$200 for a billiard university diploma!!

[sfleinen]

Hisboyelroy,

Man, dude you have spazzed out to the nth degree.

I have briefly looked at Billiard University. I think its an awesome thing. I love pool I would like a credential of some kind. I would like to teach students an since there aren't many students paying a ton of money for a PBIA credential seems way out of line for me.

I would also like to obtain the holy grail of stellar cue ball control so I plan on taking the course when I retire and have time to finish it.

The fact that you pay $200 for the credential to belong the Billiard University Club means one thing to me.

It means you appreciate the efforts of the people who cared enough about the game to make a credential that is attainable financially by just about anyone. I personally don't want so spend the thousands for be a certified PBIA guy.

So there is a lot of good here if you know more about what is out there available as a credential. Lighten up and enjoy. Pool is supposed to be fun.

Couldn't agree more. In fact, I think the underlying thrust behind the OP's thread might be to indirectly boost e.g. CJ's TOI at the expense of the more traditional approaches for pool education. (The OP is a known TOI evangelist -- sort of a door-to-door WatchTOIwer salesman.)

Different folks have different ways of bringing their pool-to-the-masses message, see post #15 above.

-Sean

 

[West Point 1987]

Leagues in England are rarely handicapped. Are they usually handicapped in the US then?

Most of the amateur leagues are. They arguement for handicaps is that it generates more novice players, thus increases revenue for the league franchise owners. I loved playing in non-handicapped leagues in Europe (Cyprus). Having seen both, I prefer the non-handicapped leagues, they are a blast and even novices love them, no lack of interest.

 

[Icon of Sin]

Leagues in England are rarely handicapped. Are they usually handicapped in the US then?

Yeah, handicapped here... skill levels and bastardizations of the rules to try to make it fair for everyone. Usually just ends up making it easier for people to cheat the system.

 

[krupa]

I'm a bit confused. I wish someone would help me out. What is Billiard University? Can I see it or touch it or taste it in some way? Is there any other way I can perceive what it could possibly be? Can someone describe this entity to me In a way where I could have just a fasmile of recognition of it's existence?

Maybe it's me but I just can't seem to get a grasp of this concept of a Billiard University. I've visited www.billiarduniversity.org and it still doesn't help. There's only 5 things you can do over there. 1) You can learn about an instructional weekend that's going to be held in July of 2014 by 3 instructors from ( billiard university?). They call it (billiard university?) boot camp. It's 17 hours of instruction over a 3 day weekend. Tuition is $850. Most universities provide more than 17 hours of instruction a year. I'm stll confused.

2) You can purchase up to 5 instructional videos from instructors at (billiard university?) Well...that's an online store. It's not a university. Accuu Stats doesn't call itself a university. At least I don't think it does. I'm remaining confused!

3) You can access just about everything Dr. Dave has published for free about pool. I've benefitted some by reading Dr.Dave and when he sits down at his typewriter he sure does bring an energy and drive with him that produces a startlingly large amount of information and explanations; nevertheless, Dave strikes me as a humble guy and he certainly wouldn't be the type of guy who would think to himself, "Inside my mind there exists a university! .........confusion reigns!

4) Well; then there's the test. There's all kinds of info about the test. There's an under view, an overview, a middleview. Basically, by far, most of the subject matter at the site is about the test and after all the preview matter is read, instruction is given on how to actually take the test....A test is not a university. They don't call the PAT a university. They all it the pool assessment test....I just can't shake this confusion!

While still on the subject of the test...They now start talking about how results from the test could make a taker eligible to apply for a diploma from (Billiard University??) Depending on the score one could obtain a bachelor's degree, a masters degree, a masters degree with honors, or a doctorate. From the low score needed to obtain a bachelors degree it looks like the only person who woudn't qualify would be someone with casts on both arms who has to shoot holding the cue between his toes!

So now, they start talking about the cost of a diploma from (Billiard University???)
You have to send in a tape of yourself to Randy. He's the Registraar of (Billiard University????) Randy officially confirms the score.

