AZB Room - Disappointments

Those were some funny stuff guys.

Williebetmore said:
Tbow,
Dammit, I just snorted MORE Diet Coke on this stupid keyboard. One of you guys is going to have to pay for it (if the administrator finds out I did it) - just decide between yourselves and I'll have them send you the bill.
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I too, am guilty of not wearing my name tag. I can't seem to wear things with sharp edges without hacking myself up. {theyusually won't let me have straws either and the bartenders at home have strict orders that I'm to have "no sharp objects of any kind"} You guys ever try eating steak with a plastic spoon?????? Oh well. I'm glad I got to meet a few of people and really am looking forward to next year. Some very interesting conversations with a few people and some fun playing pool with a few others. It's hard to imagine that little bitty Sarah Rousey can hit ball as hard as I can. Nice break Sarah. Timberly, I think I'll take that trip to Russia we were talking about with John Schmidt. Find me a new wife help with the kids so I can go to the tournaments and drink some more beer. Seriously, it great meeting you. Willie, We'll play some pool sometime soon. I'd like to try some 14.1 with you. Sam
 
My HUGE disappointment with my time at the AzBilliards/OnePocket.org room is the same HUGE disappointment that I had with the DCC itself : That it came to an end and I had to disappear. Ghost
 
Hospitality Room(s)

Williebetmore said:
Disappointments

#1 - Nametag usage. I REALLY wish I had made better, more legible nametags. Here is the dynamic I could have changed: WBM enters room, meets 7 new people, can't remember their names 5 minutes later (hey, I was a child of the 60's, those brain cells are history), comes back to the room later, sees several of these people, is too embarrassed to ask their names again (they're NOT wearing the nametag) so leaves the room to avoid having to ask again.

Hey, am I right??? Didn't this happen to you?? If we weren't all a little shy, and a little hesitant to get out and socialize, then WTF would we be doing spending all this time on the internet. Let's just accept it.

I had to reintroduce myself on several occasions, and it WAS awkward; but you know what; I have quite a few new pool-playing fanatic friends as a result (great if I ever need a pool game at DCC or want to start a cult or something...errr....wait, AZB is kind of a cult already...nevermind). I'm glad I made the effort, but I wish it was a little easier - nametags are the answer.

#2 - Refreshment shortage. Man, do we ever need free soda's and snacks in that room. I am already looking for creative ways to circumvent the restrictions; I truly think we could make it happen next year. I'll bet we could really increase professional visitation with 2 tables and free drinks.

#3 - Raffle fiasco. We had to change the raffle idea about 6 times in the last half hour before it was played. See the "Celebrity Tournament" thread for details - sorry Mick, sorry jazznpool, sorry RSB-Refugee.
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As a member of a few Veterans organizations and private lodges I know the cure to circumvent but it costs more money (maybe Gregg can help us).
what we need is hospitality rooms ,one for non smokers ,one for smokers
we do it at all the state and national conventions we get adjoining rooms and have the furniture removed keeping the tv and using the long dressers to set our whiskey bottles and condiments on we also set up a small banquet table
and have some chairs and a card table(s) as there usually some kind of poker being played the room usually has monitors and what we usually do is bring our own bottles and donate them to the cause as well as a couple rather large coolers for beer soda and ice ...The hotel wants our business as our conventions usually pay their wages and overhead for the year and usually get what we want ,there is no problem as far as food ,we find some place and get meat ,cheese and vegetable platters as well as something like broiled chicken and or chicken wings , Let me know , I will gladly help set it up and /or make the arrangements. we learned a bit this time as we thought we would and can only make it better ,if thats possible lolol .........


Ratchet aka Tom - Glad to be of service .......
 
Monster Pizza

JoeyA said:
But without the room monitors like Ratchet and goinproin07 we would be up the creek without a paddle. For the most part AZ Billiarders handled themselves with lots of class except for when that $35 pizza showed up. I was picking up pieces of debris off of the floor all night long even if most of it was mine. Great idea Ratchet but we need some bibs. If Smorgassbored comes next year we will not need to worry about leftovers.

The visits from the pros was fine but I would like to hear what THEY thought about the room, in all of their sincerity. What's in it for them? What do they want from it if anything?

