Bye folks.......at least for a while

miplayerstour

miplayerstour

Quiet participant
Silver Member
Well, Ive worked 20 hour days for many months getting the tour, show, clothing line and expo worked on. Ive had sponsors promise things and fail to deliver.......some have not and have done their best to support these things....such as Chalkys Que Stick Cafe,reliable sports, seyberts billiards supply and az has been terrific.

Ive hit the last straw now though and I need a break. This tour is non profit, which means I take a loss if someone fails to hold up their end of the sponsorship agreement, heck even when they do hold it up Im on the edge of still losing because doing all I do isnt free to me

Anyway, until I get sponsors that are willing to pay upfront and have funds held in escrow, i will not be releasing a new schedule for the tour for 2009. I refuse to cancel the events or schedule them if funds are not in the business account.

Ive heard so many people say the players are who create the problems, after all this time running these events, I have to disagree. Players have supported me and been very easy to work with. Many potential sponsors and folks that say they would do anything they could if a tour were in Michigan are the ones who let the players and fans down.

We advertise very inexpensively and the same potential sponsors will ask for free advertising but will not offer to support the tour or these players. Ive had players show up to put in their last bit of money just to help the tour get entries and stay alive and well.

I wish larger companies had taken the time to respond to requests for sponsorship. They missed some great opportunities and some great match ups. We do attrack some top players on our tour and in Michigan, its sad that I may not be able to continue to bring these matchups to everyone. I'll keep trying but im tired folks and I need a much needed rest.

Its sad to see so many million dollar companies that make profits from the players but rarely give anything back. It is a much underfunded, underappreciated and undermarketed group of talent out there.

I hope someone steps up to make necessary changes because we are killing professional pool in this country and the spirits of those of us that try to make a difference. The players have been let down so many times, its time they arent.

The website will remain in tact so videos will be able to be accessed. As I said its a rest until I can generate enough sponsorship to cover an event and have funds in escrow.

I never charged rooms for holding these events yet they made money from them while we were there...........they never put anything into the players pocket or even offered although they shouldve after making more than usual because the players were there. (Chalkys was the only exception)
It sickens me and I know its time for that break.

Thanks for all of your support everyone, I hope to see everyone very soon.

We will continue The Player Pulse show however, that will be restructured as well.

Thanks much and im sorry if Im letting anyone down. I tried harder than you know.
 
Sorry to hear the current situation

Hello, I do not know you, or any of the specifics surrounding your situation other than what you have stated.


I just wanted to say thanks.

Thanks for trying to support and promote this great game. I am for anything that brings more exposure to the game. I wish there were more people like you, trying to further the sad current state of the great sport.

Many people ( myself included) love to complain about how nobody does anything about it, while simultaneously doing nothing about it themselves ( myself included). I respect people who do more than just complain.

I hope that your current situation is just a temporary one, and that better things are around the corner. I get that you are frustrated, and a short break may be a good thing to boost your spirits.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.


Jw
 
I'm sorry to hear about your misfortune. Just know that your efforts were appreciated by many. Best of luck to you in the future.

poolpro said:
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Click to expand...

Well said pool pro. Rep to you both.
 
The only constant in businesses that succeed..

is that when they fail or falter, they move ahead, adjust and try again. I am sure you can do it, if you want to. I fail all the time and it just makes the success that much sweeter when it happens. Cheer up, YOU ALL DID A GREAT JOB!!!! If you don't want to continue....that's okay too. If you do, then it may take a paradigm shift...... the old adage goes "you can't (or shouldn't) mix business with pleasure". From the outside it looks to me to be pretty blurry there...I hope that doesn't sound negative in any way. It can get that way when you are working at something you love.... but if it's business then you have to treat it as a business. That means PROFIT!!

Your time is money spent, as well as your dollars. The players come LAST in the equation IMNSHO (go ahead and flame me if you need to) because if the businesses that CREATE their livelihood fail then there is no livelihood
for them ......other than gambling.

