Good list. I think they all apply.Here are some thoughts on attach rate being lower than anticipated/expected:
1) video recording capabilities / lack thereof
2) no easy location (setting up at a pool hall to run the exam)
3) people start the test but realize they aren't going to score well and give up. [I think people inherently want to avoid being objectively bad at something]
4) time commitment (1/2 hour or more for each iteration of the exam)
5) general banger attitude (many/most people won't even do drills for 1/2 hour to get better)
6) holier than thou mentality
My guess is that #5 and #6 cover the majority of people. And #3 limits the remainder.
-td
Well stated. I agree.You essentially have ball in hand position for 92% (or even more) of the shots in exam 1. IMO, you don't need to normalize the scoring.
Also, to earn a Doctorate of Pool, Exam II must also be taken, and results on Exam II, which includes lots of run-out drills and tough ball-pocketing drills, can vary dramatically with table size and pocket geometry.Position is easier on an 8 footer (or smaller), which is why I suspect no doctorates can be earned.
That is correct. The table in all of my recent videos were filmed on the 9' Olhaussen in my home previously owned by the late, great Robert Byrne. I think about Bob often when I play since he had such a big influence on me (with his amazing collection of excellent instructional books and Billiards Digest articles).Dave is that Byrne's table you have set up now?
Any money made available to players is a good thing for pool, especially if the players don't need to travel or pay expenses or entry fees to get a shot at the cash.Up in the morning and off to school, the teacher is teachin' the golden rule. American histry n practical math - study em hard and hopin to pass. I don't know the down low on the upload, all jokes aside I do see this as being a positive for pool. Guess I'm getting older now and kindly stuck in my ways. Good luck to u as well David, I could have long discussions bout what luck is.
But what some players have available are very tight, very finicky, 9' Diamonds, or even GCs set up to very tight specs. Given that type of equipment, why would someone try and compete against another player shooting on a table with far more forgiving pockets. As you would know, how much wiggle room you have on the pockets makes difference, not only pocketing the balls, but playing position.
Well stated!They set up their table with those specs,
They get to play Dr. Dave's game with those specs.
Pocket size will matter on every exam, not to mention sanded slate (drop pockets). Probly a great idea for amateur players, pro's will expect an even playing field Dave.
They set up their table with those specs,
They get to play Dr. Dave's game with those specs.
I didn't set up diddly do-da, just like a lot of guys.
If you don't have a table, and play at a commercial room, you are likely to have to take into account the pocket specs, age and cleanliness of the cloth, roll offs, finicky pockets, and pool hall distractions.
Lou Figueroa
Do you guys think the $2500 first prize is high enough to encourage some top players to give it a go, especially since no travel or other expense is required?
...snip...
The horror of it all, what shall they do?
Jason
There is no question that people who have a 9' table at home have a huge "home court" advantage with the $4000 BU Exam I Challenge. They can:If you don't have a table, and play at a commercial room, you are likely to have to take into account the pocket specs, age and cleanliness of the cloth, roll offs, finicky pockets, and pool hall distractions.
I think you are right. There are some pros that I know will put in an effort (Tobias Bongers in Germany and Marc Vidal in Denver), and others have expressed interest (e.g., Darren Appleton), but I agree with you that typical pros won't have the patience, motivation, equipment, or know-how to enter the challenge without the help of others.The over-under I'd set on the number of pros trying this "of their own accord" is 1. They would rather stay in bed then set this up, even for 2500. If you made it 20k, I might put the over under at 4 pros to meet all of your qualifications for entry.
Now, if you set it up like you did with Shane, set up all the shots for him, the camera, the upload, and tell him: "just shoot the shots I tell you to", you might get a few more takers.
The proof will be in the pudding, and we will see the number of pros who try this when all is said and done.
I didn't set up diddly do-da, just like a lot of guys.
If you don't have a table, and play at a commercial room, you are likely to have to take into account the pocket specs, age and cleanliness of the cloth, roll offs, finicky pockets, and pool hall distractions.
Lou Figueroa
I'm not sure my wife would approve of me offering $20k in any future challenge unless the BU starts generating a little more profit.No. The over-under I'd set on the number of pros trying this "of their own accord" is 1. They would rather stay in bed then set this up, even for 2500. If you made it 20k, I might put the over under at 4 pros to meet all of your qualifications for entry.
There is no question that people who have a 9' table at home have a huge "home court" advantage with the $4000 BU Exam I Challenge. They can:
- put down donuts and leave them there.
- setup a camera on a tripod and leave it there.
- benefit from good conditions that come with a well-maintained home table that isn't subject to abuse by poolhall patrons.
- benefit from big pockets if the table has a typical "home" setup.
- have no distractions (especially if there are no pets or kids around).
- do the exam whenever they want and whenever they feel up for a good attempt.
- etc.
Sounds like its time to get a table at home, Lou. :grin-square:
I hope you change your mind about entering the Challenge. I am sure you could post a high score and have a chance at some of the cash.
Regards,
Dave
Oh, man, you mean they are going to be tested on a table, balls, cloth, roll offs and finicky pockets they play league or gamble on. Someone stop the presses. However will they adjust to a table they play on.....wait for it.....all of the fuggin time. Yeah, you know what they call that... POOL. :grin-square: