The future of pool

You have such a delicious way with words.

Actually I signed two TV agreements last week.....and I know, if it was past Monday, June 16, 2014 it's probably "old news". :groucho:

"You're adorable, like a turkey prancing around on a buzzard rock". :angel:


Finally decided to spring for the expanded HBO package, eh?

Lou Figueroa
has had a
"TV agreement"
for years :-)
 
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You have such a delicious way with words.

Actually I signed two TV agreements last week.....and I know, if it was past Monday, June 16, 2014 it's probably "old news". :groucho:

"You're adorable, like a turkey prancing around on a buzzard rock". :angel:

Really? Signed two TV agreements? What's your beeper number? :p

Seriously, CJ, you are w-a-y behind the times. "TV" in its traditional sense is changing dramatically as well. Look at all the cable companies scrambling, gobbling each other up, frantically trying to catch up. Internet streaming is where it's at -- Hulu [Plus], Tivo, Netflix, Amazon FireTV, etc. It's no longer necessary to have a "cable" connection -- just that your TV (or Blu-Ray player) is Internet-ready.

In fact, I've chopped my cable bill down to the barebones minimum package (and I mean "flying gas can" basics) because I got tired of the constant haggling you have to do every few months to keep your bill at a decent rate, otherwise it would climb on its own into the multi-hundreds. In a month or two, I'm dropping cable TV service completely. Why? Because everything that I can get on cable (or even satellite, for that matter), I can get on Internet streaming services -- and then some -- at a w-a-y cheaper price. No constant haggling, and no constant creeping-upwards of your monthly bill.

The wave of the future is an RJ-45 (ethernet) connector, CJ. Not an RG-6 / RG-59 coaxial connector.

-Sean
 
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Finally decided to spring for the expanded HBO package, eh?

Lou Figueroa
has has a
"TV agreement"
for years :-)

Lou:

I guess you meant to say "hasn't had a 'TV agreement' for years"? Where I'm at, Comcast has an exclusive lock on this little area, and I can't not use them. Not even Verizon FiOS can get in here, because they're not allowed to dig-up the roads or sidewalks to lay fiber. So, the plan is to only use them for Internet, and drop all the other services. I get everything else from Internet.

And I'll be like you -- no "TV agreement". The only thing to worry about now, is what the lack of Net Neutrality is going to affect -- i.e. Comcast deciding they're going to throttle streaming (i.e. Internet) from all providers except for their own. :mad:

http://usnews.com/opinion/economic-...kills-net-neutrality-and-broadband-innovation

-Sean
 
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Really? Signed two TV agreements? What's your beeper number? :p

Seriously, CJ, you are w-a-y behind the times. ... // ... The wave of the future is an RJ-45 (ethernet) connector, CJ. Not an RG-6 / RG-59 coaxial connector.

-Sean

Eh hem, RJ-45? I dumped everything, wireless to connect PS4 to Television. Everything through there. I'm only out local stations and anything I want to watch in the way of news is laptop to TV.

Maybe AZBilliards or a next generation version of AZB, is the future of pool. We could all be coming here to watch a stream, live or rebroadcast. Roku is another interesting thought, pool channel - not too far away from what Big Truck is already doing, only down to a 24/7 broadcast of any archives. Heck, a couple of willing places could put one together and get on Roku.

I think we all need to face the reality that pool will never be the NFL, heck, it probably won't ever be euro-snooker.

Tony
 
Eh hem, RJ-45? I dumped everything, wireless to connect PS4 to Television. Everything through there. I'm only out local stations and anything I want to watch in the way of news is laptop to TV.

Maybe AZBilliards or a next generation version of AZB, is the future of pool. We could all be coming here to watch a stream, live or rebroadcast. Roku is another interesting thought, pool channel - not too far away from what Big Truck is already doing, only down to a 24/7 broadcast of any archives. Heck, a couple of willing places could put one together and get on Roku.

I think we all need to face the reality that pool will never be the NFL, heck, it probably won't ever be euro-snooker.

Tony

PlayStation? <shudder> No playstation or game consoles in this house, by design. Although I work for a huge Fortune Ten technology company, the wife and I have our own ideas about social atrophy and getting proper exercise -- especially with kids. The addiction to thumb-twiddling devices just adds to the problem being discussed in this thread.

Yes, I didn't mention Roku in my list, but absolutely -- they are a big one! And yep, if anyone has expectations that pool will be anything more than a niche sport with the occasional spot on streaming services, I'd like to know what they're smoking. ;)

-Sean
 
Really? Signed two TV agreements? What's your beeper number? :p

Seriously, CJ, you are w-a-y behind the times. "TV" in its traditional sense is changing dramatically as well. Look at all the cable companies scrambling, gobbling each other up, frantically trying to catch up. Internet streaming is where it's at -- Hulu [Plus], Tivo, Netflix, Amazon FireTV, etc. It's no longer necessary to have a "cable" connection -- just that your TV (or Blu-Ray player) is Internet-ready.

In fact, I've chopped my cable bill down to the barebones minimum package (and I mean "flying gas can" basics) because I got tired of the constant haggling you have to do every few months to keep your bill at a decent rate, otherwise it would climb on its own into the multi-hundreds. In a month or two, I'm dropping cable TV service completely. Why? Because everything that I can get on cable (or even satellite, for that matter), I can get on Internet streaming services -- and then some -- at a w-a-y cheaper price. No constant haggling, and no constant creeping-upwards of your monthly bill.

The wave of the future is an RJ-45 (ethernet) connector, CJ. Not an RG-6 / RG-59 coaxial connector.

-Sean
You are right about that, I have rental property and few if any want cable TV or even a phone for that matter. Times have changed.
 
Niche Sport

PlayStation? <shudder> No playstation or game consoles in this house, by design. Although I work for a huge Fortune Ten technology company, the wife and I have our own ideas about social atrophy and getting proper exercise -- especially with kids. The addiction to thumb-twiddling devices just adds to the problem being discussed in this thread.

Yes, I didn't mention Roku in my list, but absolutely -- they are a big one! And yep, if anyone has expectations that pool will be anything more than a niche sport with the occasional spot on streaming services, I'd like to know what they're smoking. ;)

-Sean

Niche Sport...ditto,
Macguy in a post somewhere mentioned this and I think he hit the nail on the head. In the next few posts the word subculture came up. I find a lot of truth there and to me those words say....personal recruiting and advertisement techniques.

As for Roku...its already being discussed and I know very little about the medium that I could share with any kind of knowledge with you guys. I do know its in the works from a conversation I had last week. The words multi-media pool package for viewing on large screen tvs, were used and it sounded like something interesting I just hope that its something that people and pool places find value in.

I think if we make the "Niche" attractive then its appeal will spread but niche and subculture aren't always a bad thing, everyone has to be into something and pool is it for me.
 
PlayStation? <shudder> No playstation or game consoles in this house, by design. Although I work for a huge Fortune Ten technology company, the wife and I have our own ideas about social atrophy and getting proper exercise -- especially with kids. The addiction to thumb-twiddling devices just adds to the problem being discussed in this thread.

Yes, I didn't mention Roku in my list, but absolutely -- they are a big one! And yep, if anyone has expectations that pool will be anything more than a niche sport with the occasional spot on streaming services, I'd like to know what they're smoking. ;)

-Sean

DOH!! I know!! Playstation. I actually have a really GOOD explanation for that... "dumb" TV needed a to get smart. PS4 vs BlueRay and Roku, PS4 won. I'm in 2nd thought mode right now. Ugh.

BTW - don't anyone get trapped that PS4 has UStream - it technically does, but the UStream it will show you is "already-atrophied" individuals playing games in their house!!

I agree that many of the ideas here could help promote our sport - I have a close friend that is a K-5 PE teacher, and a very good one. Maybe too young at K-5, but certainly in 6-12 could have a Pool Unit. PE should be teaching life sports, Pool is a life sport.

Public schools, Community Education, and whatever else it takes to get youth involved with PLAYING the game, not watching it no matter the delivery vehicle.
 
