Not Enough Sponsors YET for FREE Streams

[Nostroke]

This.

Extend this logic to 'donating' to the free streams.

Free costs something to provide.

You can decide to support the stream early on principle, during, or after if you think you got your money's worth(free).

Plus, then you are 'invested' and may actually have a reason to ***** if the free stream has issues.

Dont get me started on donations-I'll go off. I've made plenty.

 

[ssbn610g]

Royce,

First, I always appreciate sponsors like yours (OB cues) and others who support events or pool in general. Even though I do not have an OB cue or shaft, I have considered OB products due to your support of the sport.

Bandwidth is affected by many factors. There are some simple tests to determine the approximate bandwidth that a consumer has such as the following site.

http://www.bandwidthplace.com/

I should have mentioned I have no affiliation or relationship with this site or any business entity that it may have.

A simple statement such as if your speed does not meet a specified amount, delivery cannot be guaranteed.

Let's all hope that issues can be solved and all benefit. I would love to see happy customers, profitable providers and sponsors get the advertising they need to increase their sales.

Thanks for your response,

Al

BTW - my download "speed" is 27.52 Mbps and my upload 11.75 Mbps. This is a crude method to determine bandwidth. I use a cable provider. I have had problems with streams but I have traced my issues to my router. I will be replacing it.

 

[Bella Don't Cry]

No offense, but I think you're looking at the wrong side of the equation.

What we need are more pool players and more spectators.

The cold hard facts are that the vast majority of pool players that we already have, are not spectators. TAR would have been a huge success if it could have just garnered a 2000 viewer average. Think about it. 2000 people out of all those pool players out there. It's a tiny fraction.

Pool players just don't seem to want to spend any money to watch pool.


Royce

Of course your right. I replied specifically to the title of the thread and not the condition of pool itself. :thumbup:

 

[Bella Don't Cry]

What if the issue is on the viewer's end?

How would the streamer be able to tell if the viewer received the stream or not. I would expect that there would be many who just watched it, and then claimed that they couldn't see it and wanted their money back.

The whole stream situation is a tough one. I just think we need more pool players.

Everything is improved with more people playing pool.


Royce

Again you are correct. But it is also about the quality of the viewing / showcase. This is what CSI attempted and only they can reveal whether or not it was a success.

More pool players (even in its 10's of thousands) does not guarantee a paying viewing audience, if their playing standard is poor...
:thumbup:

 

[Bella Don't Cry]

Here's an idea on how to have all streams open to anyone to watch.

If, every time there was a stream, enough of us loyal pool fans would each donate $5 to the streamer, it would cover their expenses and put a little coin in there pocket.

Royce

WHY?
Answer this with no bias attached and you'll be on the way to saving pool in the 21st Century! :thumbup:

 

[RBC]

WHY?
Answer this with no bias attached and you'll be on the way to saving pool in the 21st Century! :thumbup:

Really?

Why do you think I would say that?

You do know that there is no such thing as free, right? Streams cost money, so it has to come from somewhere.

Streams reach so few people that, from an advertising standpoint, the cost of advertising has to be very low in order for it to have any return. So, there aren't many advertisers putting up big money for streams. Some companies, like us, are willing to take a chance and spend some money on streams, but it doesn't pay off more often than it does. Yet, we still do what we can.

If we all want to be able to log in to watch pool, who else is going to pay for it?

Also, what would my bias be? I have as much to gain by pool growing as anyone.

Royce

 

[RBC]

Royce,

First, I always appreciate sponsors like yours (OB cues) and others who support events or pool in general. Even though I do not have an OB cue or shaft, I have considered OB products due to your support of the sport.

Bandwidth is affected by many factors. There are some simple tests to determine the approximate bandwidth that a consumer has such as the following site.

http://www.bandwidthplace.com/

I should have mentioned I have no affiliation or relationship with this site or any business entity that it may have.

A simple statement such as if your speed does not meet a specified amount, delivery cannot be guaranteed.

Let's all hope that issues can be solved and all benefit. I would love to see happy customers, profitable providers and sponsors get the advertising they need to increase their sales.

Thanks for your response,

Al

BTW - my download "speed" is 27.52 Mbps and my upload 11.75 Mbps. This is a crude method to determine bandwidth. I use a cable provider. I have had problems with streams but I have traced my issues to my router. I will be replacing it.

Al

Thanks for your support and recognizing our efforts. I wish we could do more, but pool is a very tough way to make a living these days.


You're absolutely right about how things like your router can play havoc on streams. We use VOIP phones, and even thought they use very little bandwidth, packet loss can drive you crazy. Streams are the same way. Just one dirty connection or switch point between the stream broadcasting host and your modem can cause all sorts of issues.

I too hope it all works out. I love to be involved in the streams and I love to watch good pool.


