OK, let me tell you why you're all wrong...

[Floppage]

What do you use as a reference to the state of pool? Pros not being on tv. Pool halls closing. They are completely different entities of the state of pool as a whole. I don't have number but it's seems leagues get larger every year. Seem more products are being created and sold. More companies which means more people being emplyed. Pool is growing every year. Pros have their own issues. Taxes and regulations may be why pool halls close. Or it can be competition of entertainment. Or it can be management. So many reasons why a lot of small businesses go under. Maybe I am wrong but every time I see a new production cue company start up. Make me think pool is doing well.

The evidence is mostly empirical, I admit.

The proof I use is interviews with pro players about tournaments now as opposed to the past. I also keep reading about pool halls closing and plenty of league directors on this very forum trying to change the rules, handicaps, etc. to encourage new players.

The numbers I found online made it sound like Pool brings in about $750 mil. a year. That's for products, pool halls, etc. I'm not sure how accurately those numbers are gathered or reported but if it's even remotely accurate then pool is leaving a lot of money on the table. As I state in the full version of the article, some aspects of pool are actually well position to increase profits. However, what is missing is a smooth road from first-timer to beginner and then to regular player.

I also base my opinion that pool is dying from the messages on this very forum. You might think pool is doing well but from what I've seen it's struggling and there's no good reason for it other than a failure to capitalize on the strengths of this sport.

 

[dardusm]

Interesting article from a fresh perspective. I've been on the side of the experienced player being ignored and thought it was a mistake Those players will always be there and should be noted. I can see your point of bringing in new players and with it new money. Making the game accessible to all should be the goal not grinding the experienced players to dust.

Those "experienced" players have kept the game alive after "new" players weren't there. So just be a little gentle to us dinosaurs because without us the "sport" could go extinct. I've seen it happen all the time in tournament situations. The better players are discouraged in playing because they win most of the time. Eventually, the tournament dies off because it isn't supported by this base and others venture off to the next big thing.

I think it will take an concerted effort to bring in new players with idea's such as yours but don't be short sighted when comes to experienced players and their contributions.

 

[Floppage]

Interesting article from a fresh perspective. I've been on the side of the experienced player being ignored and thought it was a mistake Those players will always be there and should be noted. I can see your point of bringing in new players and with it new money. Making the game accessible to all should be the goal not grinding the experienced players to dust.

Those "experienced" players have kept the game alive after "new" players weren't there. So just be a little gentle to us dinosaurs because without us the "sport" could go extinct. I've seen it happen all the time in tournament situations. The better players are discouraged in playing because they win most of the time. Eventually, the tournament dies off because it isn't supported by this base and others venture off to the next big thing.

I think it will take an concerted effort to bring in new players with idea's such as yours but don't be short sighted when comes to experienced players and their contributions.

I didn't mean to imply that experienced players should be run off entirely. However, the sentiment that beginners should "shut up and pay their dues" is part of what's wrong with pool. To fix it, we (including myself even though I'm new) will need to stand up and tell the hustlers and sharks to knock it off.

Better players will always win more. That's true for every sport. And better players give the new ones something to aspire to so they are actually good for bringing in new people. I think better players seriously underestimate what a little encouragement from them means to beginners. Not just advice or lessons but positive or encouraging comments in general have a way of making even a game you lose a positive experience.

I am grateful to the experienced players in my pool community who have been so supportive. I think we need a lot more of that.

 

[Banks]

I elude, although briefly, at the solution in the full version.

As I see it, the solution is to embrace the concept of billiards communities better. That's a vague statement because it's tough to get a handle on everything that entails. For starters, charity tournaments and handicapped leagues. It would also be nice to see more billiard academies with proven content and courses.

However, on a day to day basis we can all do more to encourage beginners. If you have an opening on your league team consider inviting a beginner even if that means you won't make the playoffs. When you go to a big tournament, encourage other players from your area. How how about the next time you see or hear a jaded, experienced player making fun of or sharking someone new how about just telling them to knock it off.

We all have the ability to make pool more approachable by a new group of players. And yes, the turnover on new players will be high but even if you only get a 5% retention rate that still more new players than you would have had without adopting that strategy.

The fact is that more pool players probably die every year from old age or bodily neglect than new players take up the sport. (no real numbers here, but my observation) So doing nothing to encourage new players is the equivalent of just waiting for pool to go extinct.

You don't have to explain it to me. I began by being asked to join an APA team when I wandered into a bar looking to kill some time, so I understand being the new mediocre player. Earlier this year, I bought 4 Diamond tables to put in the bar I hang out at - only 50c/game - this coming weekend, I'll have 11 total in town in my name, with more in the works. After getting the word out, had a few teams sign up to play there, with another one or two more planning on next session and also started up a small in-house BCA league that would probably have a waiting list.. if I made waiting lists. Last night, the surrounding bars weren't all that busy, but it was where I hang out and most of the people playing had their own cues.

Did I mention that there's also a polisher there if any players want to start off with a shiny set? The bartenders toss em in there on occasion, too. I'm using my own money, probably $100 or so, to add to a tournament for the bar's league members for next Thursday when the regular season has ended. After the playoffs, I've got an idea to start up a new type of tournament - one that I think will be successful and appealing to both strong and weak players. A buddy of mine said I was starting up a small tour. We'll see how it turns out.

Pool isn't dead.

 

[Floppage]

You don't have to explain it to me. I began by being asked to join an APA team when I wandered into a bar looking to kill some time, so I understand being the new mediocre player. Earlier this year, I bought 4 Diamond tables to put in the bar I hang out at - only 50c/game - this coming weekend, I'll have 11 total in town in my name, with more in the works. After getting the word out, had a few teams sign up to play there, with another one or two more planning on next session and also started up a small in-house BCA league that would probably have a waiting list.. if I made waiting lists. Last night, the surrounding bars weren't all that busy, but it was where I hang out and most of the people playing had their own cues.

Did I mention that there's also a polisher there if any players want to start off with a shiny set? The bartenders toss em in there on occasion, too. I'm using my own money, probably $100 or so, to add to a tournament for the bar's league members for next Thursday when the regular season has ended. After the playoffs, I've got an idea to start up a new type of tournament - one that I think will be successful and appealing to both strong and weak players. A buddy of mine said I was starting up a small tour. We'll see how it turns out.

Pool isn't dead.

I think it's great that your community is picking up. I have also enjoyed the benefits of a strong community here in my town. However, I'm not sure that's the experience everywhere else. At least, that isn't what I have been hearing. And the sales numbers being reported nationally don't indicate strong business growth either.

I haven't played in Portland but I got a chance to play in Salem, OR recently and I was impressed by how popular pool was there with a wide range of people including families and teenagers. That's the kind of thing we need everywhere.

I think more tournaments that appeal to a wide range of skill levels is a great idea. I think more could be done to promote the social aspects of pool as well.

 

[dardusm]

I didn't mean to imply that experienced players should be run off entirely. However, the sentiment that beginners should "shut up and pay their dues" is part of what's wrong with pool. To fix it, we (including myself even though I'm new) will need to stand up and tell the hustlers and sharks to knock it off.

Better players will always win more. That's true for every sport. And better players give the new ones something to aspire to so they are actually good for bringing in new people. I think better players seriously underestimate what a little encouragement from them means to beginners. Not just advice or lessons but positive or encouraging comments in general have a way of making even a game you lose a positive experience.

I am grateful to the experienced players in my pool community who have been so supportive. I think we need a lot more of that.

I agree with you that it needs to be a community. But, there will probably always be an a seedier side to the game. It's just human nature. If you were to ask me 30 years ago, when I was starting out in the game, if I would want my kids to play, I would have said no. This was before the Color of Money and I remember the "hustlers" would be all in the bathroom taking crank so that they could stay awake and gamble. For me, it has always been about the game and competition. Pool was almost dead at the time with very few places to play. Color of Money came out and the game was in vogue.

Fast forward today, the game is losing numbers from previous years. But, ask me the same question if I were to have kids would I let them play? Yes, because the outlet is more about the game as a sport, leagues, tournaments, than gambling. I'm not sure of my point other than the problem of pool is complex. You can search this forum for tons of excellent idea's to improve the game.

Your idea of having the game much more family friendly has been tried in the past. The name pocket billiards was created because pool held a negative connotation. Several rooms were opened and geared towards the family. No alcohol, clean environment, etc. When was this? After the movie the Hustler came out, and the industry wanted to clean up the game. What happened? Pool had a revival for years and then rooms to began to close and the game died. It's a cycle.

 

[miscrewed89]

Nice article. I can't say I agree 100% with all of your points, but it was nicely written.
For me to give valid arguments would probably take an article of the same length as yours so I will try to touch on just one point.

I have raised 3 boys who are all in their 20s now and two of them have a child of their own. My girlfriend has 4 boys, one aged 16, lives with us while the rest are grown. I make this point only because there is something that has stayed constant throughout the last couple of decades and even before. That is video games and electronic gadgets. Nothing has captured the attention of youngsters from mere months of age and up more than electronics! Along with that something I noticed years back was having a family movie night was almost a dreaded event until... the purchase of a big screen TV and a surround sound system which would shake the entire house! After that, movie night was a much anticipated evening and if the movie was a flop, we still watched it through to the end because the environment we had created made it enjoyable. What does this have to do with pool? "The Hustler," "The Color of Money," "Pool Hall Junkies," and the upcoming series, "American Road Player" with Scooter Goodman; the glorification of the "dark side" of pool. This what attracts the youth in the first place. How many kids sit and watch the Golf Channel with commentator whispering, the crowd silent, players down on 1 knee deciphering the infinite possibilities of their upcoming shot, bla bla bla... by the same token, would they be interested in sitting and watching an entire tournament match between SVB and Johnny Archer? Doubtful at best, but put something intriguing in front of them such as hustlers risking it all on one game of 9ball or a proposition shot, or running out of money and playing a set with nothing to bet but 2 of their fingers. That kind of stuff will grab their attention! That will get them in the door! That will get them to spend some of that "new money" on a cue! And when they get in the door and meet one of the "jaded" hustlers of yesteryear, they learn that it wasn't just a movie, it really existed! The stories and the nostalgia of those old "jaded" guys keeps them coming back as well. Will they spend money on lessons? Maybe, but as someone posted earlier, experience is the ultimate teacher! Pay for all the lessons you want, do all the drills you want, NO ONE can teach you how to handle the pressure of being "in the box!" That, my friend, can only be learned through experience.

Pool may need an overhaul, as you suggest, but it also needs to keep its "dark side" around to retain its depth and clarity. Even golf has a dark side very similar to pool!

 

[Jaden]

You miss the point...

the pool academy when i was learning to play was the 3 dollar game with a player better than you. you received help from better players by demonstrating your grit and determination to be a better pool player and by also just sitting and watching the better players play. you also learned what to do and not to do from the rail birds as they commented on the games played.

i have nothing against schools, videos, and such if that is how you or anybody else wants to "learn" the game but nothing and i mean nothing teaches a player who wants to get better than having your hat handed to you in an atmosphere that is often times highly critical of the loser. it maybe unpopular in today's society that wants and expects immediate gratification but that is not the nature of pool. it can be a very difficult game.

about "the grinding into dust" the players and aspects of the game that you deem undesirable or 'bad' for the game; remember these aspects of the game diehard because of the way the players learned a game they truly love.

That's how you get people who are committed to getting better to get better.

That's also how you lose the majority who MIGHT want to get better but end up quitting much earlier than they probably otherwise would have.

We don't need more die hard pool players....We need MORE pool players.

We need more players who will be interested in the game and watching the real players.

Making them learn by watching better players and LOSING to better players without any assistance is just a way to LOSE potential players...

Jaden

 

[Celophanewrap]

Good article. I enjoyed it and I see a fresh perspective, though in my opinion somewhat flawed. The article appeared to me as though it was written by an observer, someone on the outside called in as sort of a consultant without any real knowledge of the game or the experience to recognize the many traps and pit falls that one may encounter if they simply accepted this method and went with it. In "Pooltopia" where the sun is always bright all the tables are level, there is no sandbagging, and no bad action, that's where we have hope for a bright future. The modern pool world is a little different. It's fraught with darkness and peril where far to few seek to make the difference the OP implies in the article.
Good ideas, but perhaps somewhere between Pooltopia and Pool Real World is a more realistic spot to begin, and realize that pool will always have it's dark side, it has a certain charm, colorful characters that are named after a city or a body part and I believe we need those things, pool needs those things.Without them pool would be a vanilla activity with argyle socks and sweater vests, but there is plenty of room for the sunlight that we so desperately need.
Best of luck, go get 'em!

