Something else- look no farther than Hopkins events. You have an amateur event that draws thousands. And, along side it, you have a pro event. Just look at how few of those thousands attended the pro event. Not very many at all. The vendors are there for the amateurs, not the pros. The pros drawing ability is very low.
Look at the numbers on PPV's, a few hundred at best. Archer and a few others are travelling around giving clinics. Sure, they get to make a little extra, but really, what kind of numbers are they getting?? Maybe a couple dozen in any given location? Sorry, but the name recognition is just not there yet.
Yes, the top players play great. And, IMO, it really takes an A player or above to really realize just how good some of you really do play! No one is questioning your abilities on a table. Just your drawing power. What you guys need to be doing is whatever it takes to get your names known. THEN you will have a little clout to be able to dictate terms. As it is now, you are going all in on a pair of two's and hoping your opponent folds.
And, as Jay also stated, if Barry gets T.V. coverage like he is trying to, you guys will all miss the boat on that name recognition. You guys all want to be treated like celebrities, but what are you doing to get that recognition besides just playing?? When Johnny does a clinic, does he take it upon himself to get ahold of the local news crew before he gets there to let them know that a Hall of Fame player and multiple world champion will be in their town for an exhibition?? Maybe he does, I don't know. But, if he's not, why not?? Does he spend a couple hundred of what he will make to have the local pool hall have someone put flyers up all over town to get his name and picture out to the general public and not just pool fans, and not just in the local pool rooms? Lot's of things you guys can and should be doing first before you take the measures you are.