Commercial idea...

[Zims Rack]

I'm sure most of you have seen the cell phone commercial for T-Mobile! The one with the phone that you can type on; with Snoop asking about fabric softner!!
Well, picture this... A Pro pool player (insert name) has a tough shot in a major tournament with a huge crowd in the background and is playing against a very dominant player (insert name). He is hooked and can't figure out how to shoot the shot, he/she calls a time out, grabs their cell phone (insert brand) and takes a photo of the table layout, sends the photo over cell phone to another pro player (insert name), they inturn have an idea, but send it to another pro player (insert name)...after it's sent to about 6 pro players, as the shooting pro player is reading his last text message, a rookie pro player (insert name) comes out of the crowd and shoots the shot for him without hesitating. "Cingular, the up and coming pro!" for the cellular market.
I know, kind of cheesy, just thought I'd share my crazy thoughts! There's a market out there for billiards to get into, we've just got to find it and push our ideas!

Zim

 

[azbicyclis85376]

Goffy IDEA.......

 

[JAM]

Due to the popularity of cell phones, that may be a good promotional concept. It would be interesting to hear from others relating to new and innovative marketing strategies in general.

Landshark mentioned Nike's involvement with pool. When pool is recognized more in mainstream America, Nike may step forward.

The Hilton's sponsorship of the North American Open Tour is good news for the pool. To date, pool is self-sponsored within its own industry, and those companies can only provide so much in the way of incoming monies. The tournament payouts are the same today as 20 and 30 years ago, which in essence means that they have decreased, due to cost-of-living increases.

Interestingly enough, and I know it's a controversial issue, I know of two instances where cigarette companies have sponsored, although very small, pool tournaments. Camel Cigarettes donated a $500 entry fee for the U.S. Open last year to the Virginia State 9-Ball Championship. I saw a promotional magazine by Newport cigarettes which featured pool on the front cover and had a 5-page article within it, mentioning the popularity of pocket billiards. It went on to provide quotes from Buddy Hall, the BCA, and a few others in the industry. Cigarette companies have big bucks.

I have heard horror stories about Budweiser's involvement in the past and present. However, the beverage industry is a slightly untapped market. There are a few exceptions. The pool-playing public enjoys drinking beer, water, sodas, and coffee. I believe some beer manufacturers do provide support for pool leagues in some regions of the country. Most of the pool people I know enjoy drinking a beverage when playing pool.

When Jeanette Lee and charismatic people like her bring a little color to the game on TV, prospective sponsors will take notice. Robotic pool players on TV ain't going to get us there. We know these players, and it is entertaining to us, but we make up a very small public.

There's talk in my neck of the woods of having pool events transpire alongside boxing matches. The boxing administrative people in D.C. are attempting to bring more business to the city, and I like the idea that they want to include pool in their plans. Years ago, my brother used to be a promoter of aspiring country music singers -- K.D. Lang was one -- and if you know WHO to contact, you can get things going and make it happen. And sometimes, it is who you know.

I heard an idea of one pool media person who thought that it would be entertaining to have the pool players enter the tournament pit with a bang, much like the little Prince from England in boxing used to do with lavish costumes, loud music, and a dance routine (where is he lately?). I think his idea holds some merit. If anything, it would get the attention of the TV viewers, which is the whole idea. The visions conjured up by my imagination, though, cracks me up, especially pool players in costume with cue in hand, dancing their way in beat with some rapster-type music or the Rocky theme song as they enter the pit.

Pool is in need of an agent of change. Until the game/sport attracts more viewers on TV, it will continue to be a self-sponsored entity. Until more money pours in, the game will never become a legitimate "sport" in the eyes of America. Any idea to get it mainstreamed is worthy of consideration. Ray Kroc wasn't deterred by any hurdles to accomplish his dreams when he created the fast-food hamburger, and look at McDonald's now!

JMHO, FWIW!

JAM

 

[vagabond]

The visions conjured up by my imagination, though, cracks me up, especially pool players in costume with cue in hand, dancing their way in beat with some rapster-type music or the Rocky theme song as they enter the pit.


JAM

HI jam,
!0-12 years ago I suggested this and the establishment laughed at the idea and said no.Cheers
Vagabond

 

[JAM]

HI jam,
!0-12 years ago I suggested this and the establishment laughed at the idea and said no.Cheers
Vagabond

Great minds must think alike, Vagabond, because this media person was sincere about this concept on TV. I'm laughing at the idea because I think it's funny. If it takes a strategy like this to lure in the non-pool-playing public, I think it's a good idea, one worthy of merit.