 

[philly]

Well Floppage, looks like you might have gotten more than you bargained for but the give and take is what the forum is about. Really liked your articles. Read both of them. Very well written. I'll say it again. Spend time in a poolroom watching and playing the better players. If your a regular guy you will eventually be welcomed. It's a great fraternity in the poolrooms. It's rare for a player to achieve A status playing in bars or in their game room at home.

 

[Floppage]

Well Floppage, looks like you might have gotten more than you bargained for but the give and take is what the forum is about. Really liked your articles. Read both of them. Very well written. I'll say it again. Spend time in a poolroom watching and playing the better players. If your a regular guy you will eventually be welcomed. It's a great fraternity in the poolrooms. It's rare for a player to achieve A status playing in bars or in their game room at home.

Thanks. I had a feeling I would get mixed reactions. However, to resent the diversity of opinions in pool would also mean ignoring one of its strengths.

I have been welcomed a lot so far both in my local pool community and in this one. I don't doubt that pool already has the people it needs to be successful. I would just to add a couple (million) more to the party.

I do appreciate the feedback from everyone.

 

[Floppage]

Good article. I enjoyed it and I see a fresh perspective, though in my opinion somewhat flawed. The article appeared to me as though it was written by an observer, someone on the outside called in as sort of a consultant without any real knowledge of the game or the experience to recognize the many traps and pit falls that one may encounter if they simply accepted this method and went with it. In "Pooltopia" where the sun is always bright all the tables are level, there is no sandbagging, and no bad action, that's where we have hope for a bright future. The modern pool world is a little different. It's fraught with darkness and peril where far to few seek to make the difference the OP implies in the article.
Good ideas, but perhaps somewhere between Pooltopia and Pool Real World is a more realistic spot to begin, and realize that pool will always have it's dark side, it has a certain charm, colorful characters that are named after a city or a body part and I believe we need those things, pool needs those things.Without them pool would be a vanilla activity with argyle socks and sweater vests, but there is plenty of room for the sunlight that we so desperately need.
Best of luck, go get 'em!

I do understand the appeal of the dark side of pool and both you and miscrewed89 had made that point well.

I don't think I or anyone else could cleanse pool completely. In my opinion though, dark side neither has to be encouraged or fostered. It's a part of pool and always will be as far as I can tell.

I will do my best to leave the argyle socks and sweater vests at home. ;-)

 

[Neil]

Your article started out good, then I feel it went south. You started going south when you complained about the lesser players going two and out in a tournament. Well, that's competition! What's the point of any competition where the lesser player wins over the better, seasoned player??

Then, you go on about the equipment. Well, that money is not going to be coming back into the pro players very much. There just isn't that much there. There isn't that much there, because there simply is no need for much equipment to play well. Don't even need to buy a cue, can use one off the wall.

You feel that things would change with "new blood". Well, I feel you are right, but you are also very wrong. Look no farther than the APA. Their goal was and still is to bring in new blood constantly. They have far more players than there are non-league players. Yet, just what has this new blood done for pool?? Most don't even know who any pros are, or even care about any pro tour.

And, we all know, that if money ever does come into this game, it will be to the pros, not the amateurs. So, what have the leagues done, now that they have grown so large, other than basically ensure that so many pool rooms are now shut down. They are shut down because all that is left is the new blood. Most of those that really wanted to get better have been shown the door. Where will these pros for a pro tour come from when the "new blood" way is kicking them out one by one??

New blood is larger today than ever before, yet we have the decline that we do have.

Look no further than todays crop of up and coming pros. 50 states, millions and millions of people, and we have what, maybe less than one dozen players trying to go pro? And, every one of those are the road players that you state have ruined the game for the beginners.

In all the other sports, there seems to be a goal to attain. A reason to get better. In pool, it is just the opposite. For the most part, beginners are frowned upon getting better, because it will hurt their team.

You want to improve pool? Then first off, get rid of the team concept that is rampant among beginners. Pool is an individual sport. Second, get rid of max team handicaps so people have a reason to improve instead of a large reason not to improve.

 

[miscrewed89]

I do understand the appeal of the dark side of pool and both you and miscrewed89 had made that point well.

I don't think I or anyone else could cleanse pool completely. In my opinion though, dark side neither has to be encouraged or fostered. It's a part of pool and always will be as far as I can tell.