If a tester qualifies for a (Billiard University?????) diploma, there are 3 options. The recipient can choose to pay $200 and have a diploma with fancy ass paper sent to them, they can pay $175 and have it maid to them in a PDF file which can then be copied, or they can choose to have no diploma, but have their degree accomplishment listed on the (Billiard University??????) site for $150.

Well; seems some folks have already obtained degrees and their names are listed: fifteen in all. 5 of them are (Billiard University???????) instructors. ( I'll get to that) It's logical to assume the other 10 members are family members of the instructors.

5) Ok; now to the faculty of (Billiard University????????). Dr. Dave Is the Dean. He's the founder of (Billiard University?????????) along with Randy the Registraar. There are 6 professors. I don't want to list all their names but they're some of the most well known instructors and writers in the pool industry.

Below them are the assistant professors of (Billiard University??????????) There's about 8 of them and a few big names there too. Below them on the totem pole are several contributing instructors.

The point of all this is; all of you can go over to the site and see for yourself what I just described. The reason I described detail by detail what I saw is to explain that no where over there did I ever pick up a clue as to what the hell (Billiard University????????????) is or where it is or how it exists as an entity in any way, shape, or form. OH YEAH! I FORGOT TO TELL YA! THERE'S A WHOLE BIG SECTION THAT EXPLAINS THAT THE PROFESSORS, THE ASSISTANT PROFESSORS, AND THE CONTRIBUTING PROFESSORS ALL GET TO SHARE IN THE PROFITS TAKEN IN FROM THE SALE OF DIPLOMAS!

So; as I said, I'm confused. I really can't understand why some of the biggest names among American pool instructors are trying to profit by selling diplomas costing $150 to $200 dollars from a university that doesn't exist. As I said before, maybe it's me. If Billiard University really exists, please help me find it; and please tell others too, because as of right now, I doubt there's a single person other than instructors, or family members and friends of instructors who have obtained a so-called diploma.

It must be a rude awakening when you think everyone else in the pool community other than yourselves is stupid and you're proved wrong!!!

I wouldn't know... is it? I read the BU website and picked up on what they were doing right away.

I also saw all the free stuff they were putting out.

If you're a banger with no real pool scene in your town (like me) but still want to improve (like me), you need to know where you are and where you need to get to. If you don't have regular access to an instructor, the BU materials are great for self-study.

You're living in the dark ages if you don't know that many highly reputable universities have been putting classes online for years. Khan Academy offers free online courses in a variety of subjects. What's so shocking about people doing it for pool?

 

[Nostroke]

I'm a bit confused. I wish someone would help me out. What is Billiard University? Can I see it or touch it or taste it in some way? Is there any other way I can perceive what it could possibly be? Can someone describe this entity to me In a way where I could have just a fasmile of recognition of it's existence?

Maybe it's me but I just can't seem to get a grasp of this concept of a Billiard University. I've visited www.billiarduniversity.org and it still doesn't help. There's only 5 things you can do over there. 1) You can learn about an instructional weekend that's going to be held in July of 2014 by 3 instructors from ( billiard university?). They call it (billiard university?) boot camp. It's 17 hours of instruction over a 3 day weekend. Tuition is $850. Most universities provide more than 17 hours of instruction a year. I'm stll confused.

2) You can purchase up to 5 instructional videos from instructors at (billiard university?) Well...that's an online store. It's not a university. Accuu Stats doesn't call itself a university. At least I don't think it does. I'm remaining confused!

3) You can access just about everything Dr. Dave has published for free about pool. I've benefitted some by reading Dr.Dave and when he sits down at his typewriter he sure does bring an energy and drive with him that produces a startlingly large amount of information and explanations; nevertheless, Dave strikes me as a humble guy and he certainly wouldn't be the type of guy who would think to himself, "Inside my mind there exists a university! .........confusion reigns!

4) Well; then there's the test. There's all kinds of info about the test. There's an under view, an overview, a middleview. Basically, by far, most of the subject matter at the site is about the test and after all the preview matter is read, instruction is given on how to actually take the test....A test is not a university. They don't call the PAT a university. They all it the pool assessment test....I just can't shake this confusion!

