Aiming Systems - The End Justifies the Means

[JoeyA]

The fun thing about pool is we all get the opportunity to choose the paths of our journey.

What really sucks is for a few pompous people who have never accomplished anything in pool life, to sit around and snipe and barb those who have done something in pool life.

In essence, those pompous wannabee critics deny the majority of us from freely appreciating the contributions of those who have actually accomplished something in the pool world.

It's a sad minority of people who have nothing better to do with their time than to sit in judgment pontificating with their vast wisdom (concerning pool) when they haven't done anything of note themselves.

I think the forum is better off with the likes of professional players like CJ Wiley than it is with those who only attempt to talk the talk.

I'd much rather hear from CJ and those like him, than all of the pundits in this forum.

I'd also like to make up my own mind about what he offers without the constant negative criticism launched at him from a few on this forum.

It's no wonder that professional players throw their hands up in disgust with AZ Billiards Forums and go find other more useful things to do.

CJ, thanks for all of your contributions on AZ Billiards. Here's wishing you even greater successes in the future.

 

[CJ Wiley]

if It doesn't go where You want it to go It goes somewhere better

LOL.

You do WHAT??

There's a great part to 'Zen in the Art of Archery' where the student tells the Master that the reason he hits the target every time is because he's been shooting at the same place for 30 years. The Master tells him to come back that night and take him out to the target range. He strings an arrow and releases it into the night, the student hears a hiss and a thud. He stings another arrow, same thing, hissss....thud.

Master grabs the lamp and takes the student to the target and the first arrow pierced the center and the second pierced the first arrow.

This, of course, is a metaphor for what our subconscious can do if we just "get out of the way" and let the "hitter and the target become one".
It's this state of mind that creates all shots and guides the cue ball go where you want it*.....and if It doesn't go where You want it to go It goes somewhere better. :wink:

*"(...) The archer ceases to be conscious of himself as the one who is engaged in hitting the bull's-eye which confronts him. This state of unconscious is realized only when, completely empty and rid of the self, he becomes one with the perfecting of his technical skill, though there is in it something of a quite different order which cannot be attained by any progressive study of the art (...)"

 

[lfigueroa]

One of the things I love most about pool discussion boards, going back to RSB, is to hear about how players from divergent backgrounds find their way up the mountain that is playing pool. Players with backgrounds from carpentry, to plumbing, to academia, the military, students, medicine, cops, robbers, and engineers all bring their unique perspective to the discussion and that is great. Because it’s the guys that have done something other than pool their entire lives that I can identify with.

One of the things I always find most rewarding is when I can describe my own travails and someone will post in return something like: you know, that really resonated with me or, that really rang true to me.

I like having pros around as much as the next guy. But what I have observed over the years is that most often the pro does not know how he does what he does anymore than prodigies or naturals at any other sport. And so, you end with guys trying to describe and explain how to play pool and often (usually) those explanations don’t resonate or are based in faulty logic or can even be proven to be flat out wrong.

For me, I’d rather read what Neil, or Sean, or Bob, or Dr. Dave, or PJ, or any number of other guys, who bring a wealth of varied experience, knowledge, and intelligent discussion to the table, rather than hear from a pro who will not tolerate questioning, while fans wring their hands wailing, “Oh please don’t harass him -- you’ll drive him away.”

And what has been that “harassment?” Here, it has been polite questioning and the proffering of divergent opinions and scientific explanations. The response has often been bumper sticker logic and fortune cookie insights and to those of you that like that stuff I say: mazel tov. But many of us like a little more substance than that. So wail away and wring your hands if you must but please remember: people can and should disagree here -- it’s a discussion forum and as long as it’s polite, all points of view should be welcome.

Lou Figueroa

 

[8pack]

LOL.

You do WHAT??

I've done this to..not completely where I couldn't see the balls.
Some times had know choice ,lights went out at the pool hall and we just kept playing.

 

[JoeyA]

I've done this to..not completely where I couldn't see the balls.
Some times had know choice ,lights went out at the pool hall and we just kept playing.

A few of us have practiced playing pool without lights on the table. Some pool rooms & sports bars have poor lighting and it's always good to prepare for other environments.