Your efforts did NOT go unnoticed!!

I hope you find happiness in whatever you choose to do.
Merry Christmas

td
 
Although it is unfortunate that your situation is what it is, it is also unfair to blame the sponsors, or non sponsors as you would call them. Now, I believe that if a sponsor commits to something, then they should see it through, but that is not the problem here.

Sponsors put their money where they will get a return on their investment. period.

If sponsors are not interested in supporting your tournaments then that is because they are not convinced that your tournaments are interested in supporting them.

Pool has to stop looking at sponsors as CHARITIES! They are not there to SUPPORT pool, or the players. They are businesses with a bottom line to pay attention to. Especially now during the current economy.

When tournament promoters figure out how to get the buying public to support the sponsors, then they will get the sponsorship they are looking for, and the Pro Pool players will benefit.
 
Very sorry to hear that this isn't working out. Pool is a tough sport to get any monetary sponsorship and it's in a pretty deep downturn the last ten years.

Hopefully you will bounce back bigger and better after taking a break.
 
To all:

I can vouch for Rita on her tireless effort to make a go of the MPT.

Personally, I don't want to speak of the tour in terms of past tense. The tour is structurally sound. Steve does a wonderful job streaming match after match and updating the scores and keeping things straight. The hits on the site are increasing exponentially.

The player participation is excellent. Jason, Richie and Bart have done a good job taking time to answer questions and being interviewed with the Player Pulse segment on Monday nights.

The venues selected like Chalky's, BreakRoom, and Anazah Sands (both east and west) are wonderful rooms. We in Western Michigan are fortunate to have these rooms(many places thru out the country are closing down)

So as I said, the MPT is structurally sound.

So what's the problem?

Sponsorship.

In my humble opinion, someone needs to put on their saleperson's hat and get out there and shake the bushes for a sponsor or sponsors( I know that's easier said then done). The economy makes this job much harder. However, businesses are also trying new inventive and relatively inexpensive ways to get their names out there. Perhaps sponsoring a tour is one way.

So, in conclusion, I wish the MPT the best. You've come a long way and if that last missing ingredient is meet, the tour will rock!

p.s. my opinions are based on observation and are impartial. I don't have a dog in this fight. I fell in love with 3c and may or may not ever compete in a MPT event.
 
To all:

I can vouch for Rita on her tireless effort to make a go of the MPT.

Personally, I don't want to speak of the tour in terms of past tense. The tour is structurally sound. Steve does a wonderful job streaming match after match and updating the scores and keeping things straight. The hits on the site are increasing exponentially.

The player participation is excellent. Jason, Richie and Bart have done a good job taking time to answer questions and being interviewed with the Player Pulse segment on Monday nights.

The venues selected like Chalky's, BreakRoom, and Anazah Sands (both east and west) are wonderful rooms. We in Western Michigan are fortunate to have these rooms(many places thru out the country are closing down)

So as I said, the MPT is structurally sound.

So what's the problem?

Sponsorship.

In my humble opinion, someone needs to put on their saleperson's hat and get out there and shake the bushes for a sponsor or sponsors( I know that's easier said then done). The economy makes this job much harder. However, businesses are also trying new inventive and relatively inexpensive ways to get their names out there. Perhaps sponsoring a tour is one way.

So, in conclusion, I wish the MPT the best. You've come a long way and if that last missing ingredient is meet, the tour will rock!

p.s. my opinions are based on observation and are impartial. I don't have a dog in this fight. I fell in love with 3c and may or may not ever compete in a MPT event.
 
This is definitely sad news! Was looking forward to some of the stuff you had going on.

If you get things moving, again, please let us know.

If I read correctly, you're planning to continue the Players Pulse. Glad to hear/read that.

Relax and try to have a merry Christmas and Happy New Year, for now.
 
miplayerstour said:
Well, Ive worked 20 hour days for many months getting the tour, show, clothing line and expo worked on. Ive had sponsors promise things and fail to deliver.......some have not and have done their best to support these things....such as Chalkys Que Stick Cafe,reliable sports, seyberts billiards supply and az has been terrific.

