I was waiting for someone to point out the obvious. I was gonna, but I don't want any more ranting PM's
$200 for a billiard university diploma!!
- Thread starter His Boy Elroy
- Start date
I was waiting for someone to point out the obvious. I was gonna, but I don't want any more ranting PM's
Whoops... my bad. Yeah, everyone knows that. I meant to say he is also "Ron Swanson", but Ron only posts in NPR where he thinks he is fooling folks acting all "American" but still typing words like "whilst" LMAO.
I mean, he has an accent, fake account, defends the guy in the WH at all costs but can't type without an English accent
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Why not shelve the "diploma" farce and go with a belt rating system? Like Six Sigma, Judo, etc.? Diploma? Meh...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_sigma
English!,
Maybe in a year you'll have cooled down enough to rejoin us.
Maybe in a year you'll have cooled down enough to rejoin us.
He got banned for our sins.
Rick,
I was about to write a long post in your defense here, but practical reasons prevented me. I was afraid if I did we'd lose the ability to contact each other in the future. So have a good night and contact me when you can.
I was about to write a long post in your defense here, but practical reasons prevented me. I was afraid if I did we'd lose the ability to contact each other in the future. So have a good night and contact me when you can.
I think what this thread really needs at this point is a few stats.
Average posts per day by ENGLISH!:
10.0 -- for the 11 months (approximately) after he joined and prior to his first banning (for 2 months);
0 -- during his 2-month ban;
17.4 -- for the 3 months (approximately) after his return from his first banning;
0 -- for the upcoming 12 months;
? -- thereafter.
OK; back to universities and diplomas (hopefully, not in this sort of thread).
Average posts per day by ENGLISH!:
10.0 -- for the 11 months (approximately) after he joined and prior to his first banning (for 2 months);
0 -- during his 2-month ban;
17.4 -- for the 3 months (approximately) after his return from his first banning;
0 -- for the upcoming 12 months;
? -- thereafter.
OK; back to universities and diplomas (hopefully, not in this sort of thread).
This entire thread is a head scratcher. I literally can't think of something less controversial than Dr. Dave's Billiard University website and exams. I guess that is the definition of trolling. Hope this has now abated. It's just sad that it seems like literally nothing can be done in the pool world or posted on AZ without some guy finding a reason to crap on it.
Thank you.
FYI to all, let others, I also received ranting PM's from English! I wasn't going to reply, but I eventually did after his banning. I thought some of you might be interested in what I wrote to him, so here it is:
Rick,
It is unfortunate you got banned, because you have sometimes offered good insights. However, the amount of vitriol that often surrounds you can be very unpleasant at times. I hope your time off will help you realize that some, and I hope you can rejoin our community as a better contributor in the future.
Concerning the red rep. I've only done this twice since I joined AZB in 2004, and both were on the same day. They went to "His Boy Elroy" and you. I red-rep'd and reported Elroy mostly for his strong and slanderous statement that I am "a shyster and a fraud," but also for his relentless negativity, apparent hatred, and stubbornness. I red-rep'd and reported you because you seemed to be supporting him 100%. You also contributed to creating much vitriol and wasted bandwidth in this thread. Elroy, and to some extent you, exhibited an unyielding determination to criticize and be confrontation in this thread, and I think that is unfortunate and reflects badly on both of you. Your strong association with and support of Elroy in the thread certainly reflects badly on you.
I'm sorry you think my red reps were inappropriate, but I think they were well deserved. I hope I never feel the need to give a red rep ever again in the future.
Regards,
Dave
PS: I am sorry if I seemed a little defensive in this thread. If you knew how much time, effort, passion, and expense I've put into this project over the last 1-2 years, I think you would better relate to my objection to the relentless negativity, criticisms, and slanderous accusations.
In case this thread is done with (I certainly hope it is), I thought it would be good to end with one of my earlier posts that I feel completely and logically addresses the original criticisms:
The first question seemed to be:
"Why does a BU diploma cost so much ($200)?"