In addition, making shots with very little lighting kind of relaxes me. I guess I've got a good excuse if I miss and that makes me relax.:grin:

 

[8pack]

The fun thing about pool is we all get the opportunity to choose the paths of our journey.

What really sucks is for a few pompous people who have never accomplished anything in pool life, to sit around and snipe and barb those who have done something in pool life.

In essence, those pompous wannabee critics deny the majority of us from freely appreciating the contributions of those who have actually accomplished something in the pool world.

It's a sad minority of people who have nothing better to do with their time than to sit in judgment pontificating with their vast wisdom (concerning pool) when they haven't done anything of note themselves.

I think the forum is better off with the likes of professional players like CJ Wiley than it is with those who only attempt to talk the talk.

I'd much rather hear from CJ and those like him, than all of the pundits in this forum.

I'd also like to make up my own mind about what he offers without the constant negative criticism launched at him from a few on this forum.

It's no wonder that professional players throw their hands up in disgust with AZ Billiards Forums and go find other more useful things to do.

CJ, thanks for all of your contributions on AZ Billiards. Here's wishing you even greater successes in the future.

I really feel CJ can take anything we dish at him.(Good or bad)He reminds me a lot like Geno who has been here for while now and taken his share of it.I don't think anyone wants to chase any one off but what a boring world this would be if we all got along and agreed on everything.
Some times it takes heated arguments to bring things to the top and if that bothers some people well......big deal We all play at different levels here and where all just trying to understand.

To me Cj character could give his touch of inside the 5.:smile:
I dont think anyone could chase him off.(Or wants to)

Anthony

 

[ronscuba]

One of the things I love most about pool discussion boards, going back to RSB, is to hear about how players from divergent backgrounds find their way up the mountain that is playing pool. Players with backgrounds from carpentry, to plumbing, to academia, the military, students, medicine, cops, robbers, and engineers all bring their unique perspective to the discussion and that is great. Because it’s the guys that have done something other than pool their entire lives that I can identify with.

One of the things I always find most rewarding is when I can describe my own travails and someone will post in return something like: you know, that really resonated with me or, that really rang true to me.

I like having pros around as much as the next guy. But what I have observed over the years is that most often the pro does not know how he does what he does anymore than prodigies or naturals at any other sport. And so, you end with guys trying to describe and explain how to play pool and often (usually) those explanations don’t resonate or are based in faulty logic or can even be proven to be flat out wrong.

For me, I’d rather read what Neil, or Sean, or Bob, or Dr. Dave, or PJ, or any number of other guys, who bring a wealth of varied experience, knowledge, and intelligent discussion to the table, rather than hear from a pro who will not tolerate questioning, while fans wring their hands wailing, “Oh please don’t harass him -- you’ll drive him away.”

And what has been that “harassment?” Here, it has been polite questioning and the proffering of divergent opinions and scientific explanations. The response has often been bumper sticker logic and fortune cookie insights and to those of you that like that stuff I say: mazel tov. But many of us like a little more substance than that. So wail away and wring your hands if you must but please remember: people can and should disagree here -- it’s a discussion forum and as long as it’s polite, all points of view should be welcome.

Lou Figueroa

Hello Lou. I am new to AZ. I point this out so you understand I don't have anything for or against anyone. Have not been here long enough.

I may not be as experienced or as informed as many others, but my opinions are objective from the point of view of a player with a lot to learn. The kind of player that many of the posts are targeting.

I am an engineer. I like science. I am also a manager. I like philosophy. I own a business and I really like results.

You could call me a CJ fan. I tried his technique on the table and liked how it worked. Does his technique hold up to physics analysis ? The engineer in me wants to know. Does his technique involve some kind of psychological explanation ? The philosopher says definitely. The pool player in me says I don't really care, I like the results.

I agree with you, polite questioning, scientific explanation and differing opinions are all things that make discussion boards great. However, as a new AZ member with an objective point of view, many of the posts here are not polite. Many nit pick on the specifics of wording and phrases. Many appear not to be motivated by scientific analysis, but IMHO do appear to be a form of harassment.

Maybe in analyzing any technique, a combination of physics and mental/behavioral philosophy gives the most complete explanation of the results. A funny thing I have noticed in my own play. Sometimes a little less focus on the explanation leads to better results. Maybe as I get older I am becoming less of an engineer and more of a philosopher.