If you only knew the whole story behind this picture, poor Keith actually allowed me to snap 30 or more pictures as he posed in this ridiculous costume in 110-degree heat, solely in the name of pool. As you can see, he's real thrilled about it!

JAM [Still laughing when I see these pics]

 

[Zims Rack]

JAM- Great posts (as ususal) and I LOVE the photo, thanks Keith!!
There's got to be something right on the tip of our tongue that will attract non-pool players to view our sport on TV and at tournaments!

Thanks,
Zim

 

[JAM]

...There's got to be something right on the tip of our tongue that will attract non-pool players to view our sport on TV and at tournaments!

That is the first step for sure. Before any prospective sponsor enters the pool market, there has to be a large enough fan base. So, in essence, this is the starting point.

Initially, I have been attracted to some sports based on its participants, not so much the game that is being played. When Tiger Woods rose in popularity, young children began to take up golf. Seeing MacGuire break the home-run record spurred interest with young boys pursuing baseball. Sponsors see this and jump on it.

Poker is a card GAME. We are not seeing folks playing the other card GAMES, gin rummy or bridge, on TV. What seems to be attractive is the large sums of money and HARD-CORE gambling. You can lead a horse to the water by having pool on TV, but you can't make him drink it if he doesn't understand it. Once pool becomes mainstream, the professional pool organizations will enjoy a larger viewing audience, and the sponsors will follow (IMO).

Pool needs a personality AND a product to sell. Maybe it will come by way of one top-level player. Again, Jeanette Lee's recent TV exposure is helpful because her personality comes through, and the fact that she hits 'em pretty sporty helps, too! Maybe the platform itself, the 9-ball tournaments, needs to change. Food for thought!

JAM

 

[catscradle]

Great minds must think alike, Vagabond, because this media person was sincere about this concept on TV. I'm laughing at the idea because I think it's funny. If it takes a strategy like this to lure in the non-pool-playing public, I think it's a good idea, one worthy of merit.

If you only knew the whole story behind this picture, poor Keith actually allowed me to snap 30 or more pictures as he posed in this ridiculous costume in 110-degree heat, solely in the name of pool. As you can see, he's real thrilled about it!

JAM [Still laughing when I see these pics]

McCready, ehhh, sounds like a Celtic name to me. I think Keith should be posing in a "Brave Heart" costume with half his face painted blue and the other half white saying "... You can play safe if you want and 20 years from now dying safe in your bed, you'll ask yourself should I have played safe or gone for the runout. FREEDOM!!!"

Every time I see Keith play safe, he seems reluctant to do so. He sure is fun to watch.

 

[landshark77]

Well, picture this... A Pro pool player (insert name) has a tough shot in a major tournament with a huge crowd in the background and is playing against a very dominant player (insert name). He is hooked and can't figure out how to shoot the shot, he/she calls a time out, grabs their cell phone (insert brand) and takes a photo of the table layout, sends the photo over cell phone to another pro player (insert name), they inturn have an idea, but send it to another pro player (insert name)...after it's sent to about 6 pro players, as the shooting pro player is reading his last text message, a rookie pro player (insert name) comes out of the crowd and shoots the shot for him without hesitating. "Cingular, the up and coming pro!" for the cellular market.
I know, kind of cheesy, just thought I'd share my crazy thoughts! There's a market out there for billiards to get into, we've just got to find it and push our ideas!

Zim

Illegal coaching??? I do like the concept though.

 

[landshark77]

Interestingly enough, and I know it's a controversial issue, I know of two instances where cigarette companies have sponsored, although very small, pool tournaments. Camel Cigarettes donated a $500 entry fee for the U.S. Open last year to the Virginia State 9-Ball Championship. I saw a promotional magazine by Newport cigarettes which featured pool on the front cover and had a 5-page article within it, mentioning the popularity of pocket billiards. It went on to provide quotes from Buddy Hall, the BCA, and a few others in the industry. Cigarette companies have big bucks.

I have heard horror stories about Budweiser's involvement in the past and present. However, the beverage industry is a slightly untapped market. There are a few exceptions. The pool-playing public enjoys drinking beer, water, sodas, and coffee. I believe some beer manufacturers do provide support for pool leagues in some regions of the country. Most of the pool people I know enjoy drinking a beverage when playing pool.

I don't know if it is like this everywhere, but here the APA league used to be known as the Camel League and the Bud Light League. If you look at Camel's promotional products for their "Camel Cash" they have TONS of pool related products. I guess Joe Camel is a pool player. If I am not mistaken Amber-Brock (beer) is a sponsor for both the APA and the WPBA. I guess the only problem is when they changed the advertising laws so that you could only advertise for beer/liquor/cigarettes (Can you still advertise for cigs?? ) in print.

