Behavioral Conduct at USBA Tournaments...Future of the Sport?

[3CushionKing]

I now have driven another 3K miles after the Olhausen Open and as usual have done alot of thinking since then. I would like to share my observations and would like responses from everyone that loves this game and cares for the future of our sport.

After reading the post about George Ashby's Clinic, it made me realize what a helluva nice guy he was. He conducted himself in the same manner ON & OFF the table...meaning friendly, charasmatic, jovial, and even sarcastic. I LOVED IT!

.........and so the reason I bring up this very important subject

We all know as Billiard enthusiasts that our sport is not that popular in the states. So as ambassadors to the game, whether you are a Champion or just plain ol' me, we need to promote the respect of the game as well as enjoying the aspect of Playing AND Watching.

The Olhausen Open was my 1st National Tourney I've attended, and loved every second of it. I was there 14 hrs a day and could of stayed another 10. I love the quietness, the soft classical music and of course the etiquette involved. BUT, we need to LOOSEN UP!

Here are a few examples...
*With a "Library" atmosphere on Saturday of the Open, George Ashby and I were talking, along with 20 other people, during a match with Mazin Shooni. Mazin stops, turns to George and says "I can hear you talking". George responds brilliantly by saying, "well that troubles me that you are unable to concentrate"...Mazin shoots, makes the shot, then George replies, "well I'm glad you overcame under such adverse conditions" The crowd erupts in laughter, a moment that I will never forget.

*With alot of ShhhhShh'ing going on I remember the final match on Saturday. A gentleman was on his 4th billiard, George Theobald sits down 5ft from the man, receives a phone call, and proceeds to have a conversation while it is completely silent. The gentleman stops, asks George to stop, and I will never forget the look of disgust on George's face as if,"how dare you"... POOR TASTE Mr.Theobald. The reason for bringing this up is because they expected COMPLETE silence during their match.

...here is an issue that is important to me.
*While watching a match with Hugo Patino, he attempted one of the most technical shots I had seen during the Open. I commented out loud, as I always do, "WOW, What a beautiful shot!" Dennis Dieckman turns to me and says, "It's not a good shot unless he makes it"...waiving his finger in my face. I respectfully DISAGREED and he continued to push the subject in a loud, demeaning, disrespectful sort of way. After a moment, I asked for him to lower his voice, and he just proceeded to argue...out loud. He said, "comment on how it was a nice try...not a good shot." So now my comments are stiffled due to symantics? Later Dennis and I made up and moved on. Forgiven but not Forgotten. AND MY REASON FOR THIS ARGUEMENT IS... let people be impressed, you should allow spectators to be in awe and make comments. IT'S CALLED BRINGING EXCITEMENT TO THE GAME!!!!!!!!

*****My reason for using the Board of Directors as examples is that they are the ones that should be promoting this sport ... in a POSITIVE way. The eliteist mentality is what will keep our sport stagnant. Does everyone remember the days when Minnesota Fats, during a match, would heckle and tell stories from the past and of course talk alot of s#!t ? I DO... and that's what makes me appreciate George Ashby so much is that he was enjoyable NO MATTER the situation or setting... ON and OFF the table, tournament or not.

Don't get me wrong, I understand and appreciate the importance of these Tournaments. I grew up a golfer, so respect AND etiquette is very important to me, and these players deserve the utmost. But when it comes to wearing tuxedo's, ShhhhShh'ing everyone all the time and portaying an eliteist attitude, it's hard to see this sport flourish in the USA. Billiards will be in my blood forever, the question is... will anyone be looking for a transfusion?

....HERE IS GEORGE BEING GEORGE*

 

[Bob Jewett]

... The Olhausen Open was my 1st National Tourney I've attended, and loved every second of it. I was there 14 hrs a day and could of stayed another 10. I love the quietness, the soft classical music and of course the etiquette involved. BUT, we need to LOOSEN UP!...

Umm, well, maybe. I prefer a tournament situation with enough background noise or music that the players will not be distracted by fairly quiet conversations. One nice part of attending a tournament is discussing shots and situations real-time with the other people attending the tournament.

But, it is the players who should have the final say on the distractions they have to put up with. I've seen a player who played through a police arrest on a neighboring table without seeming to notice it and I've seen another player who is bothered by someone three tables away moving to shoot a shot. If a loud conversation, perhaps on an unrelated subject or by people the player doesn't much care for, bothers someone in an official game, I think the talkers owe it to the player to take their conversation to a different time, place or decibel level.