While still on the subject of the test...They now start talking about how results from the test could make a taker eligible to apply for a diploma from (Billiard University??) Depending on the score one could obtain a bachelor's degree, a masters degree, a masters degree with honors, or a doctorate. From the low score needed to obtain a bachelors degree it looks like the only person who woudn't qualify would be someone with casts on both arms who has to shoot holding the cue between his toes!

So now, they start talking about the cost of a diploma from (Billiard University???)
You have to send in a tape of yourself to Randy. He's the Registraar of (Billiard University????) Randy officially confirms the score.

If a tester qualifies for a (Billiard University?????) diploma, there are 3 options. The recipient can choose to pay $200 and have a diploma with fancy ass paper sent to them, they can pay $175 and have it maid to them in a PDF file which can then be copied, or they can choose to have no diploma, but have their degree accomplishment listed on the (Billiard University??????) site for $150.

Well; seems some folks have already obtained degrees and their names are listed: fifteen in all. 5 of them are (Billiard University???????) instructors. ( I'll get to that) It's logical to assume the other 10 members are family members of the instructors.

5) Ok; now to the faculty of (Billiard University????????). Dr. Dave Is the Dean. He's the founder of (Billiard University?????????) along with Randy the Registraar. There are 6 professors. I don't want to list all their names but they're some of the most well known instructors and writers in the pool industry.

Below them are the assistant professors of (Billiard University??????????) There's about 8 of them and a few big names there too. Below them on the totem pole are several contributing instructors.

The point of all this is; all of you can go over to the site and see for yourself what I just described. The reason I described detail by detail what I saw is to explain that no where over there did I ever pick up a clue as to what the hell (Billiard University????????????) is or where it is or how it exists as an entity in any way, shape, or form. OH YEAH! I FORGOT TO TELL YA! THERE'S A WHOLE BIG SECTION THAT EXPLAINS THAT THE PROFESSORS, THE ASSISTANT PROFESSORS, AND THE CONTRIBUTING PROFESSORS ALL GET TO SHARE IN THE PROFITS TAKEN IN FROM THE SALE OF DIPLOMAS!

So; as I said, I'm confused. I really can't understand why some of the biggest names among American pool instructors are trying to profit by selling diplomas costing $150 to $200 dollars from a university that doesn't exist. As I said before, maybe it's me. If Billiard University really exists, please help me find it; and please tell others too, because as of right now, I doubt there's a single person other than instructors, or family members and friends of instructors who have obtained a so-called diploma.

It must be a rude awakening when you think everyone else in the pool community other than yourselves is stupid and you're proved wrong!!!

This is such a terribly important issue isnt it? Really dude, get a life.

 

[Neil]

All I'm going to say Elroy, is that you obviously didn't read the site very well at all, and the diplomas, which help set up a national ranking system, would be of no use to someone like you that never leaves the house.

 

[Mr. Bond]

The original Latin word "universitas" refers in general to "a number of persons associated into one body, a society, company, community, guild, corporation, etc."

The word "university" is derived from the Latin universitas magistrorum et scholarium, which roughly means "community of teachers and scholars."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University

 

[TheNewSharkster]

I'm a bit confused. I wish someone would help me out. What is Billiard University? Can I see it or touch it or taste it in some way? Is there any other way I can perceive what it could possibly be? Can someone describe this entity to me In a way where I could have just a fasmile of recognition of it's existence?

Maybe it's me but I just can't seem to get a grasp of this concept of a Billiard University. I've visited www.billiarduniversity.org and it still doesn't help. There's only 5 things you can do over there. 1) You can learn about an instructional weekend that's going to be held in July of 2014 by 3 instructors from ( billiard university?). They call it (billiard university?) boot camp. It's 17 hours of instruction over a 3 day weekend. Tuition is $850. Most universities provide more than 17 hours of instruction a year. I'm stll confused.

2) You can purchase up to 5 instructional videos from instructors at (billiard university?) Well...that's an online store. It's not a university. Accuu Stats doesn't call itself a university. At least I don't think it does. I'm remaining confused!

