So the question is...
Why is it new people don't try Pool?
Reputation?
Intimidation?
Exposure?
No youth programs?
No beginner's programs?
Too many entertainment choices?
Too hard?
Lack of commitment?
As I'm only 36 years old I missed what was evidently the mecca of pool, in the 70's or 80's or whenever. So for anyone who does know what on this list has changed since then?
Reputation? --- I doubt this has changed.
Intimidation? --- Possibly, as I believe were raising a society of kids who are terrified to fail, maybe trying something new
IN PUBLIC WHERE EVERYONE CAN SEE IF THEY LOSE/FAIL.
Exposure? --- Not sure at all??
No youth programs? --- I doubt there were youth programs "back in the day", but again, I can't say with certainty.
No beginner's programs? --- See above answer
Too many entertainment choices? --- Also a good answer I believe.
Too hard? --- Don't think this can apply for why people don't
try it. Absolutely a reason why people don't stick with it.
Lack of commitment? --- ???
Not directed at your or anyone...
To quote Frank Martin, Head Coach at South Carolina mens basketball:
"You know what makes me sick to my stomach? When I hear grown people say that kids have changed. Kids haven't changed. Kids don't know anything about anything. We've changed as adults. We demand less of kids. We expect less of kids. We make their lives easier instead of preparing them for what life is truly about. We're the ones that have changed."
So, in my opinion, the above quote is why there's less interest in pool. Pool is hard, really freaking hard. We haven't taught (many) kids work ethic. We haven't taught (many) kids that it's ok to fail, moreover, we haven't taught kids that failing is
ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL if you're ever going to succeed. There's much, much more in this area but I digress.
Now, at the ripe old age of 36 I'm under no illusion that I'm, or many my age, are nearly as "tough" as our parents. And, our parents weren't as tough as their parents. And so on and so on.