BTW, what happened to the signed banner?
JoeyA


I know Stefano Pelinga had a great time (He told me so) He loved the idea of bringing everyone on the internet forums together and also the interaction .
You know, I think most of these guys are out on the road a lot with no one but each other to talk to because your average joe is usually kept segregated
away from them ,I also think they did their bit in our room because they enjoyed the idea of bring the WHOLE pool world together ,Like minded people and all that ! I too would like to hear from them and in their own words ...


That pizza was killer (in all ways unhealthy) it was stacked an inch high or better .It was delicious, if not for the avalanches of toppings it would have been perfect , when I came down the next morning I had to call housekeeping
to vacuum the room ..lol for 35.00 bucks it should have picked up after
itself ... I am LMAO @ remembering the avalanches.


Ratchet -almost got done in by a falling olive !
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All in all I thought the AZB room went real well. Things seemed to get worked out even though feathers were ruffled here and there. I do respect Rachet for not insisting on smoking in the AZB room as I was one of the first to chime in suggesting we vote on (against) it.

I appreciate that I was able to play plenty of pool in the room and it helped me feel more adjusted to the spongey Diamond tables. I think there will be more and more American pool played on Diamond big and bar tables and rightly so. Diamond is doing something to standardize the game conditions and they are involved in promoting more and more pool events.

Smaller nametags with larger print would facilitate wearing them--otherwise they get in the way of shooting. Maybe even a sticker with screen name for Derby badge would work well.

I sure enjoyed meeting, talking with, and playing those I met at the room. A talented bunch for sure.

If people brought bags of munchies or drinks from their room to the AZB room would that still be a problem? How could something like that be policed for christ sakes? The hotel is going to flip over a bag of chips or can of nuts and a few liters of soda? Rachet brought his coffeemaker down...now that was a good idea!

I don't know if I'm alone or not but I envisioned the AZB room as having a bit of low stakes challenge "action," like $10 nineball or $25 one-pocket. This was not the culture of the room at all though--even though I know several of the better players in the room would have been interested in and comfortable with some kind of wagering. I'm not griping about it, but it was different than what went on im my noggin prior to arrival.

Thanks to all for making the room a success. WBM, you really did a lot to help make the room happen and I'm glad you had your day in the sun with your doubles partner Efren. Sizl, your signs were way over the top...sorry you couldn't make it this year. Rain check for a drink on me still good next year.

Martin





Williebetmore said:
Disappointments

#1 - Nametag usage. I REALLY wish I had made better, more legible nametags. Here is the dynamic I could have changed: WBM enters room, meets 7 new people, can't remember their names 5 minutes later (hey, I was a child of the 60's, those brain cells are history), comes back to the room later, sees several of these people, is too embarrassed to ask their names again (they're NOT wearing the nametag) so leaves the room to avoid having to ask again.

Hey, am I right??? Didn't this happen to you?? If we weren't all a little shy, and a little hesitant to get out and socialize, then WTF would we be doing spending all this time on the internet. Let's just accept it.

I had to reintroduce myself on several occasions, and it WAS awkward; but you know what; I have quite a few new pool-playing fanatic friends as a result (great if I ever need a pool game at DCC or want to start a cult or something...errr....wait, AZB is kind of a cult already...nevermind). I'm glad I made the effort, but I wish it was a little easier - nametags are the answer.

#2 - Refreshment shortage. Man, do we ever need free soda's and snacks in that room. I am already looking for creative ways to circumvent the restrictions; I truly think we could make it happen next year. I'll bet we could really increase professional visitation with 2 tables and free drinks.

#3 - Raffle fiasco. We had to change the raffle idea about 6 times in the last half hour before it was played. See the "Celebrity Tournament" thread for details - sorry Mick, sorry jazznpool, sorry RSB-Refugee.
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jazznpool said:
I don't know if I'm alone or not but I envisioned the AZB room as having a bit of low stakes challenge "action," like $10 nineball or $25 one-pocket. This was not the culture of the room at all though--even though I know several of the better players in the room would have been interested in and comfortable with some kind of wagering.