I will do my best to leave the argyle socks and sweater vests at home. ;-)

Part of the point I was trying to make is that pool does not need a cleansing. The "dark side," the "bad element," has to remain to keep it rounded. All sports have that side. If it were not for the gambling aspect, football, basketball, baseball, would not have the viewership and following they have now. That side is only considered a "dark" because society has decided to deem it so. It should be embraced as a necessary element for survival.

I will use New Orleans as an example. Lacy's Cue in Chalmette... epic poolroom! 34 Diamond tables, in a former bowling alley transformed into one of the most beautiful (if the most) poolrooms in the country. Non smoking, family friendly atmosphere with numerous tournaments and also a league night. Open from 2pm-2am. It's a ghost town on any night when there is no tournament. The tournaments started out strong and have since dwindled to a mere 20something field for a $2000 added 9 ball open.
Now, let's go up the road to Metairie and check out Buffalo's Billiards... This place has been here awhile, obviously. Bare minimum of necessities, dark, dank, smoky, concrete block walls in a part of town where I wouldn't want to have to walk any farther than my car after dark, and even then it can be spooky. They have a couple tournaments a month with no big hype or advertisement, they just do it. But what is the place most known for? ACTION!! I have been in there on every night of the week and there has always been something going on. They are open 24/7, and I've seen action at 8 o'clock in the morning. Are they always busy? No, but there is always someone there and at times finding a seat (much less a table on which to play) is all but impossible. On any given day one can find players in Buffalo's who may have only been seen on TV. The place is a "spot" and it flourishes!

People are intrigued by the "dark side." It draws them in. It doesn't have to be the "dark side," it's pool. Even those who don't gamble will sit and watch 2 world class players going head to head for large amounts of cash (standing room only at Buffalo last week for Danny Smith vs. Josh Roberts, one pocket). Embrace it! It is what it is! I'm not saying let's teach our kids to gamble on pool, but if they learn to play, and have an interest when they get older, don't condemn them for their passion. Nourish it and help them to do it in a responsible way. Yes, the hustlers and sharks will always be out there, but educating new players on how to handle themselves in "shark infested waters" is a far better solution than ignoring the fact that the water is indeed, shark infested.

 

[Floppage]

Part of the point I was trying to make is that pool does not need a cleansing. The "dark side," the "bad element," has to remain to keep it rounded. All sports have that side. If it were not for the gambling aspect, football, basketball, baseball, would not have the viewership and following they have now. That side is only considered a "dark" because society has decided to deem it so. It should be embraced as a necessary element for survival.

I will use New Orleans as an example. Lacy's Cue in Chalmette... epic poolroom! 34 Diamond tables, in a former bowling alley transformed into one of the most beautiful (if the most) poolrooms in the country. Non smoking, family friendly atmosphere with numerous tournaments and also a league night. Open from 2pm-2am. It's a ghost town on any night when there is no tournament. The tournaments started out strong and have since dwindled to a mere 20something field for a $2000 added 9 ball open.
Now, let's go up the road to Metairie and check out Buffalo's Billiards... This place has been here awhile, obviously. Bare minimum of necessities, dark, dank, smoky, concrete block walls in a part of town where I wouldn't want to have to walk any farther than my car after dark, and even then it can be spooky. They have a couple tournaments a month with no big hype or advertisement, they just do it. But what is the place most known for? ACTION!! I have been in there on every night of the week and there has always been something going on. They are open 24/7, and I've seen action at 8 o'clock in the morning. Are they always busy? No, but there is always someone there and at times finding a seat (much less a table on which to play) is all but impossible. On any given day one can find players in Buffalo's who may have only been seen on TV. The place is a "spot" and it flourishes!

People are intrigued by the "dark side." It draws them in. It doesn't have to be the "dark side," it's pool. Even those who don't gamble will sit and watch 2 world class players going head to head for large amounts of cash (standing room only at Buffalo last week for Danny Smith vs. Josh Roberts, one pocket). Embrace it! It is what it is! I'm not saying let's teach our kids to gamble on pool, but if they learn to play, and have an interest when they get older, don't condemn them for their passion. Nourish it and help them to do it in a responsible way. Yes, the hustlers and sharks will always be out there, but educating new players on how to handle themselves in "shark infested waters" is a far better solution than ignoring the fact that the water is indeed, shark infested.