 

[ENGLISH!]

ronscuba

Well said, ronscuba.

 

[CJ Wiley]

It was always a good thing when I was a kid to "shoot the lights out"

I've done this to..not completely where I couldn't see the balls.
Some times had know choice ,lights went out at the pool hall and we just kept playing.

It was always a good thing when I was a kid to "shoot the lights out". :wink:

 

[CJ Wiley]

No matter which end of "lessons" we are in life there's much to learn

Hello Lou. I am new to AZ. I point this out so you understand I don't have anything for or against anyone. Have not been here long enough.

I may not be as experienced or as informed as many others, but my opinions are objective from the point of view of a player with a lot to learn. The kind of player that many of the posts are targeting.

I am an engineer. I like science. I am also a manager. I like philosophy. I own a business and I really like results.

You could call me a CJ fan. I tried his technique on the table and liked how it worked. Does his technique hold up to physics analysis ? The engineer in me wants to know. Does his technique involve some kind of psychological explanation ? The philosopher says definitely. The pool player in me says I don't really care, I like the results.

I agree with you, polite questioning, scientific explanation and differing opinions are all things that make discussion boards great. However, as a new AZ member with an objective point of view, many of the posts here are not polite. Many nit pick on the specifics of wording and phrases. Many appear not to be motivated by scientific analysis, but IMHO do appear to be a form of harassment.

Maybe in analyzing any technique, a combination of physics and mental/behavioral philosophy gives the most complete explanation of the results. A funny thing I have noticed in my own play. Sometimes a little less focus on the explanation leads to better results. Maybe as I get older I am becoming less of an engineer and more of a philosopher.

I like your explanation of what's taking place here. The "gift" I have to offer will be received my some, rejected by others and just be mildly entertaining to the majority.

No matter which end of "lessons" we are in, {in life} there's much to learn, even if it's just patience, understanding and tolerance. 'The Game is the Teacher'

 

[CJ Wiley]

Life's learnings are a journey not a destination.

A few of us have practiced playing pool without lights on the table. Some pool rooms & sports bars have poor lighting and it's always good to prepare for other environments.

In addition, making shots with very little lighting kind of relaxes me. I guess I've got a good excuse if I miss and that makes me relax.:grin:

Yes, indeed, sometimes we are our own worst critic and it slows our growth and development. I used to think the ancient wisdom about "judge not for as you judge so too shall you be judged" was about other people and we should not judge them. But this didn't help me relax.

Then I "Real Eyesed" that it was more about judging myself and putting unnecessary pressure. I still do it on occasion because I'm so competitive and want to perform at my peak, however, I'm slowly, but surely getting better. Life's learnings are a journey not a destination. 'The Game is the Teacher

 

[cookie man]

One of the things I love most about pool discussion boards, going back to RSB, is to hear about how players from divergent backgrounds find their way up the mountain that is playing pool. Players with backgrounds from carpentry, to plumbing, to academia, the military, students, medicine, cops, robbers, and engineers all bring their unique perspective to the discussion and that is great. Because it’s the guys that have done something other than pool their entire lives that I can identify with.

One of the things I always find most rewarding is when I can describe my own travails and someone will post in return something like: you know, that really resonated with me or, that really rang true to me.

I like having pros around as much as the next guy. But what I have observed over the years is that most often the pro does not know how he does what he does anymore than prodigies or naturals at any other sport. And so, you end with guys trying to describe and explain how to play pool and often (usually) those explanations don’t resonate or are based in faulty logic or can even be proven to be flat out wrong.

For me, I’d rather read what Neil, or Sean, or Bob, or Dr. Dave, or PJ, or any number of other guys, who bring a wealth of varied experience, knowledge, and intelligent discussion to the table, rather than hear from a pro who will not tolerate questioning, while fans wring their hands wailing, “Oh please don’t harass him -- you’ll drive him away.”

And what has been that “harassment?” Here, it has been polite questioning and the proffering of divergent opinions and scientific explanations. The response has often been bumper sticker logic and fortune cookie insights and to those of you that like that stuff I say: mazel tov. But many of us like a little more substance than that. So wail away and wring your hands if you must but please remember: people can and should disagree here -- it’s a discussion forum and as long as it’s polite, all points of view should be welcome.