Martin
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Martin, You're not alone....I was also looking forward to some friendly gambling among the better AZ players whom I've exchanged posts with, including yourself, but it seemed like it wasn't happening because the table seemed to be dominated by non-gambling 'fun matches'. Ghost
 
1 Pocket Ghost said:
Martin, You're not alone....I was also looking forward to some friendly gambling among the better AZ players whom I've exchanged posts with, including yourself, but it seemed like it wasn't happening because the table seemed to be dominated by non-gambling 'fun matches'. Ghost
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Jazznpool & 1PG,
I am working on getting 2 tables in the same room for next year. That way one table could be used for the "fun matches" and the other could be a more traditional "winner stays at the table".

I thought that, except for a couple of monster players, the abilities of the members were fairly similar; and that a challenge table would work well - perhaps make 5 wins in a row a mandatory "retirement" from the table (but could re-sign on to the end of the list). Perhaps make a minimum $5 wager (or 5 cents if I have to play satman:) ).

Perhaps we could also designate one of the tables as a "warm-up" table; possibly a policy whereby members or pro's could pop in for a 5 or 10 minute warm-up prior to their matches (just a temporary "borrowing" of the table). Several members stated that warming up in our room really helped them in their tournament preparation. I like the idea of being a positive influence.

I'll start a new thread soon about next year; as there are some interesting new developments. We'll also auction off the banner signed by the pro's - using the funds for next year's room.
 
slippery slope....

Williebetmore said:
Perhaps we could also designate one of the tables as a "warm-up" table; possibly a policy whereby members or pro's could pop in for a 5 or 10 minute warm-up prior to their matches (just a temporary "borrowing" of the table). Several members stated that warming up in our room really helped them in their tournament preparation. I like the idea of being a positive influence.
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Hi,
next thing that will happen is the AZBers will be sitting in the hallway while it is taken over by those tournament warming up people.How do u think colonialism flourished-start with a benign gesture and later take over.:cool:
 
Martin, thanks for the the entry in the mini-tournament. It was fun.

I too wished that there was some gambling amongst the AZ billiarders but I hesitate most of the time when meeting new people especially a fun group like this in asking them if they want to play for 20 or 30 dollars.

If you asked a non-gambler that they might think you are a mercenary, desperate or worse. If you ask a gambler to play and he is on the shorts, you might get a scathing review of your prowess on the field of green. ;)

Perhaps if there are two tables next year, we can dedicate one of them to gambling. Trading dollars is fine with me.

And also a special thanks for the spanking you gave me in 1 pocket, BTW.
Warm Regards,
JoeyA

jazznpool said:
All in all I thought the AZB room went real well. Things seemed to get worked out even though feathers were ruffled here and there. I do respect Rachet for not insisting on smoking in the AZB room as I was one of the first to chime in suggesting we vote on (against) it.

I appreciate that I was able to play plenty of pool in the room and it helped me feel more adjusted to the spongey Diamond tables. I think there will be more and more American pool played on Diamond big and bar tables and rightly so. Diamond is doing something to standardize the game conditions and they are involved in promoting more and more pool events.


I don't know if I'm alone or not but I envisioned the AZB room as having a bit of low stakes challenge "action," like $10 nineball or $25 one-pocket. This was not the culture of the room at all though--even though I know several of the better players in the room would have been interested in and comfortable with some kind of wagering. I'm not griping about it, but it was different than what went on im my noggin prior to arrival.


Martin
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vagabond said:
Hi,
next thing that will happen is the AZBers will be sitting in the hallway while it is taken over by those tournament warming up people.How do u think colonialism flourished-start with a benign gesture and later take over.:cool:
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Vagabond,
You definitely have a point. There were several times during the week where the table was "taken over" for a longer period of time than was palatable for several of our members. Which, of course, is why 2 tables would be better than one. We could have the "fun table" be exclusively for the members play; then use the second table for the gambling challenges, pro challenges, demonstrations, and warm-ups.

We also will be required to have a person "in charge" somewhere in the hotel for *****es/gripes/problems. Though things worked fairly well this year with no one in charge; we will have to have someone that management can go to with their concerns if and when problems develop (this year it fell to me through process of elimination - I was the only one they knew and could find). I don't really see this as a big deal, since I'll be there the whole week next year I could do it with little problem (just "don't tread on me"). If there is no call for an AZB room next year; I will probably just do one on my own anyway.
 