Here's my answer:
- It took lots of time, effort, initiative, creativity, and expense to create the BU and the asociated exam materials, website, organization of people, and professionally-designed diplomas.
- It takes time and expense to print the diplomas on a high-quality printer with high-quality paper.
- It takes time and expense to package and ship the diplomas in a protective way.
- It takes time to review the submitted online videos to make sure the results are valid.
- It takes time to process the submittal form that is required with a diploma application.
- It takes time to do the accounting and record-keeping required to process a diploma.
- It takes time and expense to maintain the BU website and the BilliardUniversity.org domain.
- It takes time to post official diploma results on the BU website.
- With a diploma, one receives official recognition of their level of ability on the BU website (with permission). This is of value to some people.
- A diploma can be framed and displayed with pride (e.g., in an office or game room) to show off one's enthusiasm and excellence for this great sport. This is of value to some people.
- A diploma is a credential one can use as the first step to becoming a BU instructor. This is of value to some people. It can also lead to additional income.
- Finally, the BU owners should be rewarded for what they have created for the pool community.
The second question seemed to be:
"Why is the BU deluding people into thinking a BU diploma corresponds to a traditional academic degree where four or more years is dedicated to academic study at an academic institution?"
Here's my answer:
That is just ridiculous!
Who in their right mind would think such a thing after watching the short BU intro video and reading through the clear and concise info on the BU website main page and on the diploma section of the website.
We use the name "diploma" instead of something like "certificate of playing ability" because everything in our organization has a university theme. That's why it is called the Billiard "University." We have a Dean (me), a Registrar (Randy Russell), Professors, Exams, Learning Resources, an intensive Summer School program, Alumni/Graduates, and a Rating/Grading system. And yes, we also offer Diplomas to reward dedicated practice and playing excellence.
I think "University" and "Diploma" are appropriate names, and it is very clear what they mean on the BU website.
I hope this thread has at least exposed the BU to some AZB'ers who haven't tried the BU playing-ability exams yet. If that is the case, please try them out and consider posting scores (and videos if possible) for free on the AZB BU thread. It would be interesting to see how a wide range of AZB users rate. It would also be interesting to see how high of a score is possible from a top player after well-practiced, dedicated, focused, and multiple attempts at the exams.
In fact, to help encourage this, I will happily mail an official Doctorate of Pool diploma, post results on the official BU alumni website, and send a free 3-DVD BU Instructional series set to any AZB user who can reach the Doctorate diploma level, documented by online videos posted on the AZB BU thread, by the end of next month (November 30, 2013).
Regards,
Dave
PS: Thanks again to everybody who showed support in this thread for both me and the BU. I really appreciate it.
The first question seemed to be:
"Why does a BU diploma cost so much ($200)?"
Here's my answer:
- It took lots of time, effort, initiative, creativity, and expense to create the BU and the asociated exam materials, website, organization of people, and professionally-designed diplomas.
- It takes time and expense to print the diplomas on a high-quality printer with high-quality paper.
- It takes time and expense to package and ship the diplomas in a protective way.
- It takes time to review the submitted online videos to make sure the results are valid.
- It takes time to process the submittal form that is required with a diploma application.
- It takes time to do the accounting and record-keeping required to process a diploma.
- It takes time and expense to maintain the BU website and the BilliardUniversity.org domain.
- It takes time to post official diploma results on the BU website.
- With a diploma, one receives official recognition of their level of ability on the BU website (with permission). This is of value to some people.
- A diploma can be framed and displayed with pride (e.g., in an office or game room) to show off one's enthusiasm and excellence for this great sport. This is of value to some people.
- A diploma is a credential one can use as the first step to becoming a BU instructor. This is of value to some people. It can also lead to additional income.
- Finally, the BU owners should be rewarded for what they have created for the pool community.
The second question seemed to be:
"Why is the BU deluding people into thinking a BU diploma corresponds to a traditional academic degree where four or more years is dedicated to academic study at an academic institution?"