Really? Signed two TV agreements? What's your beeper number? :p

Seriously, CJ, you are w-a-y behind the times. "TV" in its traditional sense is changing dramatically as well. Look at all the cable companies scrambling, gobbling each other up, frantically trying to catch up. Internet streaming is where it's at -- Hulu [Plus], Tivo, Netflix, Amazon FireTV, etc. It's no longer necessary to have a "cable" connection -- just that your TV (or Blu-Ray player) is Internet-ready.

In fact, I've chopped my cable bill down to the barebones minimum package (and I mean "flying gas can" basics) because I got tired of the constant haggling you have to do every few months to keep your bill at a decent rate, otherwise it would climb on its own into the multi-hundreds. In a month or two, I'm dropping cable TV service completely. Why? Because everything that I can get on cable (or even satellite, for that matter), I can get on Internet streaming services -- and then some -- at a w-a-y cheaper price. No constant haggling, and no constant creeping-upwards of your monthly bill.

The wave of the future is an RJ-45 (ethernet) connector, CJ. Not an RG-6 / RG-59 coaxial connector.

-Sean

I believe what he is talking about is content, not the medium that it will be distributed. Cable might be hurting but the discovery channel corporation will always be around. If a deal could be done with a corporation like that around a reality series and it gets picked up, it will be available all over, from cable to Netflix to box sets at best buy stores.

Using the term tv deal never describes just solely tv, it's about content (ie reality series, sporting events, info commercials, etc) and those deals usually have all mediums taken into account (domestic tv, internet streaming, international tv, etc?

And as for completely internet based medium, you have a point, it will be there someday, but you have at least a decade or more of traditional based "tv" in terms of cable contracts and coaxial in houses because of older generations not willing to switch over. So to ignore that would be counterproductive, hence you still need to focus on tv distribution well as the others.

TV Cable hasn't become print newspapers just yet.
 
Niche Sport...ditto,

I think if we make the "Niche" attractive then its appeal will spread but niche and subculture aren't always a bad thing, everyone has to be into something and pool is it for me.

Crab fisherman in Dutch harbour Alaska was a niche career unlearn to most until "deadliest catch" reality series. And I had no idea there was money in finding sunken logs until "Ax Men" series.

So a reality series in pool, that cj is working on would introduce the sport to so many more. And yes, it will still be a niche sport, but a bit larger, with a larger following after a successful series. I'm remaining positive.
 
Reality Series

Crab fisherman in Dutch harbour Alaska was a niche career unlearn to most until "deadliest catch" reality series. And I had no idea there was money in finding sunken logs until "Ax Men" series.

So a reality series in pool, that cj is working on would introduce the sport to so many more. And yes, it will still be a niche sport, but a bit larger, with a larger following after a successful series. I'm remaining positive.

Cardigan Kid,
I go months sometime without making a post here until I find a thread I like but I have to say you make a valid point.

As for CJ working on a reality series, I have no knowledge of it and I could be positive about it as well. I would like to hear more about that project. I could support something like that.
 
Crab fisherman in Dutch harbour Alaska was a niche career unlearn to most until "deadliest catch" reality series. And I had no idea there was money in finding sunken logs until "Ax Men" series.

So a reality series in pool, that cj is working on would introduce the sport to so many more. And yes, it will still be a niche sport, but a bit larger, with a larger following after a successful series. I'm remaining positive.

Shelby Stelinga is a trip. But I like him.
And you're right. As I mentioned in another thread, a show can be made about just about any subject matter, and if it tells a good story, people will watch it. The proof of this already exists. And an emotional connection, whether conscious or subconscious, is the key to telling a good story.

I was watching some Olympic coverage during the winter games, and a sport came up that I had never heard of called " slalom downhill snowboarding" or something like that, and they were about to show the final medal run of the remaining contenders.

Without even thinking about it...I was already getting ready to change the channel, so I pulled up the channel menu and started looking for something else to watch. But while I was looking, I could still hear the olympic commentators, and they were going into a back story about one of these final contenders for the downhill slalom medal.