3) You can access just about everything Dr. Dave has published for free about pool. I've benefitted some by reading Dr.Dave and when he sits down at his typewriter he sure does bring an energy and drive with him that produces a startlingly large amount of information and explanations; nevertheless, Dave strikes me as a humble guy and he certainly wouldn't be the type of guy who would think to himself, "Inside my mind there exists a university! .........confusion reigns!

4) Well; then there's the test. There's all kinds of info about the test. There's an under view, an overview, a middleview. Basically, by far, most of the subject matter at the site is about the test and after all the preview matter is read, instruction is given on how to actually take the test....A test is not a university. They don't call the PAT a university. They all it the pool assessment test....I just can't shake this confusion!

While still on the subject of the test...They now start talking about how results from the test could make a taker eligible to apply for a diploma from (Billiard University??) Depending on the score one could obtain a bachelor's degree, a masters degree, a masters degree with honors, or a doctorate. From the low score needed to obtain a bachelors degree it looks like the only person who woudn't qualify would be someone with casts on both arms who has to shoot holding the cue between his toes!

So now, they start talking about the cost of a diploma from (Billiard University???)
You have to send in a tape of yourself to Randy. He's the Registraar of (Billiard University????) Randy officially confirms the score.

If a tester qualifies for a (Billiard University?????) diploma, there are 3 options. The recipient can choose to pay $200 and have a diploma with fancy ass paper sent to them, they can pay $175 and have it maid to them in a PDF file which can then be copied, or they can choose to have no diploma, but have their degree accomplishment listed on the (Billiard University??????) site for $150.

Well; seems some folks have already obtained degrees and their names are listed: fifteen in all. 5 of them are (Billiard University???????) instructors. ( I'll get to that) It's logical to assume the other 10 members are family members of the instructors.

5) Ok; now to the faculty of (Billiard University????????). Dr. Dave Is the Dean. He's the founder of (Billiard University?????????) along with Randy the Registraar. There are 6 professors. I don't want to list all their names but they're some of the most well known instructors and writers in the pool industry.

Below them are the assistant professors of (Billiard University??????????) There's about 8 of them and a few big names there too. Below them on the totem pole are several contributing instructors.

The point of all this is; all of you can go over to the site and see for yourself what I just described. The reason I described detail by detail what I saw is to explain that no where over there did I ever pick up a clue as to what the hell (Billiard University????????????) is or where it is or how it exists as an entity in any way, shape, or form. OH YEAH! I FORGOT TO TELL YA! THERE'S A WHOLE BIG SECTION THAT EXPLAINS THAT THE PROFESSORS, THE ASSISTANT PROFESSORS, AND THE CONTRIBUTING PROFESSORS ALL GET TO SHARE IN THE PROFITS TAKEN IN FROM THE SALE OF DIPLOMAS!

So; as I said, I'm confused. I really can't understand why some of the biggest names among American pool instructors are trying to profit by selling diplomas costing $150 to $200 dollars from a university that doesn't exist. As I said before, maybe it's me. If Billiard University really exists, please help me find it; and please tell others too, because as of right now, I doubt there's a single person other than instructors, or family members and friends of instructors who have obtained a so-called diploma.

It must be a rude awakening when you think everyone else in the pool community other than yourselves is stupid and you're proved wrong!!!

If you don't like the idea don't get the diploma. You can still practice and enjoy the game without it.

 

[DallasHopps]

Two Hundred Dollars, eh? That's, like, $40 in 1976 money.

Most of these assorted degrees offered might be complete garbage, but if you get on a nice computer and print it out at the highest quality settings, its completely different!

What if I told you that Minnesota Fats himself endorsed the program? (And he would've, for a cut of the money!) Would that change things?

 

[sfleinen]

Two Hundred Dollars, eh? That's, like, $40 in 1976 money.

Most of these assorted degrees offered might be complete garbage, but if you get on a nice computer and print it out at the highest quality settings, its completely different!

What if I told you that Minnesota Fats himself endorsed the program? (And he would've, for a cut of the money!) Would that change things?

