Being Kevin Trudeau

[2wld4u]

Am I right to believe that MacGuy was not selected by KT?

We all know the backgroung of KT - but what is the background of MacGuy?

What has he accomplished in his life that he knows so much about what KT should do?
And how KT will ruin pool. (What a ridiculous statement on its face)

As KT said in his interview on CNN there is nothing wrong with making a lot of money. In fact that is the goal of most people who want to be successfull. And as far as KT making money for his company by selling his book and having people subscribe to his website, well, isn't that what all advertisers want? Do you think Bud, Nike, etal, are philanthropic entities when they sponsor events? Of course not, they do it to make money. Lots, and lots of money.

Anyway, MacGuy, comes across as a nut case. Right there with the guy who tried to strong Arm KT for $150,000.

In about 40 days we will all find out. Will the 43 selected (honored) players be happy or not? Will they be paid? Will the 12 Hall of Famers complain about being in a tournament where just by showing up they will be guaranteed $30,000 and have a chance to win a lot more?

Time will tell.

But I bet they will all be laughing. All the way to the bank.

Will the 12 Hall of Famers complain about being in a tournament where just by showing up they will be guaranteed $30,000 and have a chance to win a lot more?

Something wrong with that? your looking at this negitive, shouldnt a hall of famer be guranteed money? I think that only shows respect.. I gurantee the hall of famers are very gratious.. If they arent they should be.. The talent around can make any hall of famer wince... The pot of gold for a viliant effort should they win or loose will ease pressure, and IMO make for some exciting matches..



2wld4u

 

[Rude Dog]

Is it just me, or have there been no real big-time sponsors that have yet to step forward and sign on or otherwise support this new "venture" & its participants? And for that matter, I have yet to see one broadcast or advertisement of this so-called wondrous "world tournament" that occurred recently on either cable or free network TV. If that so-called "tournament" had been such a big deal as some of the I.P.T.'s proponents have claimed it was (with one person going so far as to call it a "tribute to the sport" (ha-ha)), one would think that the networks would be beating a hasty path to or calling up Kevin Trudeau's workplace & making endless offers & counter-offers to this great organization that the I.P.T. likes to claim it is in order for them to be the one who attains the ultimate prize of the I.P.T.'s television broadcasting rights.

Is anyone beating a hasty path to your door for your opinion or your money? Are you or BlackJack receiving endless offers and counter offers for the tour that the 2 of you are organizing? You know, the one with a pension and 401k plan for all players involved? I got a good idea for your tour too, instead of millions of dollars in prize money, give away big fat trophies, the kind that the players can pay their rent with, and electric, gas, groceries, diapers, and maybe, just maybe, they'll have some left over for when they retire. Hell yeah, you got a winner there! Who cares about money, that should never be an issue when you can win a trophy, right genious? Sign me up, I'm in, I can't wait to be on tv, holding up my big fat trophy, ear to ear smile on my face, telling the millions of pool fans watching, "I'd like to thank all the wonderful sponsors of this tour for giving me the opportunity of a life time to win such a prestigious event as this, to hell with all those suckers playing the I.P.T. tournaments and winning all that money, JUST LOOK AT THIS BEAUTIFUL TROPHY!" Give up Vader, you can't win!

 

[trophycue]

Self-sufficient but solely owned by him and the players puppets. Is this bad or wrong, who knows, but it is what it is and the players should not delude themselves as to what it really is. It is a privately owned business, not a regulated sport and he can do as he pleases the players have no rights it appears, possibly not even to their own names or images he says they will sign away to him. he could even own the rights to deals players may make on the side and get a percent of any deals they make. I am just speculating but the players are at this point so mesmerized they will agree to anything for fear of being excluded. He already is controlling them with the demand they all have to attend the first tournament with no compensation. Even if a player can't afford to come and has to put the trip on a credit card they will show up, strictly out of fear if nothing else.[/QUOT I think that all big paying sports went thru these things and had to deal with them over a # of years. Rember old man Comiskey, and the black sox? George steinbrener does a pretty good job owning players, and buying championships..........I am Canadian , but it seems to me , this Trudeau guy is the american dream rite in your laps......so what if the players are giving up some percentage of a deal, that means there is a deal goin on, that wasnt before. Fill your hat boys~!...........rock ****in on~!

 

[Colin Colenso]

I haven't seen an intelligent point made by the knockers in this thread. It seems they have made up their mind and nothing is gonna be good enough for them. This is mixed in with a socialist / marxian mindset of anti-capitalism that seems to think willing consumers and employees are always getting the raw end of the deal. Utter hogwash!