Sometimes we get passionate when discussing our favorite game and voices rise without our noticing. I've been shushed more than once, and I have to admit it is usually with cause. I also have found myself on the other end of that.

I find that if I'm playing well, I'm not easily distracted, but if I'm struggling, small things can be very bothersome.

 

[3CushionKing]

Thanks for your response Bob

...but that is not necessarily what my arguement was. I agree with what you said and am empathetic to the "noise". I AM NOT advocating disruptive behavior for I am one of the few that appreciates dead silence.

The point I'm trying to make is what is the perception that the people in charge are leaving with spectators and perspective players?

We are always trying to figure out how to create exposure in the USA to this great game. I'm 34 yrs old and have been playing most of my life. This opinion comes from someone who grew up with the old farts, but still am young enough to remain a student of the game and objectively criticize anything that may prohibit the future expansion of interest.

 

[zensteve]

I agree with 3CushionKing. George Ashby was so funny and keep everything light. I really enjoyed talking with him and his self-effacing approach to the game and life in general.

Regarding eliteist behavior, I wouldn't put much stock in what one person(s) said or did. People are people regardless of the sport.

You have a good attitude and a young constructive approach to the game. Stay there and keep working on your 3c game.

Everything else will take care of itself.

I'm glad you made that long trip home safe

 

[cuesmith]

I watched some of the live streaming of the match where Dennis Diekmann ran up to the table and interupted George as he was getting ready to shoot. Dennis then got ahold of the microphone and explained that it was a staged joke. I didn't think it was all that funny and then he went on to use the SOB expletive as well as the "F" word. In private conversation I couldn't care less about his language, but most of the 3C players I know try to let people think that it's a classier game than pocket billiards. I've never heard a pool player or commentator use that kind of language on live stream video. I think it was tasteless coming from the president of the USBA.

just more hot air!

Sherm

 

[3CushionKing]

Thanks Steve...

...and I wonder why you are ZenSteve. Your words are kind and calming. I maybe over-reacting, but i am very passionate about our sport.

I always think of Sang Lee, "I want to make Billiards beautiful in America" and how much he promoted his love for the sport. I'm just trying to be pro-active in knowing how others feel and react in a manner of positive out-reach...for the sport.

Thanks again, I would love to hear more opinions...whether its about the sport, the structure, or my reactions. There has got to be more voices out there that will agree/disagree.


***PS... on a lighter note, I remember during the final match with Pedro, George Theobald was one of the commentators on the live streaming. There was dead silence, you could hear a pin drop. Pedro makes an attempt at a particular shot and misses. Then you hear out of the complete silence, "My God, he missed that by a mile". Yet again, the place erupts with laughter. A moment I will not forget.

 

[Fox]

I enjoyed myself playing at the tournament , everybody seems nice and cool! spectators and players!.......i played a game in the final ,and at the time i am shooting the shot , the phones ring and my opponent answered the phone!,wowwwwwwwwwww...big woowwwwww. i learned the game in europe and i watched and played more than 100 games.no cell phones,no flash lights.......we are wondering why the european average high!!! it's all bout concentration and being in the zone,it's like playing chess DO YOU SEE Garry Kasparov making a move in such a noisy place, to me playing billiard is fun and playing competition is really different!!. you might not agree with me but 3 cushion in the US has to be played more seriously.

 

[3CushionKing]

I'm looking into this a little deep...

I've been thinking about this subject in a Business Marketing aspect. I COMPLETELY agree with the QUIETNESS, but that is not the main issue. FOX mentioned would Kasparov make a move with noise? NO... but then again is chess popular? And is someone trying to make chess a well known sport in the USA to help promote and prolong the interest?

The USBA, it's directors, the great players, and the wonderful people involved help create an atmosphere of comradery that is unmatched throughout the world of sports.

The fact is... our sport is slowly dieing. I talked to a gentleman the other day at the Elks that said, "I used to play this game but all of my friends are dead now"

***In my main arguement, I used as an example, 3 of our USBA Board Directors. I was not disappointed in the Cell Phone use, or asking for quietness, or simply being a jerk. MY CONCERN IS THEIR REACTION TO THE SITUATION. When Dieckman drilled me on "symantics", I left the room thinking of one thing...a refund for my USBA membership.

Psychological Perception based upon Cognitive Evaluation is key...Basically, what I'm asking is what do people think about us? The Sport? The Association? And how will we promote this lifestyle after the greats are gone?