Actually, if you said CJ endorsed it, he'd be all over it like white on rice.

-Sean

 

[dr_dave]

I'm a bit confused. I wish someone would help me out. What is Billiard University?

I think the BU website clearly describes the BU and its mission. The BU is an online organization that provides online assessment tools, a rating system, and learning resources to help pool players strive for and achieve excellence, and to officially acknowledge excellence through the awarding of diplomas. This links in the previous sentence provide much more info on each pillar of the BU.

Can I see it or touch it or taste it in some way?

... only if you attend the BU Summer School Boot Camp or if you go to any of the BU instructors for private lessons, an evaluation, training, and/or an examination.

You can purchase up to 5 instructional videos from instructors at (billiard university?) Well...that's an online store. It's not a university.

Actually, there are 3 DVD sets that make up the heart of the BU learning resources: The 3-DVD BU Instructional DVD series, the 5-DVD Video Encyclopedia of Pool Shots (VEPS) series, and the 5-DVD Video Encyclopedia of Pool Practice (VEPP) series. That's 13 DVDs, not 5. More information concerning how the learning resources are used in conjunction with the free BU playing-ability exams, see the BU Learning Resources page.

... results from the test could make a taker eligible to apply for a diploma from (Billiard University??) Depending on the score one could obtain a bachelor's degree, a masters degree, a masters degree with honors, or a doctorate. From the low score needed to obtain a bachelors degree it looks like the only person who woudn't qualify would be someone with casts on both arms who has to shoot holding the cue between his toes!

I think the BU Assessment Philosophy page explain the necessary qualifications fairly well:

A Bachelors diploma is easily attainable to a lower intermediate player with practice and/or training. A novice player with no dedicated practice or training will not be able to receive a diploma. Diplomas require education and training, and the multiple diploma levels provide a mechanism and goals for continued improvement and mastery of the skills required to progress in ability.

You have to send in a tape of yourself to Randy. He's the Registraar of (Billiard University????) Randy officially confirms the score.

Videos can be submitted online to be reviewed, or you can attend the BU Summer School Boot Camp (a diploma is included in the price for the course), or you can work with any of the BU Instructors and get examined in person.

If a tester qualifies for a (Billiard University?????) diploma, there are 3 options. The recipient can choose to pay $200 and have a diploma with fancy ass paper sent to them, they can pay $175 and have it maid to them in a PDF file which can then be copied, or they can choose to have no diploma, but have their degree accomplishment listed on the (Billiard University??????) site for $150.

It doesn't sound like you and people like you would be interested in a pool diploma, but some people are. FYI, the benefits of the BU diploma process can be found at the bottom of the BU Diploma page. Here they are:

• 
  [*]- You will get better at pool in a smarter and faster way and raise your game to the next level.
  [*]- The diploma provides a concrete goal for measured improvement.
  [*]- When you earn a diploma, you can frame and display it with pride (e.g., in your office or game room) to show off your enthusiasm and excellence for this great sport.
  [*]- With a diploma, you will receive official recognition of your level of ability on the BU website (with your permission).
  [*]- A diploma is a credential you can use as the first step to becoming a BU instructor.

5) Ok; now to the faculty of (Billiard University????????). Dr. Dave Is the Dean. He's the founder of (Billiard University?????????) along with Randy the Registraar. There are 6 professors. I don't want to list all their names but they're some of the most well known instructors and writers in the pool industry.

Below them are the assistant professors of (Billiard University??????????) There's about 8 of them and a few big names there too. Below them on the totem pole are several contributing instructors.

That is all correct (except there are currently 9 professors, not 6). There are many advantages to being a BU instructor, all of which are listed on the BU Instructor Resource page.

THE CONTRIBUTING PROFESSORS ALL GET TO SHARE IN THE PROFITS TAKEN IN FROM THE SALE OF DIPLOMAS!

Any instructor who is active in BU programs can certainly profit from their involvement, as clearly described in the BU Instructor How-To Guide.