They told a story about an American kid, who had been on USA's Olympic team for this event, but during the qualifiers he could never seem to place above 5th, so they dropped him from the team like a hot potato.

The kid ends up moving to Russia, falling in love and marrying a Russian girl who happens to compete in the very same event for the Russian women's Olympic team.

He manages to get on the Russian Olympic team as well, he goes to the Olympics and qualifies himself for a medal, and its come to down to the final runs of the whole competition....

Here he is now competing against his former team mates, his former coach and his former country....will he make them all laugh ? Will he make them all eat their words?

I was GLUED to the tube.
And ten minutes prior I didn't even know what downhill slalom snowboarding was.

The kid busted open a can of whip ass and took the gold!
And
His New wife took a medal too!

The story is everything. And what's missing from pool media is the story. Who are these interesting characters and how did they get here? What does this match mean to them?

These are the compelling elements that can and should be shared.
But its also critical to the image of the product.

The story that one chooses to tell about pool will make a huge difference in how it is perceived by the masses. Highlight the respectable, and people will think it is. Highlight the shady, and people will think it is.
 
a 50% increase in over-all product sales within the next 3 years.

One is for a documentary on pool and the other one is a reality show regarding the "action side" of professional pool. It appears the game of pool is cycling up and going to be in the public spotlight again.

I know people in the industry are getting ready to prosper. My prediction is a 50% increase in over-all product sales within the next 3 years. 'The Game is the Teacher'




Finally decided to spring for the expanded HBO package, eh?

Lou Figueroa
has has a
"TV agreement"
for years :-)
 
Awesome Post

Shelby Stelinga is a trip. But I like him.
And you're right. As I mentioned in another thread, a show can be made about just about any subject matter, and if it tells a good story, people will watch it. The proof of this already exists. And an emotional connection, whether conscious or subconscious, is the key to telling a good story.

I was watching some Olympic coverage during the winter games, and a sport came up that I had never heard of called " slalom downhill snowboarding" or something like that, and they were about to show the final medal run of the remaining contenders.

Without even thinking about it...I was already getting ready to change the channel, so I pulled up the channel menu and started looking for something else to watch. But while I was looking, I could still hear the olympic commentators, and they were going into a back story about one of these final contenders for the downhill slalom medal.

They told a story about an American kid, who had been on USA's Olympic team for this event, but during the qualifiers he could never seem to place above 5th, so they dropped him from the team like a hot potato.

The kid ends up moving to Russia, falling in love and marrying a Russian girl who happens to compete in the very same event for the Russian women's Olympic team.

He manages to get on the Russian Olympic team as well, he goes to the Olympics and qualifies himself for a medal, and its come to down to the final runs of the whole competition....

Here he is now competing against his former team mates, his former coach and his former country....will he make them all laugh ? Will he make them all eat their words?

I was GLUED to the tube.
And ten minutes prior I didn't even know what downhill slalom snowboarding was.

The kid busted open a can of whip ass and took the gold!
And
His New wife took a medal too!

The story is everything. And what's missing from pool media is the story. Who are these interesting characters and how did they get here? What does this match mean to them?

These are the compelling elements that can and should be shared.
But its also critical to the image of the product.

The story that one chooses to tell about pool will make a huge difference in how it is perceived by the masses. Highlight the respectable, and people will think it is. Highlight the shady, and people will think it is.

Mr. Bond,
that's a great story and you make a stellar point about choosing the way you go with something. Taking the high road is a harder story to write but I view it as doable. I immediately see a Karate Kid type thing with a Pool Kid and a Mentor. I think that sort of thing would go well and it leaves it open to transition into respect for the sport and the game while downplaying the underbelly of pool. There will always be the underbelly of pool but its marketability with the consuming general public for exposure to youth is sure limited. I would say us pool folk could deal with it but its probably best kept underwraps and something we do in private.

Nice post.
 
It's been a long time coming,

Thanks, it's nice to hear those that are positive about what's getting ready to happen.

It's been a long time coming, I still have trouble believing what's happened to the pool industry in the last 15 years. Oh, well, it's happened to better businesses in the past.