Royce

 

[Bella Don't Cry]

Really?

Why do you think I would say that?

You do know that there is no such thing as free, right? Streams cost money, so it has to come from somewhere.

Streams reach so few people that, from an advertising standpoint, the cost of advertising has to be very low in order for it to have any return. So, there aren't many advertisers putting up big money for streams. Some companies, like us, are willing to take a chance and spend some money on streams, but it doesn't pay off more often than it does. Yet, we still do what we can.

If we all want to be able to log in to watch pool, who else is going to pay for it?

Also, what would my bias be? I have as much to gain by pool growing as anyone.

Royce

Exactly my point. I was playing devils advocate.

Bias - The pool industry is unable to step outside of itself, but other industries are doing it hour by hour. Until Pool takes a real good look at itself from the outside - not much is going to change.

ULTIMATELY - the saying goes - Supply and demand -
Is there really the demand to warrant so many streams in the pool world?
(Asking pool enthusiasts to donate to live Pool streams, is like asking pool enthusiasts to donate to a Pro Pool Player or Pro Tournament - Just can't see it happening on a large enough scale to make any real difference.)

YES - streams cost money. So does cable - but they don't carry the donations tin around with them.

WORK TOGETHER - Supply and demand - Quality not quantity ! :thumb up:

 

[RBC]

Exactly my point. I was playing devils advocate.

Bias - The pool industry is unable to step outside of itself, but other industries are doing it hour by hour. Until Pool takes a real good look at itself from the outside - not much is going to change.

ULTIMATELY - the saying goes - Supply and demand -
Is there really the demand to warrant so many streams in the pool world?
(Asking pool enthusiasts to donate to live Pool streams, is like asking pool enthusiasts to donate to a Pro Pool Player or Pro Tournament - Just can't see it happening on a large enough scale to make any real difference.)

YES - streams cost money. So does cable - but they don't carry the donations tin around with them.

WORK TOGETHER - Supply and demand - Quality not quantity ! :thumb up:

Hey, no problem

So pool should not be on cable, and should not have any streams.

I get it.

The only trouble is this. The ones who want the streams are the ones who aren't willing to pay for them.

You make it sound like the pool industry is making lots of money and doesn't want to give back. It's actually quite the other way around. We keep investing hoping to get a return and often times it doesn't happen. The pool industry is not pool. Pool is pool, and the industry is the smallest part of it.

Royce

 

[Bella Don't Cry]

Hey, no problem

So pool should not be on cable, and should not have any streams.

I get it.

The only trouble is this. The ones who want the streams are the ones who aren't willing to pay for them.

You make it sound like the pool industry is making lots of money and doesn't want to give back. It's actually quite the other way around. We keep investing hoping to get a return and often times it doesn't happen. The pool industry is not pool. Pool is pool, and the industry is the smallest part of it.

Royce

I understand how the pool industry works!
My POV has nothing to do with the 'pool industries' investments or lack of. For some reason you've suggested this?

FACT: The Pool industry and the pool communities have a completely different way of viewing business and opportunities compared to other industries!

FACT: Until Pool (and its Industry) wake up to this fact - it will remain in the 20th Century and not the 21st.

Did you know: Cable companies are offering slots to companies / individuals who are willing to pay a fee which will enable them to screen pre-recorded programs!
What's to gain?
Larger demographics, larger viewing audiences, direct programming to TV (not computers), Technology that works - NO COMMERCIALS unless the pre-recorded show contains commercials...

And that's just what I know. I'm sure others on here know much more!

Unfortunately it is way past my bed-time. Hope we can continue this dialogue tomo :thumb up:

 

[RBC]

I understand how the pool industry works!
My POV has nothing to do with the 'pool industries' investments or lack of. For some reason you've suggested this?

FACT: The Pool industry and the pool communities have a completely different way of viewing business and opportunities compared to other industries!

FACT: Until Pool (and its Industry) wake up to this fact - it will remain in the 20th Century and not the 21st.

Did you know: Cable companies are offering slots to companies / individuals who are willing to pay a fee which will enable them to screen pre-recorded programs!
What's to gain?
Larger demographics, larger viewing audiences, direct programming to TV (not computers), Technology that works - NO COMMERCIALS unless the pre-recorded show contains commercials...

And that's just what I know. I'm sure others on here know much more!

Unfortunately it is way past my bed-time. Hope we can continue this dialogue tomo :thumb up:

I think the place we go different ways is this.

What are succesful opportunities in other industries are often unsuccessful expenditures in the pool industry. The difference is the audience.

If you know of an opportunity that I can both afford and benefit from I'm all ears.

Royce

 

[PINKLADY]

....The only trouble is this. The ones who want the streams are the ones who aren't willing to pay for them.

....We keep investing hoping to get a return and often times it doesn't happen. The pool industry is not pool. Pool is pool, and the industry is the smallest part of it.