***PERFECT EXAMPLE***
*After the Olhausen Open Finals, Steve Andersen invited some locals in to play a few games on their beautiful tables. Even though these particular players were a little loud while they were spectators (based upon the players' reactions and comments), they were still welcomed with open arms, and even graciously thanked for stopping by and watching/participating. That my friends is PURE CLASS! Well, thats my "PERCEPTION"

 

[Black-Balled]

I saw a bumper sticker yesterday: Don't worry about what others think, they often don't.

 

[3kushn]

It goes without saying that promotion of the game is essential to its survival. The game is actually in trouble in other areas of the world as well as here. I don't think its because of the attire or restraining audience participation. Dennis Dieckman is a proponent of working for the "game off the table." I agree that this is an area that's overlooked but in no way do I think he is downplaying the importance of promoting "on the table." Exposure is one of the key factors. All of us need to pass on our knowledge to anyone who wants it.

I wasn't at the tournament but from what I saw on the streaming is a room that was relatively small with only room for one row of spectators. In a situation like this, it is very difficult not to be a distraction to a player.

Think of a different situation where you're playing a serious match at your local room. Assuming that this room is reasonably quiet (no live band or loud juke box blasting) and there's a couple of rail birds sitting in the chairs a couple of feet from the end of your cue, carrying on a conversation, taking phone calls, telling jokes...... Would that not influence your concentration? On the other hand if the room is like a road house with live music, people mingling around and conversations going on everywhere, would these 2 folks in the chairs add anything to the general distraction?

My point is that our conduct as spectators should be commensurate to the tournament conditions and as Bob mentioned in accordance to the players wishes.

As far as the required attire is concerned its a matter of tradition and respect for the game, not to mention part of the rules in the UMB. Most of the players in this tournament are quite comfortable in a vest. Additionally the vest rule is not strictly enforced at the Regional level. Most tournaments only ask for collared shirts and no jeans. Many times if a player comes dressed inappropriately, the situation is overlooked.

IMO its important to respect the traditions and history of our game and the attire is just one aspect that sets 3C apart from pool. Without showing respect, the game cannot be respected. Without our history we have no future.

Lastly, Dieckman is a man that I think you'll find agreeable once you get to know him. The majority of the players in the tournament have known him for decades and are not surprised, shocked or distracted by anything he may say or do. They also know that Dennis has a devotion and passion for the present and the future of 3C that few ever achieve.

 

[downtown]

Are you kidding me, half these guys got a stick up their butt, and the the other quarter complain about everything, most billiard players make me sick and I am one of them! I have played in every major room in the USA and plenty over sea's, and could care less about background noise, most pool rooms in california, and mexico have blaring mexican music. They all need to get over it or buy a table and play in your basement.

 

[SlickRick_PCS]

Lastly, Dieckman is a man that I think you'll find agreeable once you get to know him. The majority of the players in the tournament have known him for decades and are not surprised, shocked or distracted by anything he may say or do. They also know that Dennis has a devotion and passion for the present and the future of 3C that few ever achieve.

IT DOESN'T MATTER IF OTHER PEOPLE OR PLAYERS KNOW THE PRESIDENT OF THE USBA!
What I am trying to imply here is that the USBA is only as good as the professionalism kept by it's leader-- Dieckman. As 3CushionKing replied about how he felt that President Dieckman was on him for making just a inproper comment, President Dieckman should have not said anything at all and just blow it off instead of coming off on this individual just for making an ignorant statement. I mean, 3CushionKing is just a spectator enjoying the likes of this game. If I were to ever expect a comment like that from a person of his stature, I would've just left in a disappointment and shame. Where's the professionalism, Mr. President? You want to promote such a wonderful game thoughout the nation only to expect behavior like that? It's already imperative that Pocket Billiards is notorious for being such a smoked-bar, money trading, swear tossing state of a sport and to imagine a crossing spectator who has no knowlege of this grand sport pass by and imply the same descriptions as its popular cousin. You all have to really put some leniancy into these "traditional" regulations. Last time I remembered, we are 2009; the future is now. As must as we love to perserve the game in it's late 19century-early 20th century stature, changes need to occur in order to make this sport more progressive. If this is considered as a BASH to President Dennis Dieckman and/or any of you, Carom Enthusiast, my appologies in my behalf. I love this sport as much as the next enthusist, but there's got to be some rules tweeked in order to consider this sport in a good state. I would love for eze123, Hernan7, and Seven to give imputs in this as well because ever since I started, I had have some good post sessions with those guys and they have helped me along the way.

