Okay, it's time to get this thing together. SEND YOUR MONEY NOW. Here is the official scoop for the 2009 DCC AZB/onepocket.org Forum Members Room. I'll update this post if there are changes/updates; so check it before you attend. Any suggestions for the room, just place in this thread and we'll discuss.
WHEN: January 23rd through January 31st, 2009.
WHERE: Horeshoe Casino Hotel ? I have no idea what specific room; be resourceful and find it; we do have 2 tables in one room.
WHAT DOES IT COST?: $25 for playing privileges. Anyone can hang out for free.
WHO DO I PAY?: Checks payable to Steve Lomako (he is solely in charge of finances). Send them to him at: The Rack, 28410 Joy Rd., Livonia, MI 48150. NO PAYPAL, NO CREDIT CARDS, NO "I'LL PAY YOU WHEN I SEE YOU AT THE DERBY" (a frequent request). We are not a business, and we are not a collection agency; all of the organizers wish to enjoy the Derby as much as you do. No refunds or transfers if you have to change plans (think of it as a donation to a worthy cause). Thanks for understanding. MAKE SURE TO PUT YOUR SCREENNAME AND YOUR REAL NAME IN WITH THE CHECK SO YOUR BADGE WILL BE ACCURATE!!!!!!!!
WHEN DO I PAY?: We will accept payment starting NOW. The cutoff is January 8th if you want to have playing privileges (organizers do not want to spend the holidays handling this stuff for the procrastinators).
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN RETURN FOR THIS HUGE FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION?: Your $25 get's you playing privileges in the room (and as you will see, finding table time at the DCC can be freakishly difficult if you are not a room member). We will also try to have bottled water, soda, and snacks available for free (as long as the funds and volunteers last). We will have a couple of "in-room" tournaments and give-aways as in past years. We always have a gangload of pro's passing through who will play challenges. We have some noted instructors who volunteer their time for mini-clinics.
HOW WILL PLAYING TIME BE ALLOCATED?: As before, there will be a list of allowable "games" (ie. race to 2 at one-pocket, race to 2 in 8-ball, race to 3 in 9-ball, race to 2 in 9-ball banks, race to 35 in 14.1). There will be a sign-up board for each table. When your turn comes up, you play the person above you in the order; after the match your opponent leaves the table (win or lose) and you play the person below you in the order; then you leave the table after that match (win or lose). You can always sign right back into the order if you wish. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action from the Room Goons; which of course brings up the question:
WHAT IS A ROOM GOON?: In response to the venue requirements for dispute resolution (very rare in the past; but we must have a mechanism in place if we are to have the room); we have recruited some big, occasionally unruly guys to resolve any disputes, and to assure that everyone is well behaved. Serving this year will hopefully be JCIN, bignasty, and Steve Lomako (I also will be available to help resolve any and all room issues; but I can't beat anyone up). If any disputes or rulings are necessary, then find a Room Goon; the decision of the Room Goon (or me) is FINAL (even if it's wrong). Anyone disagreeing is subject to being barred from not only the AZB room, but also from the DCC venue as well. This has never been necessary, and I doubt it will ever be, but there you are. Anyone who doesn't like this will be forced to organize the room next year (we are not permitted to have the room unless we designate someone as "in charge").
PRO'S PLAY FOR FREE: Just so everyone doesn't immediately label themselves a "pro", we will have a list of all pro's who may play. If you don't have an official room playing privilege badge, or if you are not on the official pro list; then DON'T PLAY IN OUR ROOM. If I've left someone prominent off the list, let me know immediately.
CAN I CONTRIBUTE EVEN IF I'M NOT ATTENDING?: ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY. In addition, we are permitted to have ROOM SPONSORS; so if you would like to display a banner and have your name attached to the room; or would like to display your wares in the limited space we have available; please let me know.
WHERE WILL ALL OF THE MONEY GO?: All funds go towards renting the equipment (Greg Sullivan PROVIDES THE ROOM FOR US - how cool is that?), buying refreshments, paying out the prizes for the in-room tournaments. Any funds left over will be saved for next year?s room. If we have a large surplus (hasn't happened yet) we will sponsor a professional competition at the DCC or a mini-tournament. This we've communicated to Greg Sullivan to help re-pay him for his consideration and assistance in helping our room thrive
ONE-POCKET CHALLENGE: On Sunday/Monday/Tuesday Jay Helfert will be running the One Pocket Challenge (where players challenge the one-pocket ghost) on one of our tables from noon to midnight each of those 3 days (effectively leaving only one table for member play). The more limited access to table time should MORE than be made up for by the presence of some really great players challenging the ghost in our room. Don't sign up for playing privileges if this bothers you. There will be a moratorium on clinics/exhibitions in the room during the hours of the One Pocket Challenge - only member play on the "single" table during those hours, those 3 days.
WHO ARE THE ORGANIZERS?: Steve Lomako and Williebetmore are the only 2 individuals we could find that were seriously deranged enough to volunteer. All decisions by the organizers are final; even if horribly wrong (we welcome all input however). Boradriver will be making the room nametags. JCIN and bignasty volunteered as Room Goons last year, and I hope to convince them to do it again.
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