Have you tried the free BU playing-ability exams and rating system yet? If and when you and others do, please post your results (at no cost) on the AZB BU thread, where many AZB users have already posted scores. It would be interesting to see how well apparently-top-players like you can do.

Regards,
Dave

 

[cuesblues]

I'm a bit confused. I wish someone would help me out. What is Billiard University? Can I see it or touch it or taste it in some way? Is there any other way I can perceive what it could possibly be? Can someone describe this entity to me In a way where I could have just a fasmile of recognition of it's existence?

Maybe it's me but I just can't seem to get a grasp of this concept of a Billiard University. I've visited www.billiarduniversity.org and it still doesn't help. There's only 5 things you can do over there. 1) You can learn about an instructional weekend that's going to be held in July of 2014 by 3 instructors from ( billiard university?). They call it (billiard university?) boot camp. It's 17 hours of instruction over a 3 day weekend. Tuition is $850. Most universities provide more than 17 hours of instruction a year. I'm stll confused.

2) You can purchase up to 5 instructional videos from instructors at (billiard university?) Well...that's an online store. It's not a university. Accuu Stats doesn't call itself a university. At least I don't think it does. I'm remaining confused!

3) You can access just about everything Dr. Dave has published for free about pool. I've benefitted some by reading Dr.Dave and when he sits down at his typewriter he sure does bring an energy and drive with him that produces a startlingly large amount of information and explanations; nevertheless, Dave strikes me as a humble guy and he certainly wouldn't be the type of guy who would think to himself, "Inside my mind there exists a university! .........confusion reigns!

4) Well; then there's the test. There's all kinds of info about the test. There's an under view, an overview, a middleview. Basically, by far, most of the subject matter at the site is about the test and after all the preview matter is read, instruction is given on how to actually take the test....A test is not a university. They don't call the PAT a university. They all it the pool assessment test....I just can't shake this confusion!

While still on the subject of the test...They now start talking about how results from the test could make a taker eligible to apply for a diploma from (Billiard University??) Depending on the score one could obtain a bachelor's degree, a masters degree, a masters degree with honors, or a doctorate. From the low score needed to obtain a bachelors degree it looks like the only person who woudn't qualify would be someone with casts on both arms who has to shoot holding the cue between his toes!

So now, they start talking about the cost of a diploma from (Billiard University???)
You have to send in a tape of yourself to Randy. He's the Registraar of (Billiard University????) Randy officially confirms the score.

If a tester qualifies for a (Billiard University?????) diploma, there are 3 options. The recipient can choose to pay $200 and have a diploma with fancy ass paper sent to them, they can pay $175 and have it maid to them in a PDF file which can then be copied, or they can choose to have no diploma, but have their degree accomplishment listed on the (Billiard University??????) site for $150.

Well; seems some folks have already obtained degrees and their names are listed: fifteen in all. 5 of them are (Billiard University???????) instructors. ( I'll get to that) It's logical to assume the other 10 members are family members of the instructors.

5) Ok; now to the faculty of (Billiard University????????). Dr. Dave Is the Dean. He's the founder of (Billiard University?????????) along with Randy the Registraar. There are 6 professors. I don't want to list all their names but they're some of the most well known instructors and writers in the pool industry.

Below them are the assistant professors of (Billiard University??????????) There's about 8 of them and a few big names there too. Below them on the totem pole are several contributing instructors.

The point of all this is; all of you can go over to the site and see for yourself what I just described. The reason I described detail by detail what I saw is to explain that no where over there did I ever pick up a clue as to what the hell (Billiard University????????????) is or where it is or how it exists as an entity in any way, shape, or form. OH YEAH! I FORGOT TO TELL YA! THERE'S A WHOLE BIG SECTION THAT EXPLAINS THAT THE PROFESSORS, THE ASSISTANT PROFESSORS, AND THE CONTRIBUTING PROFESSORS ALL GET TO SHARE IN THE PROFITS TAKEN IN FROM THE SALE OF DIPLOMAS!