Ive hit the last straw now though and I need a break. This tour is non profit, which means I take a loss if someone fails to hold up their end of the sponsorship agreement, heck even when they do hold it up Im on the edge of still losing because doing all I do isnt free to me

Anyway, until I get sponsors that are willing to pay upfront and have funds held in escrow, i will not be releasing a new schedule for the tour for 2009. I refuse to cancel the events or schedule them if funds are not in the business account.

Ive heard so many people say the players are who create the problems, after all this time running these events, I have to disagree. Players have supported me and been very easy to work with. Many potential sponsors and folks that say they would do anything they could if a tour were in Michigan are the ones who let the players and fans down.

We advertise very inexpensively and the same potential sponsors will ask for free advertising but will not offer to support the tour or these players. Ive had players show up to put in their last bit of money just to help the tour get entries and stay alive and well.

I wish larger companies had taken the time to respond to requests for sponsorship. They missed some great opportunities and some great match ups. We do attrack some top players on our tour and in Michigan, its sad that I may not be able to continue to bring these matchups to everyone. I'll keep trying but im tired folks and I need a much needed rest.

Its sad to see so many million dollar companies that make profits from the players but rarely give anything back. It is a much underfunded, underappreciated and undermarketed group of talent out there.

I hope someone steps up to make necessary changes because we are killing professional pool in this country and the spirits of those of us that try to make a difference. The players have been let down so many times, its time they arent.

The website will remain in tact so videos will be able to be accessed. As I said its a rest until I can generate enough sponsorship to cover an event and have funds in escrow.

I never charged rooms for holding these events yet they made money from them while we were there...........they never put anything into the players pocket or even offered although they shouldve after making more than usual because the players were there. (Chalkys was the only exception)
It sickens me and I know its time for that break.

Thanks for all of your support everyone, I hope to see everyone very soon.

We will continue The Player Pulse show however, that will be restructured as well.

Thanks much and im sorry if Im letting anyone down. I tried harder than you know.
Click to expand...

I can totally empathize with your feelings about this.

You are smart to pull out early, as opposed to getting in debt over pool. Believe me, it ain't worth it. As much as you pour into this sport with your heart and soul, there are those who are not appreciative.

I am pleased to read that you do not blame the pool players. Most -- NOT ALL -- of the American pool culture, as evidenced on this forum from time to time, think American pro players are the scum of the earth. Bravo to you for trying to make a difference for the better.

Many moons ago, my boyfriend was speaking on the phone to a legendary player, Ronnie Allen, who is a friend of his. I had heard his name many times as a champion one-pocket player. Many road players used to return back home and talk about this incredible road warrior named Ronnie Allen, but I hadn't seen him at any of the pool tournaments that I went to.

So I asked if I could speak to him. I said, "Ronnie, how come you're not out here on the tournament trail? Why aren't you enthusiastic about pool anymore?" I did not understand his reply then, but I sure as hell understand it today. He said, "When you've been beaten up by pool as much as I have, you just don't have the same enthusiasm about it anymore."

Take care of you and yours first. In the end, it is your family and loved ones who matter the most. Don't let pool beat you up.

Thanks for trying to make a difference! :smile:
 
Just a thought...

Never Give Up
by Mark Howard

I'll never give up fighting till the end
If I fall along the way I'll get up and try again
But never shall I accept the fact of defeat
I've set goals in life and those I must meet
But never will I let negativity hold me down
Those who think positive I keep them around
Never shall I dwell on things in the past
Bad times come but never do they last
I shall never give in to those who are weaker than I
If I give up now why not lay down and die
Never Give Up


The eagles beak was shot off by a hunter. This is his new beak.

Dwight
 

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This game is a cruel mistress Jennie. Play your heart out for peanuts. Most of the tournaments, tours, and leagues are started and run by amateurs who love the game. There is just no money in it except for very few and even for them it's not all as rosy as it seems.