Everyone who plays on the tour will be doing so voluntarily because they perceive a net benefit.

If these events receive high profile TV programming as promised, it will be a god send for the entire industry from cue makers to pool halls.

Now that doesn't mean that people should not be able do say such things as 'Could be better if A, B or C', but most the critiques being put forth are based on ignorant negativity.

I am a professional in the sports marketing field, having made 2 televised billiards events supported by sponsorships. And I've studied the business models that are necessary for success in the sports business.

From what KT has said about his plans for running and profiting from the IPT I think he is right on track, and has several business advantages over the previously most productive promoter Barry Hearn, who has done more for the growth in pool worldwide than anyone in the last few decades.

People say that he will control the stars, with a sense of morbidity of his gaining monopoly influence. I hope he does, because the only way he will do so is by continuing to do better than all competition, and believe me, once he invests all this money promoting the champions, their value will grow incredibly and this will attract a whole new set of entrepreneurs who will come in with big offers.

Look at the bargaining power of highly exposed professional athletes! They tend to become more powerful rather than less powerful. If KT can promote them and keep them, he will have to please them. I just hope the players don't turn into a bunch of snakes trying to bite the hand that fed them a few years down the track.

The tour is not going to fulfill everyone's pool dream, that is impossible as humans by their nature always want more, but this tour is doing things for pool that will put it on the map as a real and entertaining professional sport. This is a great breakthrough and time for optimism.

 

[i210mfu]

Outside view

Well it took me a while to answer on this issue here because of the reactions of some posters. As a European, the only thing I can say regarding this whole bragging about Mr. Trudeau is: Just give him a chance

It seems to be international, that they same people that complain about the state of professional pool in one thread of a forum, are now trying to discredit the efforts to establish - for the first time in professional pool- a lucrative tour for all participating professional players.

He wants to generate money with pool, so what ..That is what every sponsor anywhere has as a goal when he engages in sponsoring whatsoever.......

Here we have a saying that perfectly fitsI hope the translation does make some sense)

Pities are for free------enviousness one has to work for.

Just my 2$ - please direct your flames to Markus Funk


MF

 

[Koop]

As for being a vehicle to sell stuff; sorry to break it ya' but that is all a professional sportsperson is and that is why any business sponsors(advertises) any sporting event, from little league baseball to pool tours

John

To add to this point, just look at the NBA's new dress code. It all goes back to corporate sponsorship. Where the heck else is the money going to come from to keep this going?
Every player in every sport is used a vehicle to sell stuff. The difference is that they are being paid and pool players are not. I'm really having a hard time grasping why everyone wouldn't give this a chance especially given the fact that KT has been so public about it. If you are one of the ones who thinks this a bad idea, please tell us where this kind of money will ever come from again.

I am honestly learning here but I just don't get it. Pool players are about to paid, commensurate with their skills, and there are people who don't like this setup.

Koop

 

[SlimShafty]

Look at the bargaining power of highly exposed professional athletes! They tend to become more powerful rather than less powerful. If KT can promote them and keep them, he will have to please them. I just hope the players don't turn into a bunch of snakes trying to bite the hand that fed them a few years down the track.

I agree, and sadly if pool does become very successful, I'm sure you will see disgruntled players and lawsuits for rights to things they never would have had an opportunity to take advantage of in the first place. Don King gets sued all the time, and wrestlers file lawsuits against Vince, and of course we see NFL,NBA,MLB players cry and moan when they don't get that extra million on the 16 million dollar contract, or want to renegotiate, so they walk or sit out.

My favorite quote is from Larry Holmes, Holmes said: "I make more money with Don King stealing from me than 100 percent from other promoters."

Someone please tell me how Tyson would have ever been paid over 100 million in less then 3 years without King? But then Tyson goes and sues King for 100 million after he carelessly blows all his money away. Everyone hates King because he makes TONS of money, but he is responsible for making over 100 individual boxers millionaires, I say he deserves even more then he got. Holmes was smart, he knew King made him money and fame no other could.

Kevin should have the rights to players likeness and name connected with the IPT to sell DVD's, and any other merchandise or TV advertising money, The players will enjoy playing for huge money and also have the ability to have endorsements from a much wider audience if successful, without KT, that never happens so he definitely deserves credit and financial reward for the risk he is taking.

 

[onepocketchump]

I agree, and sadly if pool does become very successful, I'm sure you will see disgruntled players and lawsuits for rights to things they never would have had an opportunity to take advantage of in the first place. Don King gets sued all the time, and wrestlers file lawsuits against Vince, and of course we see NFL,NBA,MLB players cry and moan when they don't get that extra million on the 16 million dollar contract, or want to renegotiate, so they walk or sit out.