I think there is room in pool for both Lacy's and Buffalo Billiards.

I disagree that the action or "dark side" should be encouraged. You don't have to encourage people to gamble. They will do that all on their own without any encouragement.

What I'd like to see in addition to that world is a side to pool with teen leagues after school, more league teams from different professional groups, a pool tournament to raise money for a local charity and in-house leagues that are more about helping beginners feel welcome then a payout for the winning teams.

I think the current business model for pool is as good as its ever going to get. There is a certain percentage of people who will keep it going and it can probably sustain some basic cycles of improvement and decline as popular culture takes notice.

However, the current market for the "dark side" seems pretty well tapped. If it wants a bigger piece of the sports and hobby pie it will need to market to a wider audience. Just as there were runners who resented the charity 5k races and golfers who didn't like the women's leagues, pool will have the hustlers and sharks who resent the steps taken to cater to beginners. And not all pool halls or bars will choose to do that for exactly that reason.

Most people don't watch golf on television because of the money the players make. They watch because they also play on weekends and they are interested in seeing the players who do it so much better. Most non-pool players do not watch tournaments and aren't about to start no matter how much time it gets on ESPN or how much money is on the line. Want them to watch? Get them to play.

And that "dark side" of pool is exactly like the "hard core" side of running that the industry finally had to start discouraging in the 80's. It didn't run the hard core, extreme runners off but it learned to cater to the couch to 5k and bucket list marathon crowd. The result was a warm and fuzzy version of running that has turned it into a billions in profit for those involved. When I ran the Boston Marathon in 2009, it was estimated that half a million people stood along the course and cheered on the runners. That's not because running is fun to watch or because there was a lot of money on the line. Its because running figured out something that pool still hasn't. A sport that embraces it's community is embraced by its community.

Our communities have friends and families that could learn to love pool. They would spend their hard earned money learning and playing and their time watching the pro tournaments. They would buy better cues and pocket chalk and all the other things manufacturers might sell and in turn hopefully use those profits to sponsor pro players and improve tournament payouts.

Then again, maybe that's not what the people in pool want. Maybe the "dark side" is the only thing desired for pool. If so, that's fine. I will keep playing regardless of how much money pool leaves on the table so it can remain edgy.

 

[Floppage]

Examples

I think maybe what is missed here has been real world examples of what I am talking about on a day-to-day basis. Not at the league, tournament or manufacturing level but as players. The following two stories represent recent activities in leagues that I witnessed first hand.

Example 1:

A local company held a team building workshop at the billiards academy in town and had so much fun they decided to form a 9-ball team in a local in-house league at a sports bar. All of the players were "C" players and didn't have a lot of experience beyond the team building event.

A young lady on the team broke and didn't make a legal break (only one ball hit a rail). Rather than re-rack and re-break her opponent just smiled, looked at it and said quietly "Ah, soft break, huh? Good defense. Next time a bit harder though to get 4 balls to hit a rail, ok?" and proceeded to play the table as it was. After a pretty good run the more experienced player hung the 9 and the young "C" player pocketed the ball and won the game. The more experienced player replied "got to love 9-ball...nice shot" and sat down smiling.

Example 2:

A "C" player breaks and apparently hits the second ball as opposed to the apex ball. No one saw it for sure but "it looked funny" to the more experienced opponent. So the advanced player, re-racks, says "got to hit the 1 ball next time, big guy" and proceeds to break and run but rattles the "C" player's spot (handicap ball) in the corner. The "C" player stands up and calls the spot (requirement in the league) to which the experienced player replies loudly with "Ya' think?". The ball is pocketed and as the "C" player turns to shake hands, is greeted with "it's not like you did anything".

I'm not saying you should just hand a game to a beginning player. However, being bad losers is just one example of how some players can create a negative image for pool and an experience for new players that makes them second guess spending time or money on it.

I'm not suggesting that we turn pool into Disneyland. And for most of us that don't run leagues, give lessons or manufacture billiards related equipment there may not seem like much we can do directly. However, creating a community that welcomes and encourages beginners isn't about ruining what you love about pool already. It's about taking a minute and trying to remember what it was like to be a beginner and regardless of how difficult that path may have been for you choosing to help smooth that path for someone else.

In my (no so humble) opinion, that's the way to save pool. That's how we can all make it a stronger sport. More people who want to play will bring more diversity, more players of all levels and for those who make a living doing this more money. Maybe we'll get more pool halls or at least more tables at the bars than there are already. Maybe we'll get to see players like Shane and Earl who work so hard actually get real sponsorship money. Who knows for sure. Regardless of whether or not there is something in it for you, it's a fairly small change to make in the way you approach the game.

 

[CJ Wiley]

Big media makes a big difference, that's been proven time and time again.

That's a good point, Pool must be on TV to be successful in a format that's entertaining. The problem is with the rules, and the lack of expertise in marketing, advertising and TV production in the last 14 years.

I was involved in the production (PCA) of several ESPN Events and privately funded several others and it made a HUGE DIFFERENCE. I couldn't walk through an airport unrecognized and as a result of my TV Exposure when on to generate over $50 Million in Pool oriented businesses.

Big media makes a big difference, that's been proven time and time again.

I used to be a competitive distance runner. Payouts for that are worse than pool precisely because it isn't on tv.

.

 

[Banks]

I still fail to see any solution in what you've written.

Let me see if I got the gist of it..

1. More new players
2. Be nice to new players

Don't get me wrong, I agree that it's best to welcome people into things so that they enjoy it, but that doesn't make something profitable/successful on its own.

 

[Floppage]

I still fail to see any solution in what you've written.

Let me see if I got the gist of it..

1. More new players
2. Be nice to new players

Don't get me wrong, I agree that it's best to welcome people into things so that they enjoy it, but that doesn't make something profitable/successful on its own.

To be most specific:

1. More charity tournaments targeting beginners and first timers. Less emphasis on payouts and more on creating a fun environment.

2. Engage the corporate world more with events intended to attract more professionals.

3. More visibility in community events.

4. Create leagues that appeal to other segments of the population. (teens, soccer moms, etc.)

5. Better mix of playing levels on existing league teams.

6. Bars and pool halls being ready for first timers with equipment and friendly help getting started.

I could go on but some of that needs to be worked out by the league and tournament directors, billiards instructors, etc. The examples of the running and golf industries in my article still apply. When I first got back into distance running the local running store helped me find the right shoes, got me in contact with the local running club, told me about upcoming races, etc. When I first got into golf the club pro gave me a free lesson, they helped me find some inexpensive clubs to play with and find some other players at my level to meet up with on a weekend to play. The same with tennis and about any other recreational sport. They had processes and infrastructure in place to capitalize on my interest. They had instructors to teach me more if I wanted, demo days to try out new equipment and the manufacturers went out of their way to be accessible. When I did start going to events they were quick to welcome first-timers. And as a result I spent considerable time and money and I'm sure you can find others who have as well.

I got lucky and found a lot of support and a billiards academy with an established curriculum in my area. What I was surprised to find out was that the same could not be said for other areas. I am sure some of the people reading this also come from supportive communities. It would be great if there was more of that and if those areas were more aware of the importance of that community to new players.

 

[Banks]

To be most specific:

1. More charity tournaments targeting beginners and first timers. Less emphasis on payouts and more on creating a fun environment.

Takes a lot of money and coordination to do something like that. How exactly do you target beginners and first timers? That parts the trickiest of all. The funding's easy in comparison.

2. Engage the corporate world more with events intended to attract more professionals.

Same as above.. money, coordination, etc.

3. More visibility in community events.

Same again.. who does all of these things? Who benefits? When a pool hall is barely making anything, what can they do that's visible?

4. Create leagues that appeal to other segments of the population. (teens, soccer moms, etc.)

Places try to start up in-house leagues. They're kinda meh. APA is kind of close for the random folk. Again, just broad "what ifs" without anything at all to suggest how they could work or be profitable.

5. Better mix of playing levels on existing league teams.

One more time.. how?? Are you going to come up with a better system than the APA?

6. Bars and pool halls being ready for first timers with equipment and friendly help getting started.

Most bars don't care, nor could many employees explain the right rules. They've already got their hands full with orders, drinkers, etc. Some pool halls may be able to help, but half of the people out there couldn't give helpful advice if their lives depended on it.

Sorry, man, but I really don't see anything more than.. "this is what they should do and it would be awesome." There's nothing of substance to explain how it could happen, how it could be sustainable and why it would benefit all involved. Once you have to balance out the bottom line, it changes a lot.