I can't tell you the amount of people who think that I am millionaire from Instroke cases. People have no idea how billiard businesses struggle to stay in business. There are a few that do fairly well and the rest are constantly on edge and just a few bad months away from closing down.

I always find it an contradiction in terms when someone says that the billiard industry is getting rich off the players and gives nothing back. That is one of the largest untruths in this business. In truth many - most - billiard companies give a lot more than they can afford when you consider the return for the money spent.

Billiard Industry companies are forever taking flyers trying to catch some return - they are suckers for almost every plea that comes along but one thing that they can't do is send cash. This is a cash poor business where the business to business payment terms are often 30-90 days. Any businessman here will tell you that when your customers have a long time to pay you and you owe creditors on terms then you really have to watch the cash flow so you don't get strapped.

You say that the players aren't to blame but the truth is that they are part of the industry too, especially the pros.

If a local group such a high school band needs to raise money what do they do? They get together and go house to house, have car washes, bake sales, you name it and they get it done. All this is outside of their actual interest (profession) which is playing an instrument in the band.

Two things that the players have that most people don't is TIME and SKILL. Because so many pros don't have day jobs they actually do have more free time - meaning that they can freely schedule their activities as they want to. This coupled with the fact that there are only a couple hundred of them in the United States puts them in an elite group.

They don't NEED the billiard industry. Really they don't.

As a group the pros can do tours like the Legends tour with Johnny and Earl. They can do lessons and clinics and fantasy camps. They could set something up to funnel a part of this revenue towards a pro tour.

Frank Alvarez does corporate exhibitions. Jennie, I am a better player than Frank is and I wouldn't dream of trying to give pool exhibitions.

BUT since the professionals in the USA won't stand up and SHOW the world what a real professional is then anyone can call themselves a pro and run a rack or two and people believe it.

This is a sport full of individuals who are all A-type personalities and who refuse to give in and do some work that doesn't benefit only themselves or that may benefit a future generation of players.

How many of use would gladly spend $200 for a couple hours of private lessons with Keith McReady? I WOULD - Gladly!!!

How about a week long fantasy camp with Keith and Ronnie and Grady? 1000 a person 20 students max?

What if this were played out all over the country - go to Pro School? There are so many things I can think of that the pros AS A GROUP could do that would MAKE the industry come to them.

Anyway I digress. This sport is too fragmented to entertain hope that the players will ever be able to band together for the common good. And frankly the industry can't afford to back them individually - not enough exposure for too little return.
 
JB Cases said:
...Anyway I digress. This sport is too fragmented to entertain hope that the players will ever be able to band together for the common good. And frankly the industry can't afford to back them individually - not enough exposure for too little return.
Click to expand...

I appreciate your opinion, one which I know was acquired from a lot of experience in the industry.

From my small corner of the world, I see an American pool culture quite different than pool cultures elsewhere in the world. We all know how pool is celebrated in Philippines. Here in the United States, a multi-million-dollar pool tournament can take place, with not one mention of it in mainstream American media. Pool isn't even on the sports totem pole. Rather, it's a recreational game, not a sport, much like badminton and croquet in the eyes of the majority here in the States.

Then there's the alphabet soup of pool organizations. Whoever gave the UPA the right to be the governing body of American pool should have their hand smacked. Of course, they probably don't work for the BCA organization anymore, and today, the UPA tour ain't happening. The founder(s) have jumped ship and started their own profit-making enterprise(s), after reaping the benefits elsewhere, discriminating against life-long players, and stepping on others to profit themselves.

Pool is cruel to its own here in the United States. The American pool culture, some and not all, seem to think pro players are "bums without jobs." There seems to be little or no recognition of the skills set it takes to play pool on a professional level.

After seeing the American tournament trail up front and close for a six-year span, I soon found out that I had my priorities in life a little out of order. :embarrassed2:

Pool is a passion for some. Unfortunately for those who have devoted their life to it, there ain't much reward, other than bragging rights.
 