My favorite quote is from Larry Holmes, Holmes said: "I make more money with Don King stealing from me than 100 percent from other promoters."

Someone please tell me how Tyson would have ever been paid over 100 million in less then 3 years without King? But then Tyson goes and sues King for 100 million after he carelessly blows all his money away. Everyone hates King because he makes TONS of money, but he is responsible for making over 100 individual boxers millionaires, I say he deserves even more then he got. Holmes was smart, he knew King made him money and fame no other could.

Kevin should have the rights to players likeness and name connected with the IPT to sell DVD's, and any other merchandise or TV advertising money, The players will enjoy playing for huge money and also have the ability to have endorsements from a much wider audience if successful, without KT, that never happens so he definitely deserves credit and financial reward for the risk he is taking.

This is the best post yet. A pool player without a table to play on is just another nobody. Did Tiger Woods get 60 Million from Nike for being the best amateur golfer OR for the promise of his potential as a professional golfer. The PGA would have continued on without Tiger but Tiger would be broke without the PGA. Because the PGA provides a platform for the pros to perform they then can make money and garner sponsorships so it's a symbiotic relationship.

John

 

[DaveK]

I haven't seen an intelligent point made by the knockers in this thread. It seems they have made up their mind and nothing is gonna be good enough for them. This is mixed in with a socialist / marxian mindset of anti-capitalism that seems to think willing consumers and employees are always getting the raw end of the deal. Utter hogwash!

Everyone who plays on the tour will be doing so voluntarily because they perceive a net benefit.

If these events receive high profile TV programming as promised, it will be a god send for the entire industry from cue makers to pool halls.

Now that doesn't mean that people should not be able do say such things as 'Could be better if A, B or C', but most the critiques being put forth are based on ignorant negativity.

I am a professional in the sports marketing field, having made 2 televised billiards events supported by sponsorships. And I've studied the business models that are necessary for success in the sports business.

Here is an intelligent comment :

This IPT looks to be set up as an ENTERTAINMENT endeavor, not a SPORTS endeavour. I would like to see the rules as to the membership in the IPT, some transparency would be nice. Currently there are 150 'selected' players. The criteria for this selection was not ideal in my opinion, but let's grant them their charter membership as a given. Now, how are the 'lowest 50' members screened out ? I would guess by winnings, but I have not seen that clearly stated. Then how do the 'new 50' get selected ? Will the 50 who loose their membership have an opportunity to re-qualify immediately ? After 1 year ? Never again ? If this continues to be the exclusive domain of KT, then there will always be contention as to the members. I would suggest a solid qualification process be established, one that is transparent, cannot be influenced by any subjective criteria, and results in membership being granted for current pool abilities exclusively. That is how tennis and golf work (sponsors exemptions notwithstanding), and they are about the most successful widespread individual professional sports. Surely their models were some that you studied Colin, how would you compare the IPT model to them ?

Dave

 

[onepocketchump]

Is it just me, or have there been no real big-time sponsors that have yet to step forward and sign on or otherwise support this new "venture" & its participants?

It's just you. 15 Million is real, big-time compared to what we have had. I guess the William Morris Agency is just a small-time outfit no one has heard of. And before you bring up that the WMA is a HIRED agency you ought to consider that they don't want to be aligned with ventures that are questionable as it affects their reputation as well.

You make no "cents" at all.

John

 

[Rude Dog]

It's just you. 15 Million is real, big-time compared to what we have had. I guess the William Morris Agency is just a small-time outfit no one has heard of. And before you bring up that the WMA is a HIRED agency you ought to consider that they don't want to be aligned with ventures that are questionable as it affects their reputation as well.

You make no "cents" at all.

John

TAP TAP TAP!!! Vader and BlackJack have all the answers but they don't want to share with the rest of us for some reason. Peace, John.

 

[Colin Colenso]

Here is an intelligent comment :

This IPT looks to be set up as an ENTERTAINMENT endeavor, not a SPORTS endeavour.

I think they are attempting to make sports entertainment. If it entertains, it has a better chance of success. Let's wait for the final product and see how well it entertains the pool afficianados and the general public.

I would like to see the rules as to the membership in the IPT, some transparency would be nice. Currently there are 150 'selected' players. The criteria for this selection was not ideal in my opinion, but let's grant them their charter membership as a given. Now, how are the 'lowest 50' members screened out ? I would guess by winnings, but I have not seen that clearly stated. Then how do the 'new 50' get selected ? Will the 50 who loose their membership have an opportunity to re-qualify immediately ? After 1 year ? Never again ? If this continues to be the exclusive domain of KT, then there will always be contention as to the members.