Here's my answer:
That is just ridiculous!
Who in their right mind would think such a thing after watching the short BU intro video and reading through the clear and concise info on the BU website main page and on the diploma section of the website.
We use the name "diploma" instead of something like "certificate of playing ability" because everything in our organization has a university theme. That's why it is called the Billiard "University." We have a Dean (me), a Registrar (Randy Russell), Professors, Exams, Learning Resources, an intensive Summer School program, Alumni/Graduates, and a Rating/Grading system. And yes, we also offer Diplomas to reward dedicated practice and playing excellence.
I think "University" and "Diploma" are appropriate names, and it is very clear what they mean on the BU website.
I hope this thread has at least exposed the BU to some AZB'ers who haven't tried the BU playing-ability exams yet. If that is the case, please try them out and consider posting scores (and videos if possible) for free on the AZB BU thread. It would be interesting to see how a wide range of AZB users rate. It would also be interesting to see how high of a score is possible from a top player after well-practiced, dedicated, focused, and multiple attempts at the exams.
In fact, to help encourage this, I will happily mail an official Doctorate of Pool diploma, post results on the official BU alumni website, and send a free 3-DVD BU Instructional series set to any AZB user who can reach the Doctorate diploma level, documented by online videos posted on the AZB BU thread, by the end of next month (November 30, 2013).
Regards,
Dave
PS: Thanks again to everybody who showed support in this thread for both me and the BU. I really appreciate it.
Hi Dave,
I thought I would chime in here to say that I checked out your exams after all this poo throwing and I have to say I liked it quite a bit. I took the first part last night and I felt like I did poorly. I missed shots that I knew I shouldn't have. I was pleasantly surprised that I scored a 67.
I wanted to take the exam without any prior practice to get a more accurate result. I felt like if I practiced all the shots before hand that the result would be skewed a bit.
I think the way you have this set up is really smart and obviously took a lot of work. I appreciate your efforts and I'm looking forward to taking the second part this weekend. I don't quite understand the people who are getting upset about diplomas and whatnot. I figured it's free for you to try and no one is forcing it on anyone. I'm glad you did this, I enjoyed the challenge.
A most sincere thank you,
Chris Dryden
I thought I would chime in here to say that I checked out your exams after all this poo throwing and I have to say I liked it quite a bit. I took the first part last night and I felt like I did poorly. I missed shots that I knew I shouldn't have. I was pleasantly surprised that I scored a 67.
I wanted to take the exam without any prior practice to get a more accurate result. I felt like if I practiced all the shots before hand that the result would be skewed a bit.
I think the way you have this set up is really smart and obviously took a lot of work. I appreciate your efforts and I'm looking forward to taking the second part this weekend. I don't quite understand the people who are getting upset about diplomas and whatnot. I figured it's free for you to try and no one is forcing it on anyone. I'm glad you did this, I enjoyed the challenge.
A most sincere thank you,
Chris Dryden
Thanks Chris. I'm glad you like the exams.
Be sure to post your scores on the AZB BU thread, both initially and after dedicated practice so we can see how much you can improve your scores. This is something I am very interested in ... how a person's best possible score (after dedicated practice and multiple attempts of each exam) compares to their initial score after minimal practice.
Thanks again,
Dave
Every time I take the exams, I think I should make every shot and leave perfect position, but I don't. If we did, we would probably be professional pool players (assuming we didn't mind likely living mostly poor). :frown:
Regards,
Dave
Thumbs up for Dr Dave.
Just my opinion and I could be wrong
but it looks to me like the Billiard University is a Labor of Love more than a for profit venture.
With all due respect. If that is indeed the case then it is almost physically painful to come under attack for your efforts. Sometimes the internet anonymity will deaden a persons sensitivities to the feelings of others.
I commend and respect your efforts in education!:thumbup:
Just my opinion and I could be wrong
but it looks to me like the Billiard University is a Labor of Love more than a for profit venture.With all due respect.
If that is indeed the case then it is almost physically painful to come under attack for your efforts. Sometimes the internet anonymity will deaden a persons sensitivities to the feelings of others. I commend and respect your efforts in education!:thumbup:
... that is certainly the case for now. If instructors become very involved, and/or if we sell lots of DVDs (or diplomas), that could change, but I'm certainly not counting on that to feed my family.Just my opinion and I could be wrong
Thank you and others for the understanding and compassion. I appreciate it.With all due respect.
I commend and respect your efforts in education!:thumbup:
Best regards,
Dave
I don't understand how I actually got a diploma, but I'm proud that I did. Keep up the good work Dr. Dean Dave. Contrary to what some believe, your BU is a great thing for players that want to test their ability and learn.
The other Dr. Dave
Dr. Dave ("the other one"),I don't understand how I actually got a diploma, but I'm proud that I did. Keep up the good work Dr. Dean Dave. Contrary to what some believe, your BU is a great thing for players that want to test their ability and learn.
The other Dr. Dave
Thanks! I'm glad you are proud of your BU "Doctorate of Pool" diploma.
One of these days, you need to get a score that is more representative of your actual "speed." I am certain you are capable of a "Doctorate of Pool with Honors" if you actually practiced and really tried.
Catch you later,
Dr. Dean Dave (the other "Dr. Dave")
I think I hit two rough spots in this thread. The first was when I ended my first post by saying, "It must be a rude awakening when you think you're smarter than everyone else in the pool community and you find out you're wrong."
As I said in a later post. Maybe these instructors are good folks and they just weren't thinking or they were Ill informed or they weren't entirely focused on things when they entered into this project. I should have conceded that possibility on my first post.
The second rough spot was when I had some choice words for the Dr. I told him I heard he was a good guy and I regretted my harsh tone in earlier posts,
although I was not going to apologize (there was no way I was going to apologize for saying that what is going on is very wrong, but I was giving Dave the benefit of the doubt as to his motives)
He then told me because I regretted but would not apologize, I should find a counselor and explore these feelings. That really ticked me off and I momentarily stopped giving him the benefit of the doubt. I wouldn't have those choice words for Dave today. Today, I don't really think he's conscious of how wrong this is.
So; there have been 5900 entries into this thread. I haven't received a single private post. If I deserve criticism, I'll appreciate being told. I'll keep all p.m.'s private, even one's severely critical. I won't say the same if it's a vicious rant. Also, folks who have already posted in this thread; no need to bother. I'm already aware of where you stand.
As I said in a later post. Maybe these instructors are good folks and they just weren't thinking or they were Ill informed or they weren't entirely focused on things when they entered into this project. I should have conceded that possibility on my first post.
The second rough spot was when I had some choice words for the Dr. I told him I heard he was a good guy and I regretted my harsh tone in earlier posts,
although I was not going to apologize (there was no way I was going to apologize for saying that what is going on is very wrong, but I was giving Dave the benefit of the doubt as to his motives)
He then told me because I regretted but would not apologize, I should find a counselor and explore these feelings. That really ticked me off and I momentarily stopped giving him the benefit of the doubt. I wouldn't have those choice words for Dave today. Today, I don't really think he's conscious of how wrong this is.
So; there have been 5900 entries into this thread. I haven't received a single private post. If I deserve criticism, I'll appreciate being told. I'll keep all p.m.'s private, even one's severely critical. I won't say the same if it's a vicious rant. Also, folks who have already posted in this thread; no need to bother. I'm already aware of where you stand.
Your opinion is wrong, in my opinion.
No one is being deceived. No one believes a Billiard University diploma equates to any other diploma in the world. It signifies achievement along a course of study, regarding pool. It is rather simple.
Yet still you continue to flog this deceased equine. You managed to drag Rick into it, leading to his banishment. Other than him and Tim, who is just playing along to tweak the general forum population, there is no one concerned about this.
Tilt on, Don Quixote.