Thanks much everyone. I want to make sure that its clear to everyone that I never asked for something from anyone withoout giving something of value in return. I dont think all billiard related businesses are able to help but, I did want to help them and would do so for free in some cases because thats what this was about..........thats why I set this tour up was to help players, room owners that needed help, thus why I didnt charge them and for the other businesses that were cash poor, i even advertised less than normal price or worked something out so it was basically free.

I do however believe that the larger companies and organizations out there should e contributing more to the growth and marketing of higher level pool and its talent! Ive always been a business woman and know how to create a muti million dollar business and to reorganize one to make it profitable but in this industry is making me rip my hair out because of the lack of organization and ability to market its money makers!

the talent we have is beyond any talent anywhere yet we allow it to crumble right in front of our eyes.

There are companies that can help.....am I asking for it? No, as I said I dont ask for something for nothing. I work tirelessly to get everyone benefit.

There is so much more folks could do on a small scale but if many did the same thing the scale isnt so small in total. This is whats frustrating. That and the lack of organization of the so called protectors of the players and sport.

My eyes have opened and while Im tired and disgusted, Im not done trying. I will continue to try to get something working for the talent here, I am working on getting exhibitions for them, the expo is still on, the show will continue and if we can raise the sponsor funds, the tour will continue just not in the same way or with as many stops. It isnt over by any means but im tired and need a rest.

I will make a change and not just in this state, I will find a way to impact th players organizations because in truth, they are what will change the path the talent takes.

Im hard headed bu today, Im tired and beaten down a bit but I recover quickly.

I'll keep everyone informed. Thanks again folks........maybe the rebirth of this tour and more will be bigger and better for everyone.

One can hope
 
you need a vacation

get some rest, and try to enjoy the season.

i would expect most people to have been burned out more than a month ago. adding local economy and the lovely Michigan weather, the year end tourney went off extremely well.

there is an enormous amount of stress involved in promotion and this time of year you don't need extra.

have a stiff eggnog take a couple of naps and try and have a merry christmas. make sure Amanda does too.

M.C. (a proud supporter of MPT)
 
Sounds like you have worked really hard to make things better for others, and for that you most definetly deserve a tip of the hat.

Its a shame whatever needs to be done to get pool going just cant sceme to happen.

I know alittle about alot of things around sports. My father worked for the NFL for 20 years, I have friends that work for the PGA. The biggest thing missing I think, is junior programs.. (But thats another thread)

Hope you can find a sponser for your tour, It would be a shame to have all your work go out in the wash... Good luck

Hit'em high, let'em fly. Mowem Down
 
I can kinda relate to this on a personal level.

I've been trying to get sponser's and sub sponsers for my NSA softball team this yr. And compared in price, its probably peanuts compared to what your trying to raise, but we've been trying to get a Title sponser which is @ 1000$ right now, and or initial price was going to be 1500$, which includes uniforms and a link on our website and a banner put up at every game, league and tournament.

now also we've also been trying to get sub sponser's @ a price of 200$, which they would get a link on our website and a spot on our Banner too. which is like pulling teeth...... I mean you wouldnt think getting 200$ from a company, so you can Advertise thier business all summer long would be that tough.......

The problem I see with alot of people is they are so tight with money right now, that if they spend 200$ to sponser something, they want to see instant feedback from thier 200$ or whatever amount they have spent, most people who run a business dont look at the long run, or they might not notice a big increase in sales or business, and just figure its a spurt in the industry.

Also I think when your approaching companys for sponsership, they want to know who is going to be looking at thier product to buy it.... IE getting something like Budwieser, or Miller Light or a cigarette company would probably be alot easier than getting Ford or a Boat company to sponser a billiards tournament, because how many people in the billiards industry can afford a new car or boat???? Not many that I know of..... but everyone can afford smokes or a beer......
 
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