Thank you for reading,

-- Rick S.

 

[3kushn]

One point I got from 3CushionKing is the the family of 3C players is a bunch of stuffed shirts and we need to lighten up. Although Dennis could have maybe used different language and maybe handled 3CushionKing's comment differently he certainly lightened up the situation and just maybe 3CushionKing took his comment on the shot wrong? So what do we want? A loud boisterous gang of spectators and players or dead serious silence, hearing only the click of the balls and every hushed comment meticulously measured?

I suppose we can agree to disagree on the importance of our games history and traditions. I simply feel that if we are unaware of them we will loose much of what we have. Personally, over the past 35+ years I have met only 2 or 3 players of this game that I wish to never meet again. I'd like to keep it that way for the remainder of my life.

Personally I have great respect for the post Hoppe players that put in the time, money and personal sacrifice for an insignificant glory of a trophy and a couple hundred bucks for the top 3 or 4. A time where you had to EARN the PRIVILEGE to play in the Regionals and Nationals by competing in several qualifying tournaments throughout the year.

Who outside of the 3C community knows the name Allen Gilbert was for instance. A man who is recognized as the best US player since Hoppe till Sang Lee came over. How about Bud Harris, Bob Ameen, Bill Hawkins, George Ashby, Frank Torres, Louis Campos, Bob Letherby, Don Brink, Don Tozer, Eddie Robbin, Harry Sims, Carlos Hallon, Gale Johnson........................................

All these past players put in 10's of thousands of hours to improve their game and others games as well as keeping the game alive and received essentially nothing in return.
They deserve a return for all their devotion.

 

[3CushionKing]

One point I got from 3CushionKing is the the family of 3C players is a bunch of stuffed shirts and we need to lighten up. Although Dennis could have maybe used different language and maybe handled 3CushionKing's comment differently he certainly lightened up the situation and just maybe 3CushionKing took his comment on the shot wrong? So what do we want? A loud boisterous gang of spectators and players or dead serious silence, hearing only the click of the balls and every hushed comment meticulously measured? QUOTE]


3kushn, with all due respect, that is nowhere near the point I was trying to make. I am not a proponent of Loud and Boisterous Spectators. It is obvious that you are partial to Dennis Dieckman, because of your Cue. So that is why I want to clarify what I experienced, then I will speak no more, because it seems no one is looking 40-50 yrs in the future when all of the greats from then and now...will be gone.

As far as reference to my Loud and Boisterous "Comment", it was an INCREDIBLE 4 or 5 rail "Semih Sayginer" style shot. There were several oohs and aahhhs from others and then my, "Wow, what a beautiful shot", not loud by NO means, BUT loud was not the issue. Dennis turned to me, because I was standing right next to him, with his finger in my face, saying "It's not a good shot unless he makes it", being VERY loud mind you. I said to him, "I respectfully disagree" and then he continued to try and make his point, VERY LOUDLY as the match proceeded. I personally felt dis-respected and quite frankly embarrassed. I finally said to him, "I would appreciate if you would drop the subject and lower your voice". And then I walked away.

During the whole weekend, Dennis was very loud. Not just from my personal example, but in every aspect of the Tournament. "F" This , "F" That... I remember many times during player discussions, Both A and B, where he became VERY short and would say, "I don't give a "F", just give me an answer! One of the hispanic players was late and all you could here is Dennis saying, "Well "F" him" , etc, etc... I understand that was Dennis' first tournament that he was in control of, and fully appreciate all of his hard work for the USBA and The Olhausen Open... BUT like Dennis, this was my first Tournament as well.
I have played this great game most of my life and now have the capability to travel more and participate. I will assure you, I have more respect in a single strand of hair than most people will have in a lifetime. And I contribute that to growing up in an atmosphere such as Billiards and Golf.

***BUT THIS IS THE POINT I'M TRYING TO MAKE...

*As my Father always said, "Your First Impression is ALWAYS your Last"*

My first reaction to what I observed was that I would rather not participate in any future tournaments based upon these experiences. Then I had a moment to calm down, and realized that there are alot more positives than just these couple of moments. This coming from someone who knows the game, appreciates the history, and wants to carry on the legacy. What about the newcomers? How would they have felt if Dennis drilled them on making a VERY simple, VERY respectful comment? Or yet when Mr.Theobald would expect quietness, then would sit down next to the only match playing and proceed to have a telephone conversation!

You see, It's not the Spectators behavior that I'm worrying about. It's how the Perspective Players and Spectators may perceive this game as something they may not want to be a part of based upon the examples given durin my rant.

BTW, I bask in the glory of the Greats...please be directed to my Olhausen Open Post...

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=159157

 

[billiardshot]

3CushionKing your statement below prove you do not know Mr. Dieckman that well. Just leave your chalk on the table or set it the wrong way. Then listen to Dieckman!!!

This was not Dieckman or will it be his last tournment to control.

If there still time write in 3CushionKing for USBA President.

I understand that was Dennis' first tournament that he was in control of, and fully appreciate all of his hard work for the USBA and The Olhausen Open... BUT like Dennis, this was my first Tournament as well.

 

[3CushionKing]

that's what Dennis said himself...

...maybe first time as USBA President.

Obviously it has been difficult making my point here so I will just stop now. I apologize to anyone who has a soft spot for Dennis, for that is certainly the only thing that matters. And I see where you are going with the "President" comment. No need to go there. Good Day All.

 

[Magik Wandzzzzz]

I was not going to participate in this thread....

I saw a bumper sticker yesterday: Don't worry about what others think, they often don't.

Thank you Mr Black Balled:

You can please some of the people all of the time and you can please all of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all of the time.
I think Abe Lincoln said that. You can be in my dream if I can be in your dream. Bob Dylan said that.

Just a few points:

1: This is NOT the first tournament that I have run, in fact I have run many [over 50 at least] , both carom and pool. However, this was the first tournament that I have run with so many good players in the finals, and I really enjoyed it due to their professionalism, being on time for their matches and the knowledge of etiquette [sp?] and gentlemanly behavior. I might add that I was shanghied into being the tournament director [the person that was suppossed to be there bailed out due to reasons beyond his control] less than 24 hours before it began and was woefully unprepared as a result. Had I known before hand all the crap I would have to put up with as TD, including have to tell 4 different people in the prelims that they had to forfiet a game due to tardiness on there part, run a loud mouth drunk out of the room twice, almost getting killed the second time, as well as many other minor irritations, I would have declined the "HONOR". I might add, while many other people helped me clean balls and tables [I still cleaned my fair share when needed] I cannot remember the gentleman who started this thread helping out with this kind of work.

2: I am NOT the president of the USBA, Bob Jewett is and will be until 1 Mar 2010. There is still time to run a write in campaign against me so if you are dissatisfied with me, what I do, what I say or how I say it, now is the time to get to work and do something about it for I am not going to change. What you see is what you get and I refuse to hide what I am. I do not make friends easily but those I have are tried and true.

3: I do not suffer fools lightly, I think Shakespeare said that, not to imply that anybody on this thread is a fool, just to tell you something about me.

4: I do not mind criticism, in fact I welcome it as I think it makes me a better person, but think that it is more appropriate to do so one on one, not in front of the world. THAT IS BAD BEHAVIOR.

 

[Magik Wandzzzzz]

I watched some of the live streaming of the match where Dennis Diekmann ran up to the table and interupted George as he was getting ready to shoot. Dennis then got ahold of the microphone and explained that it was a staged joke. I didn't think it was all that funny and then he went on to use the SOB expletive as well as the "F" word. In private conversation I couldn't care less about his language, but most of the 3C players I know try to let people think that it's a classier game than pocket billiards. I've never heard a pool player or commentator use that kind of language on live stream video. I think it was tasteless coming from the president of the USBA.

just more hot air!

Sherm

1: I am NOT the president of the USBA, Bob Jewett is and will be until 1 MAR 2010, at which time I might be..........

2: What you see from me is what you get, don't pull punches, learned my foul language having spent 33 months in Viet Nam fighting for my country...

3: Sherm, how long have you known me and still can't spell my name right ???

 

[Magik Wandzzzzz]

.


My point is that our conduct as spectators should be commensurate to the tournament conditions and as Bob mentioned in accordance to the players wishes.

As far as the required attire is concerned its a matter of tradition and respect for the game, not to mention part of the rules in the UMB. Most of the players in this tournament are quite comfortable in a vest. Additionally the vest rule is not strictly enforced at the Regional level. Most tournaments only ask for collared shirts and no jeans. Many times if a player comes dressed inappropriately, the situation is overlooked.