From what I understand, ranking wil be decided on win:loss ratios. I have not gone through all the info on the IPT site with a fine-tooth comb, but I think it is a fair assessment that they could have done better with getting such information up sooner. The 50 new IPT members will be selected from a qualifying tournament which is listed on the website. I'll assume current IPT players that miss the cut will be eligable. Perhaps also kT will open up wild cards for tour entry as many sponsors have this option. There is no suggestion of this yet, but it is his tour and if it brings in players that can add to the marketability of the event then it would be in his and the player's interest, as it was with Steve Davis playing in the Mosconi Cup and World Champs.

I would suggest a solid qualification process be established, one that is transparent, cannot be influenced by any subjective criteria, and results in membership being granted for current pool abilities exclusively. That is how tennis and golf work (sponsors exemptions notwithstanding), and they are about the most successful widespread individual professional sports. Surely their models were some that you studied Colin, how would you compare the IPT model to them ?

Dave

I think it is their aim to create a fair and transparent qualification system. There are marketing reasons why a tour would want an open qualification system that attracts the best players as we see in the PGA and WTA, and I expect such a system will develop with time. To get this event off the ground they obviousy wanted to get commited players from around the world, past greats, various ages and a good sample of female players. Obviously some very good players have missed out. Thankfully the 50 available spots will give many of these players and opportunity to enter the tour in the 2nd year. This is a much faster entry process than has been available to entering pros in World Snooker over the past 10 years. Many of the current world top 32 payers took several years to climb though the arduous qualification system to get to a point where they had a half decent chance of making good money.

There are even 2 events, the US Open and the World Championships that are Open to ALL comers and offer the bulk of the year's prize money with 2 and 3 million up for grabs respectively. I doubt there have been many sport association start ups of this maginitude that have been so open and welcoming to new participants.

 

[onepocketchump]

Here is an intelligent comment :

This IPT looks to be set up as an ENTERTAINMENT endeavor, not a SPORTS endeavour. I would like to see the rules as to the membership in the IPT, some transparency would be nice. Currently there are 150 'selected' players. The criteria for this selection was not ideal in my opinion, but let's grant them their charter membership as a given. Now, how are the 'lowest 50' members screened out ? I would guess by winnings, but I have not seen that clearly stated. Then how do the 'new 50' get selected ? Will the 50 who loose their membership have an opportunity to re-qualify immediately ? After 1 year ? Never again ? If this continues to be the exclusive domain of KT, then there will always be contention as to the members. I would suggest a solid qualification process be established, one that is transparent, cannot be influenced by any subjective criteria, and results in membership being granted for current pool abilities exclusively. That is how tennis and golf work (sponsors exemptions notwithstanding), and they are about the most successful widespread individual professional sports. Surely their models were some that you studied Colin, how would you compare the IPT model to them ?

Dave

I guess that after the first year the process will be pretty simple, if your are in the top 100 you are in and if you are not you aren't.

The only thing that concerns me is the idea that there will be only ONE tournament in order to select a new 50 players. I would start in January and have a tournament every month to get a secondary list of players going with the top 100 players on that tour to compete with the bottom 50 players for the 50 spots on the main tour.

That gives all the players all over the world a chance to compete in the format against the best players who aren't already on the main tour and it sets up a really good qualification process to insure that the very best players are playing.

I would have wild card spots for champions in other disciplines. For example the 3 cushion world champion should have a standing invite, the best English billiards player should get a spot, the world snooker champions should have spots, and the champions of each country should have spots. That would play well on TV for sure. Kind of like Michael Shumacher coming to NASCAR and vice versa.

I figure that with the system I just proposed that second and third tier tournaments will spring up just to feed the main tour. Why not have the qualifying tournaments pay out $10,000 for first? Make the entry fees $300 a tournament, with 300 players, the same format as the IPT itself, and you have $90,000 in entry fees alone to disburse. I guarantee that there would be at least 500 players in this country who would be vying for those spots each month. Local tournament series could have spots in the monthlies as prizes. JUST LIKE POKER - MASS MAKES CLASS.

Poker works because there are thousands of small tournaments, that feed into larger and larger tournaments. It is possible to get to the big show in poker with a $10 investment, time and talent. Theoretically, it ought to be possible to spend $10 in a local pool tournament and from there, to play your way into the big time.

If this were the case then eventually there would be millions of people putting in that $10 every week just to see how far they can get. Right now, hundreds of thousands of people put in $10 bucks a week or more for a shot at going to Vegas and winning $3000. Imagine if the prize was a guaranteed shot at $3,000,000.

John