Royce

in my furniture industry, "marketing" is taking a new definition. it is no longer feasible to spend $10K-$100K per show, especially when the buyers can't afford to attend and/or they have no credit to order. instead, they are pulling out of the shows & redirecting that savings as promos/discounts for the buyers. they use their team of sales reps & monthly eblasts, which costs them nothing - win/win.

where is the bulk of OB Cues's customer base?

in the 3 halls in my city, none of them televise pool. ever. but they have at least 5 flatscreens showing golf, football, Nascar, news, etc. (and i'm real sure that they have no OB signage.)

what if yáll figured out a way to get the "free streams" into the pool halls & in front of the regulars, who would rather be playing than sitting at home watching & paying? you could multiply your exposure by 20X-50X. while also introducing everyone to the Pros & events (only 10% can barely name 3 pros & 1 is The Black Widow).

discounts & commissions for sales/referrals (with a special code on your signage) wouldn't hurt either.

 

[mcsock]

If there are not enough sponsors to have a free stream by now (streaming pool for at least 9 years)then there will never be. It's a lot easier to have a PPV then going out and beating the bushes for sponsors...but PPV is getting real old for most. Johnnyt

Here on the west coast we have POV. He does have sponsors and streams for free. Daniel is doing a big service to west coast pool. Now with the Mezz-West States ture, thing are headed in a positive direction.

 

[mowermarty]

the ppv systems seem to cause quality issues

It seems that some streams work when free but buffer to much when ppv. Do not know why but when stienway stuff is free less buffering but when ppv buffer, buffer, buffer. Do not mind paying just needs to be watchable. Do not think its my end as it works when free just not when ppv. Maybe more cooks in the kitchen or more different computers involved with the stream broadcast when ppv.. Seems like some time ago fast lenney was posting about ppv systems or some similar problem. Just need to be able to watch it when I pay. If its free can't *****-when its ppv can.

 

[Nostroke]

I understand how the pool industry works!
My POV has nothing to do with the 'pool industries' investments or lack of. For some reason you've suggested this?

FACT: The Pool industry and the pool communities have a completely different way of viewing business and opportunities compared to other industries!

FACT: Until Pool (and its Industry) wake up to this fact - it will remain in the 20th Century and not the 21st.

Did you know: Cable companies are offering slots to companies / individuals who are willing to pay a fee which will enable them to screen pre-recorded programs!
What's to gain?
Larger demographics, larger viewing audiences, direct programming to TV (not computers), Technology that works - NO COMMERCIALS unless the pre-recorded show contains commercials...

And that's just what I know. I'm sure others on here know much more!

Unfortunately it is way past my bed-time. Hope we can continue this dialogue tomo :thumb up:

I hope you will note that no one has an obnoxious font except you.

 

[Johnnyt]

Here on the west coast we have POV. He does have sponsors and streams for free. Daniel is doing a big service to west coast pool. Now with the Mezz-West States ture, thing are headed in a positive direction.

I watch POV often and almost always donate $10-$20. Johnnyt

 

[Bella Don't Cry]

I hope you will note that no one has an obnoxious font except you.

Can you not read it easier? I can Same font, different size and colour. AZ gave me the choice! :thumbup:

 

[Bella Don't Cry]

in my furniture industry, "marketing" is taking a new definition. it is no longer feasible to spend $10K-$100K per show, especially when the buyers can't afford to attend and/or they have no credit to order. instead, they are pulling out of the shows & redirecting that savings as promos/discounts for the buyers. they use their team of sales reps & monthly eblasts, which costs them nothing - win/win.

where is the bulk of OB Cues's customer base?

in the 3 halls in my city, none of them televise pool. ever. but they have at least 5 flatscreens showing golf, football, Nascar, news, etc. (and i'm real sure that they have no OB signage.)

what if yáll figured out a way to get the "free streams" into the pool halls & in front of the regulars, who would rather be playing than sitting at home watching & paying? you could multiply your exposure by 20X-50X. while also introducing everyone to the Pros & events (only 10% can barely name 3 pros & 1 is The Black Widow).

discounts & commissions for sales/referrals (with a special code on your signage) wouldn't hurt either.

And this is just one suggestion :thumbup:

 

[Bella Don't Cry]

Here on the west coast we have POV. He does have sponsors and streams for free. Daniel is doing a big service to west coast pool. Now with the Mezz-West States ture, thing are headed in a positive direction.

Perhaps this working model can be shared to other streamers around the country / world. Maybe they too can benefit? :thumbup:

 

[BeiberLvr]

Here on the west coast we have POV. He does have sponsors and streams for free. Daniel is doing a big service to west coast pool. Now with the Mezz-West States ture, thing are headed in a positive direction.

He streams some matches for free.