Commentary
As far as the Expo, wasn't talking about that, I am sure that may give him good reason to not go to TV production/speaking classes because of time. But to say this is as good as it gets is ??????????????????????
Telestrator/
Like most sports, pool allot of times is seen in a bar/noisey/poolroom/etc., can you tell me from a distance what is actually going on and that the telestrator mode that he uses would create interest, the game itself might, but this is just one small point? You darn need to sit on top of a TV to digest the game.
His pool playing skill ability, is not in question here.
If I take on a job, whatever it is, and I am not good at it, so be it, were not all great at everything we do.
I am not knocking the skins game itself at all.
More, meaning commentary improvement, our TV age/window to the american public that still conceptualizes pool like days of old needs to EVOLVE.
Kiether got better through hard work, I am just questioning what Allen has done to improve the commentary and production involvement to make each program better and better. When Fox (I think it was fox) took over NFL football they came up with the ovelay electronic first down line, when the WPA improved programming, the put ball color/cover/enlargements over the balls so you could tell what the heck was going on, I just want it to get better and better, is that too much to ask?
He could be more directly involved with the production and improve the product to the viewer. I know the man worked hard on his game to reach such excellence but has he applied the same effort in the announcing/color arena? Can you tell me what he has done to improve his commentary and make it that much better than the last time? Some people are not great commentators, some are, do you think he is by far the best commentator for the sport?JAM said:You gotta be kidding me, Island Drive.
What on earth could Allen Hopkins do MORE for the sport, product, image, commentary and/or telestrator work?
Allen Hopkins has an established track record, with a portfolio of wins too numerous for me to list in this thread. Just because he isn't currently playing in the Mosconi Cup or the BCA's "invitational" Open doesn't mean Allen Hopkins is not a world-class champion. His picture is in just about every single pool magazine from the '80s era.
In addition, Allen Hopkins produces the BIGGEST pool vendor expo in the world a/k/a Super Billiards Expo at Valley Forge, PA each and every year. As well, the SBE offers open tournaments to players of all caliber: seniors, ladies, pros, and amateurs. Some folks save up all year to go to the SBE and wouldn't miss it for anything. On the horizon in August 2006, there may be an 8-ball competition in Valley Forge with a guaranteed $25,000 payout for first place.
Further, Allen Hopkins co-created and co-produced an innovative concept of exciting pool on TV, the first of its kind, in the form of the Skins Billiards Championship.
I understand that everybody has personal tastes about what they want to hear in the form of pool commentary, but to say Allen Hopkins needs to do more for the sport doesn't seem quite right. If anything, he is one of pool's STRONGEST supporters. JMHO, FWIW!
JAM
As far as the Expo, wasn't talking about that, I am sure that may give him good reason to not go to TV production/speaking classes because of time. But to say this is as good as it gets is ??????????????????????
Telestrator/
Like most sports, pool allot of times is seen in a bar/noisey/poolroom/etc., can you tell me from a distance what is actually going on and that the telestrator mode that he uses would create interest, the game itself might, but this is just one small point? You darn need to sit on top of a TV to digest the game.
His pool playing skill ability, is not in question here.
If I take on a job, whatever it is, and I am not good at it, so be it, were not all great at everything we do.
I am not knocking the skins game itself at all.
More, meaning commentary improvement, our TV age/window to the american public that still conceptualizes pool like days of old needs to EVOLVE.
Kiether got better through hard work, I am just questioning what Allen has done to improve the commentary and production involvement to make each program better and better. When Fox (I think it was fox) took over NFL football they came up with the ovelay electronic first down line, when the WPA improved programming, the put ball color/cover/enlargements over the balls so you could tell what the heck was going on, I just want it to get better and better, is that too much to ask?