This is the first day of the rest of the game's life.....we appreciate everyone's support.
life-choice.jpg




Cardigan Kid,
I go months sometime without making a post here until I find a thread I like but I have to say you make a valid point.

As for CJ working on a reality series, I have no knowledge of it and I could be positive about it as well. I would like to hear more about that project. I could support something like that.
 
60,000,000+ in their "universe," and now there's 110,000,000+

When we were doing ESPN tournaments there were 60,000,000+ in their "universe," and now there's 110,000,000+

For sports TV will always rule because of the social aspect. Sports-bars, bars, cafes and other businesses will always gather large crowds for sporting events.

Obviously you can now attach all other forms of media to the TV broadcasts synergistically. The marketing that can be done today is amazing, however, TV is and will always be the catalyst. 'The Game is the Teacher'



I believe what he is talking about is content, not the medium that it will be distributed. Cable might be hurting but the discovery channel corporation will always be around. If a deal could be done with a corporation like that around a reality series and it gets picked up, it will be available all over, from cable to Netflix to box sets at best buy stores.

Using the term tv deal never describes just solely tv, it's about content (ie reality series, sporting events, info commercials, etc) and those deals usually have all mediums taken into account (domestic tv, internet streaming, international tv, etc?

And as for completely internet based medium, you have a point, it will be there someday, but you have at least a decade or more of traditional based "tv" in terms of cable contracts and coaxial in houses because of older generations not willing to switch over. So to ignore that would be counterproductive, hence you still need to focus on tv distribution well as the others.

TV Cable hasn't become print newspapers just yet.
 
establishing new, vibrant businesses that specialize in promoting pool

Sure it is. It's highbrow and out of the mind of a business owner when they can't pay the rent and have no idea how they are going to attract business to pay the rent.



What does business owners that can't pay the rent have to do with establishing new, vibrant businesses that specialize in promoting pool?

I appreciate your opinions, however you are talking about things that are irrelevant to making pool incredibly popular. 'The Game is the Teacher'
 
What does business owners that can't pay the rent have to do with establishing new, vibrant businesses that specialize in promoting pool?

I appreciate your opinions, however you are talking about things that are irrelevant to making pool incredibly popular. 'The Game is the Teacher'

I work most of the time right now at least for 4 more months so most of the businesses that I see in pool are pool rooms. As for creating business that make pool more popular Im all for that and could get on board for that with some of the things Im currently doing if there is a place in what I am doing for it.

Who is creating such a business? What are they selling if anything? How are those businesses planning on being funded? That's some of the questions I think need to be answered unless we are just talking hypothetically, if it doesn't make financial sense its not going to make it and we don't need a bomb right now, just my opinion.
 
What does business owners that can't pay the rent have to do with establishing new, vibrant businesses that specialize in promoting pool? [/URL]

I could not agree more. Pool rooms are closing down all over the country. The fact is that pool rooms have always been closing down, even in the best of times. What is most concerning is that there are so few new rooms opening up. It will take a "happening/event" on a national scale to send the masses looking for some place to play pool.......a reason for some new rooms.

Run down poolrooms with lazy/unimaginative owners are not worth anything to the sport and are not worth bothering with.
 
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to keep the "haters" from going ballistic and potentially committing an AOPT

Relax, businesses don't disclose this information, not because they are spiteful towards you or anyone else.....it's kept proprietary to keep the "haters" from going ballistic and potentially committing an AOPBT (act of pool business terrorism) ......we don't want "home pool land security" to get involved. ;) 'The Game is the Teacher'

dont-try-to-win-over-the-haters-you-are-not-the-jackass-whisperer.jpg





I work most of the time right now at least for 4 more months so most of the businesses that I see in pool are pool rooms. As for creating business that make pool more popular Im all for that and could get on board for that with some of the things Im currently doing if there is a place in what I am doing for it.

Who is creating such a business? What are they selling if anything? How are those businesses planning on being funded? That's some of the questions I think need to be answered unless we are just talking hypothetically, if it doesn't make financial sense its not going to make it and we don't need a bomb right now, just my opinion.
 
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