never saw pool this exciting. i think perhaps free viewing for the public for the first two months. Educated and entertain players and then PPV the last half of the season. there is so much more involved here than just games. There are stories unfolding. it has me enjoying watching pool again!

I think this would have been a great idea. Since they hadn't planned on PPV being the ultimate business case. They could have done the season for free and then did PPV for the playoffs. That would have given them a great idea of how hooked people got on the game. Based on how may people would pay to root for the teams they got interested in.

 

[hang-the-9]

My point being, They have taken existing games, and came up with something newer and better ! My thinking is change the perception for the potential viewer or sponsor. It doesn't mean it has to be something dangerous. It means it must have a new appeal.

Girls playing in short skirts with no underwear, dangerous AND appealing!

Or guys in kilts for the other side

I think the Bonus Ball idea would be just as successfull if not more so than if they were playing 9 or 10 or 8 ball. It's not a new game that's needed, it's a new format or way to present and market the games that everyone knows.

 

[Luxury]

One of the coolest things about the teams playing bonus ball over the standard games is the amount of coaching and strategy discussion that comes, building characters.