So; as I said, I'm confused. I really can't understand why some of the biggest names among American pool instructors are trying to profit by selling diplomas costing $150 to $200 dollars from a university that doesn't exist. As I said before, maybe it's me. If Billiard University really exists, please help me find it; and please tell others too, because as of right now, I doubt there's a single person other than instructors, or family members and friends of instructors who have obtained a so-called diploma.

It must be a rude awakening when you think everyone else in the pool community other than yourselves is stupid and you're proved wrong!!!

The Billiard University is in Colorado, where we have terrific in-state tuition costs.
For instance if you move to Denver you can pick up a BU diploma for about 10-bucks.

Here are a few other courses that The Billiard University at Colorado State/Fort Collins has to offer:

Advanced Center-To-Edge
Eight Ball Theory
Bar Box Construction Management
Layered Tip Replacement
Pool Cue Marketing
Get The Right Mix 101
Pool Hall Architecture
Pool Hall Food Nutrition
Power Plant Design For Pool Table Lighting
Geometry For Pool Tournament Bracketing

 

[allanpsand]

BU is designed to be an objective evaluation system to rate the skills of players. Knowing you are good enough to reach a level (degree) is very helpful in also knowing who far you still have to go.

You don't have any skin in the game.
You didn't complete the course material and paid for the diploma.

So I don't understand why you consider it worth the couple hours you spent writing the post.
How did that advance the sport?

 

[Limpkinw]

I think the BU is fantastic and really appreciate it. I have to this point not taken the time to do the exam but +1 to Dr Dave and crew.

 

[dr_dave]

It looks really really exclusive - hardly anyone has one of these diplomas:

http://www.billiarduniversity.org/alumni.html

The BU is relatively new and not many instructors are actively involved yet. Also, we have only run one BU Summer School Boot Camp so far. That is where we will probably "graduate" the most students with diplomas (unless the online video-submittal thing really takes off, which I doubt).

Regards,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

Whilst I think the concept is not a bad idea and has potential, the presentation and marketing has lost me entirely.

We would certainly appreciate any helpful advice you or others might have in this regard. What suggestions do you have? Also, what specifically in our presentation and makrketing has you "lost?"

Thanks,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

Is BU accredited?

I don't know any national or international body that could accredit the BU. The BU isn't an "academic" institution like a traditional university that seeks accreditation for their degree programs (e.g., from ABET for engineering programs). You don't need a "degree" to get a BU diploma. You just need to play well and perform well on the playing-ability exams.

Regards,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

Different folks are approaching the idea of "spreading the gospel of pool" in many different ways:
...
3. Some do it via online information storehouses -- see Dr. Dave's "pool information DeathStar" at billiards.colostate.edu.

My website has certainly never been referred to as a "DeathStar" before. I'm not sure if I should be proud or pissed. Regardless, I thought your analogy was cute.

As I type this sentence, I am breathing and talking like Death Vader. "Resistance is futile." (... or was that from some other movie?).

Catch you later,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

Hisboyelroy,

Man, dude you have spazzed out to the nth degree.

I have briefly looked at Billiard University. I think its an awesome thing. I love pool I would like a credential of some kind. I would like to teach students an since there aren't many students paying a ton of money for a PBIA credential seems way out of line for me.

I would also like to obtain the holy grail of stellar cue ball control so I plan on taking the course when I retire and have time to finish it.

The fact that you pay $200 for the credential to belong the Billiard University Club means one thing to me.

It means you appreciate the efforts of the people who cared enough about the game to make a credential that is attainable financially by just about anyone. I personally don't want so spend the thousands for be a certified PBIA guy.

So there is a lot of good here if you know more about what is out there available as a credential. Lighten up and enjoy. Pool is supposed to be fun.

Robin,

Thank you for the supportive post. I appreciate it.

Regards,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

BU is designed to be an objective evaluation system to rate the skills of players. Knowing you are good enough to reach a level (degree) is very helpful in also knowing who far you still have to go.

You don't have any skin in the game.
You didn't complete the course material and paid for the diploma.

So I don't understand why you consider it worth the couple hours you spent writing the post.
How did that advance the sport?

Allan,

Thank you for your supportive post. I appreciate it.

Regards,
Dave