IMO its important to respect the traditions and history of our game and the attire is just one aspect that sets 3C apart from pool. Without showing respect, the game cannot be respected. Without our history we have no future.

Lastly, Dieckman is a man that I think you'll find agreeable once you get to know him. The majority of the players in the tournament have known him for decades and are not surprised, shocked or distracted by anything he may say or do. They also know that Dennis has a devotion and passion for the present and the future of 3C that few ever achieve.

Well said Marcus, especially the "not surprised, shocked or distracted by anything he may say or do" part. But then you know me too well.

Incidentally, the thing with George Ashby was planned well in advance after consullting with George, in an attempt to lighten up the players and relax them. They told me it worked. Unfortunately they turned the sound on when I thought it was supposed to be off. The world was only meant to see me, not to hear me, only the players were meant to hear. Oh well........

 

[JesPiddlin]

From a sponsorship point of view...

Unfortunately, we missed a lot of Saturday's matches, due to a situation we did not realize would interfere. However, as regular sponsors of live streamed tournaments (including this one), I would like to put in a couple of thoughts.

We enjoy sponsoring live streams, if they are in good taste and our young grandchildren can watch, if they are here. If the language is too tart or the attitude is too strong, it doesn't matter what event it is, or who is speaking, we just might have a problem with it. As sponsors, we have an image to uphold as well as the event and those in charge. We generally sponsor to keep the streams free and to support the sport, not the organization, or the people, or the location. However, the organization, the people, or the location can make such an impression on us that they will be supported more often than others.

One thing that did bother me was when the commentator would receive phone calls and whisper into the phone ASSUMING that the rest of the world was not hearing his conversation. In fact, if the viewer decided to turn up the sound (yes, I did!), they could even hear parts of the other side of the conversation! I heard whispered and loud conversations -- on the phone or person-to-person -- about people being @$$es and showing theirs. I heard conversations about confusion in the tournament. I heard a conversation about whether commissions were expected, or not. I also heard one conversation which I interpreted as one trying to make another look bad. Since I believe strongly in privacy, I will not go into details. I only want the folks to know they were being heard by the world.

Yes, I turned up the speakers, because I knew someone else might -- humans are built with curiousity as a standard feature -- and being listed as a sponsor gave me cause to make sure things sounded okay for those who might choose to see what they could learn.

I do not care to hear silence on my speakers. It makes me think we are between matches, so I switch to another stream to watch, which has something more exciting going on, or I think I have time to take care of something around here, so I'm not watching what is going on while there is no sound. If a match was taking place and no sounds were heard, I wasn't paying attention. It is possible others weren't paying attention and might move to other streams, as well. For this reason, some commentary or background sounds should be going at all times during matches, if you wish to keep your viewers.

We can appreciate the silence during a match, or lots of sound and we understand the location makes a difference in what is acceptable and the players should have the last say in the sound levels, etc.. However, the silence in the room actually made some of the not-so-great moments much louder on the live stream.

One of you said... "The fact is... our sport is slowly dieing. I talked to a gentleman the other day at the Elks that said, "I used to play this game but all of my friends are dead now"..."

If you keep this sport online with live streams, it will not die. The live stream brought a huge amount of viewers and drew interest from around the world. So many have commented on how challenging the game looks and how they'd like to see more of it.

Dennis, getting roped into being Tournament Director at the last minute would have made for a super-tough situation and even though some of the confusion was heard online, it was also heard that it was being worked out. I can only imagine how awful such an important tournament would have gone without a director present, or with someone who has never directed one, before.

Personally, I like a dress code that is classy-looking, as far as the players are concerned. I think it moves the game up a notch or two in the eyes of the public and that is helpful. Of course, I would never want to see a game of baseball or football in slacks and vests, either. There is a time and a place for each dress style. This one looks good, as is. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Regarding the actual live stream quality... Steve, the quality of the audio and video was absolutely superb! You set up a beautiful stream and put a lot of care into getting it just right for the world to see. You put your trust into the people who were near the mic. They were the ones who dropped the ball. If you stream again... and we certainly hope you do, we may be interested in sponsoring, depending on what is going on for us, at that time. We would definitely like to see more 3C events online. I think it would be great to have a weekly event, even.

There is a lot more I could say. For the most part, this will go down in my memory as a first event of it's kind, which means there are learning curves which must be allowed. The group of people who were being streamed were not necessarily used to being displayed to the world, although that is a situation they need, if they want this sport to become as famous and common as 8 ball.