Lou Figueroa

You write your opinion here like a hurt little girl. The problem I have is the harassment comes from those same few that form there opinion right away, refuse to ever try anything new at the table, and go on and on trying to shove there opinion down our throats.
If your not going to try it at the tables I don't give a rats ass what your opinion is. If your willing to try it and then have a discussion about results, i'm all in.

 

[Patrick Johnson]

You write your opinion here like a hurt little girl.

And you complain about how others post? Doctor, heal thyself.

pj
chgo

 

[lfigueroa]

Hello Lou. I am new to AZ. I point this out so you understand I don't have anything for or against anyone. Have not been here long enough.

I may not be as experienced or as informed as many others, but my opinions are objective from the point of view of a player with a lot to learn. The kind of player that many of the posts are targeting.

I am an engineer. I like science. I am also a manager. I like philosophy. I own a business and I really like results.

You could call me a CJ fan. I tried his technique on the table and liked how it worked. Does his technique hold up to physics analysis ? The engineer in me wants to know. Does his technique involve some kind of psychological explanation ? The philosopher says definitely. The pool player in me says I don't really care, I like the results.

I agree with you, polite questioning, scientific explanation and differing opinions are all things that make discussion boards great. However, as a new AZ member with an objective point of view, many of the posts here are not polite. Many nit pick on the specifics of wording and phrases. Many appear not to be motivated by scientific analysis, but IMHO do appear to be a form of harassment.

Maybe in analyzing any technique, a combination of physics and mental/behavioral philosophy gives the most complete explanation of the results. A funny thing I have noticed in my own play. Sometimes a little less focus on the explanation leads to better results. Maybe as I get older I am becoming less of an engineer and more of a philosopher.

Ron, I think we're pretty much in agreement. However I would like to point out that when you're describing the very small increments involved with putting a ball on a small target the wording needs to be very precise. Having knocked heads with many of these guys over the last 15+ years I can assure you that for most it's not an issue of harassment but completely and totally an issue of precision in language and explanation.

Lou Figueroa

 

[cookie man]

And you complain about how others post? Doctor, heal thyself.

pj
chgo

I think my only complaint is the pre-judging you and your cronies do without actually trying new things.

 

[JB Cases]

One of the things I love most about pool discussion boards, going back to RSB, is to hear about how players from divergent backgrounds find their way up the mountain that is playing pool. Players with backgrounds from carpentry, to plumbing, to academia, the military, students, medicine, cops, robbers, and engineers all bring their unique perspective to the discussion and that is great. Because it’s the guys that have done something other than pool their entire lives that I can identify with.

One of the things I always find most rewarding is when I can describe my own travails and someone will post in return something like: you know, that really resonated with me or, that really rang true to me.

I like having pros around as much as the next guy. But what I have observed over the years is that most often the pro does not know how he does what he does anymore than prodigies or naturals at any other sport. And so, you end with guys trying to describe and explain how to play pool and often (usually) those explanations don’t resonate or are based in faulty logic or can even be proven to be flat out wrong.

For me, I’d rather read what Neil, or Sean, or Bob, or Dr. Dave, or PJ, or any number of other guys, who bring a wealth of varied experience, knowledge, and intelligent discussion to the table, rather than hear from a pro who will not tolerate questioning, while fans wring their hands wailing, “Oh please don’t harass him -- you’ll drive him away.”

And what has been that “harassment?” Here, it has been polite questioning and the proffering of divergent opinions and scientific explanations. The response has often been bumper sticker logic and fortune cookie insights and to those of you that like that stuff I say: mazel tov. But many of us like a little more substance than that. So wail away and wring your hands if you must but please remember: people can and should disagree here -- it’s a discussion forum and as long as it’s polite, all points of view should be welcome.

Lou Figueroa

It is a matter of perspective. From one point of view it's polite questioning while from another perspective it's heckling.

All points of view are welcome. But by the same token that some feel they have the right to pose their questions with any "tone" they want others have an equal right to voice their opinion that the tone seems overly aggressive.

All this could be avoided if people would check themselves and try a little harder to actually be polite. Then there is no discussion needed on whether someone is polite or heckling.