When SJM reached 5,000 posts, he took a moment to reflect so I figured I'd do the same at an interesting number. I've picked 2,222 as my personal milestone. I'll try to keep it short.
It is an amazing time we live in. Although pool has taken its lumps in recent years, we can have comfort in the fact that access to information has never been greater. Youtube, rec.sports.billiards, BilliardsDigest.com, cuetable and our beloved azbilliards have made the 21st century promising for pool. Although it is arguable how that will translate for our professionals, it is indisputable that amateurs have gained a fortune.
I've often heard of society as being described as The Great Conversation and how it is our obligation as a generation to make our own contribution to this never ending discussion about each and every aspect of humanity. For us, it is unmistakeably pool but at times, has reached into other topics as well. Such a thing is difficult to avoid since nothing in life is entirely exclusive from everything else. Even though this is a pool forum, every other characteristic that makes up our personalities eventually becomes evident. It's what makes our posts personal, oftentimes funny and occasionally antagonistic. For me, that's okay. I would rather participate in a forum that spoke freely and take a chance at getting offended then go through life walking on eggshells for fear of offending others. In the end, I've always thought that pool players have shown far more tolerance of societal differences than most. Where someone is from means little so long as they can run out.
Afterall, it is great pool that brings us here. One day, we may talk about strategy and shot selection, the next might be about the great things we did or were witness to. Most of my posts have been responses to questions though I would be hesitant to call myself an authority. I simply am the type of person to verbalize more answers then questions. Perhaps a character flaw at times, I do think having confidence in one's opinion is important, especially in a competitive setting. There is no doubt that characteristic permeates my posts but that shouldn't mean I am without questions.
My game has taken leaps and bounds in recent years and there are times it's difficult to attribute it to anything specific. I've even seen improvement during months where I barely played. Some people call this osmosis, a subtle or gradual absorption of information and the only tool outside of actual play that I can refer to is this board. Although I do watch videos and occasionally spend inordinate amounts of time in poolrooms, it is my participation with our own great conversation that gives me shots to try out, things to consider, material to stay motivated.
For all unwritten questions I've had answered and all things I did not consider before, I'd like to say thank you.
It is an amazing time we live in. Although pool has taken its lumps in recent years, we can have comfort in the fact that access to information has never been greater. Youtube, rec.sports.billiards, BilliardsDigest.com, cuetable and our beloved azbilliards have made the 21st century promising for pool. Although it is arguable how that will translate for our professionals, it is indisputable that amateurs have gained a fortune.
I've often heard of society as being described as The Great Conversation and how it is our obligation as a generation to make our own contribution to this never ending discussion about each and every aspect of humanity. For us, it is unmistakeably pool but at times, has reached into other topics as well. Such a thing is difficult to avoid since nothing in life is entirely exclusive from everything else. Even though this is a pool forum, every other characteristic that makes up our personalities eventually becomes evident. It's what makes our posts personal, oftentimes funny and occasionally antagonistic. For me, that's okay. I would rather participate in a forum that spoke freely and take a chance at getting offended then go through life walking on eggshells for fear of offending others. In the end, I've always thought that pool players have shown far more tolerance of societal differences than most. Where someone is from means little so long as they can run out.
Afterall, it is great pool that brings us here. One day, we may talk about strategy and shot selection, the next might be about the great things we did or were witness to. Most of my posts have been responses to questions though I would be hesitant to call myself an authority. I simply am the type of person to verbalize more answers then questions. Perhaps a character flaw at times, I do think having confidence in one's opinion is important, especially in a competitive setting. There is no doubt that characteristic permeates my posts but that shouldn't mean I am without questions.
My game has taken leaps and bounds in recent years and there are times it's difficult to attribute it to anything specific. I've even seen improvement during months where I barely played. Some people call this osmosis, a subtle or gradual absorption of information and the only tool outside of actual play that I can refer to is this board. Although I do watch videos and occasionally spend inordinate amounts of time in poolrooms, it is my participation with our own great conversation that gives me shots to try out, things to consider, material to stay motivated.
For all unwritten questions I've had answered and all things I did not consider before, I'd like to say thank you.
. Here's to many more!