Smorgass Bored said:
Williebetmore opined:
We also will be required to have a person "in charge" somewhere in the hotel for *****es/gripes/problems. Though things worked fairly well this year with no one in charge; we will have to have someone that management can go to with their concerns.

You mean, like a 'room MODERATOR' ? Oy-Vey !
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SB,
EXACTLY!!!! Are you volunteering? (since I doubt Drivermaker will be throwing his hat in the ring).

I might mention that even though no one was "officially" in charge this year, there were at least 2 of the organizers who were called on several times for dispute resolution (which at least prevented some nasty situations from developing). In any case, it's not an option; it's required if we want the room again.
 
Williebetmore said:
There were several times during the week where the table was "taken over" for a longer period of time than was palatable for several of our members. Which, of course, is why 2 tables would be better than one. We could have the "fun table" be exclusively for the members play; then use the second table for the gambling challenges, pro challenges, demonstrations, and warm-ups.

QUOTE]


Willie, With all due respect, I don't think you've got the table dynamic and the gambling/gamblers mentality quite right....

.....I think that as long as there are members present that want to match-up or have a gambling challenge going on the gambling table, that should be it's priority - demonstrations, lessons, etc. definitely belong on the 'fun table'....And as for pro challenges, they also belong on the 'fun table' - unless they're not for fun...Meaning that I, ( speaking as a hard core member of the time-honored gambling fraterity ) have 0 interest in playing a pro for 'fun' but on the gambling table I would love to play Jeannette a game of $30 1 Pocket even or Efren a game of $30 1 Pocket with a 'little' spot. And since 99% of the pros gamble, I think that they just might prefer the gambling pro challenge theirselves - knowing Sarah Rousey as I do, I know she'll be over at our gambling table ^_^ The scary gambling Ghost
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1 Pocket Ghost said:
Willie, With all due respect, I don't think you've got the table dynamic and the gambling/gamblers mentality quite right....

.....I think that as long as there are members present that want to match-up or have a gambling challenge going on the gambling table, that should be it's priority - demonstrations, lessons, etc. definitely belong on the 'fun table'....And as for pro challenges, they also belong on the 'fun table' - unless they're not for fun...Meaning that I, ( speaking as a hard core member of the time-honored gambling fraterity ) have 0 interest in playing a pro for 'fun' but on the gambling table I would love to play Jeannette a game of $30 1 Pocket even or Efren a game of $30 1 Pocket with a 'little' spot. And since 99% of the pros gamble, I think that they just might prefer the gambling pro challenge theirselves - knowing Sarah Rousey as I do, I know she'll be over at our gambling table ^_^ The scary gambling Ghost
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1PG,
I hear you. If there are enough gamblers to keep the table busy 24/7 then I like your idea (we KNOW there are enough players to keep the "fun" table busy 24/7). We could always start with your suggestion, then reverse it if the table is not kept busy enough.

I played 2 games on the table for small stakes; I'm not aware of any other "action" the whole week. I was told by several pro's that they were NOT interested in small stakes gambling (at least at short race 9-ball), many were interested in being paid a fee to play:), win or lose. In any case, I totally agree that I would like to match up with some of them for small stakes if you think it could happen.

I also would DEFINITELY like to make sure that the non-gamblers still have some chance to play the pro's that are interested. I know that Sarah Rousey has been extremely gracious in playing beginners and intermediates for free. To me, this is behavior that is extremely professional, and does much to advance our sport.
 
Maybe, if AZ privately invited Drivermaker back, he and Smorgass Bored could consider doing this job under the Buddy Plan.
JoeyA

Williebetmore said:
SB,
EXACTLY!!!! Are you volunteering? (since I doubt Drivermaker will be throwing his hat in the ring).

I might mention that even though no one was "officially" in charge this year, there were at least 2 of the organizers who were called on several times for dispute resolution (which at least prevented some nasty situations from developing). In any case, it's not an option; it's required if we want the room again.
Click to expand...
 
JoeyA said:
Maybe, if AZ privately invited Drivermaker back, he and Smorgass Bored could consider doing this job under the Buddy Plan.
JoeyA
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PLEASE stop drinking that New Orleans tap water,it's destroying your brain (have a glass of wine each day).... imo
 
I'm ashamed to admit that I went to bed very early the night of the big pool match. I was very tired but I've regretted it ever since.
 
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