 

[OldHasBeen]

Just Reciently I Saw .........

Just Recently I Saw a player getting a huge spot in One Pocket (for $5K a game) and thought it was weird that he shot many shots while on his cell phone. He does spend quite a bit of time on the phone anyway. Then I noticed that a friend of his (a much better player) was sitting pretty close and also on his cell phone.
HUMMMMMMM !!!

JAM - As far has how to best promote pool, I have stated that IMO we need to exploit the possibility of bringing the COLOR to the non-pool playing TV audience. They don't understand the complexities of the game but they would understand & enjoy the Hustles & Woofing that usually go into a big money game. I tried to prove my point by the poll about Willie & Fats. The DCC would be the perfect opportunity for someone with a camcorder to get some of this on tape. If it is edited to show the highlights, it may bring in an interested SPONSER. It wouldn't cost that much to find out and if someone doesn’t try, we'll never know.

TY & GL

 

[chefjeff]

Just Recently I Saw a player getting a huge spot in One Pocket (for $5K a game) and thought it was weird that he shot many shots while on his cell phone. He does spend quite a bit of time on the phone anyway. Then I noticed that a friend of his (a much better player) was sitting pretty close and also on his cell phone.
HUMMMMMMM !!!

JAM - As far has how to best promote pool, I have stated that IMO we need to exploit the possibility of bringing the COLOR to the non-pool playing TV audience. They don't understand the complexities of the game but they would understand & enjoy the Hustles & Woofing that usually go into a big money game. I tried to prove my point by the poll about Willie & Fats. The DCC would be the perfect opportunity for someone with a camcorder to get some of this on tape. If it is edited to show the highlights, it may bring in an interested SPONSER. It wouldn't cost that much to find out and if someone doesn’t try, we'll never know.

TY & GL

Great idea, OHB...I like it. A picture's worth a thousand words and these videos could be a cost-effective way to prospect for sponsors. But who would do the grunt work...and why?

Jeff Livingston

 

[OldHasBeen]

why ???

JEFF - You asked "But who would do the grunt work...and why"?

For the same reason most people invest time & effort in America. For the $$$. This could be the ground work of something to bring to a major sponser and go from there. All major sponsers are looking for the NEXT POKER TOURNAMENT, TIGER WOODS, AUTO RACING, ETC., ETC. TO "HANG THERE HAT ON.

TY & GL

 

[RSB-Refugee]

As far has how to best promote pool, I have stated that IMO we need to exploit the possibility of bringing the COLOR to the non-pool playing TV audience. They don't understand the complexities of the game but they would understand & enjoy the Hustles & Woofing that usually go into a big money game. I tried to prove my point by the poll about Willie & Fats.

I agree with the color being played down too much. Do you remember the "The Dr. is not in, it's his pool day" ads? There was the move to upscale rooms. That stuff fell short and probably gave pool more of a social game status. That is why I voted for Fats, in your poll. I'd rather meet Willie, but Fats had what it takes to get their attention.

Tracy

 

[JAM]

I've seen commercials that include clips of older stars like Frank Sinantra in a modern-day setting.

How's this for a commercial? Paul Newman walking out of LensCrafter Eyeware Company with his brand-new up-to-date glasses in tow. He then gets ready to break the balls in the next scene. Tom Cruise looks down at him and asks him how he's going to beat him, and Paul Newman, wearing his Lenscrafter glasses, pauses and then says, "Because I'M BACK, thanks to my new Lenscrafter glasses."

That Olhausen Table commercial with Johnny Archer blowing smoke off the top if his cue stick should have mentioned his name.

There are quite a few commercials with pool tables in them that use unknown actors. If pool had an AGENT, some of these unknown actors could be real-live unknown pool players.

Before the monies come pouring into the pool industry from non-traditional sources, there has to be a fan base. The key is to have a marketable product to attract a fan base. To date, the 9-ball tournaments aren't hitting the mark (IMO).

JAM

 

[OldHasBeen]

Nick Varner .........

I am unsure which came first, the NCAAs or the Pros, for basketball, but one thing for sure about basketball and football, the colleges are involved.

There is your base.

I remember winning the straight pool championship at UVa in ~1971 and then saying, now what? I was thinking it would be great to go meet the other champions and continue on LOL.

I have heard that colleges sponsor women's billiards. In Germantown we had a lady who finished 3rd in the nation. If billiards is at universities, I am unaware of this. IMO, this may be a good place to start, but I would not give it a big chance unless the women minority demanded equal TV time LOL.

NICK VARNER WAS THE COLLEGATE NATIONAL CHAMPION.

TY & GL

 

[landshark77]

If billiards is at universities, I am unaware of this.

The college I went to (a local college) they had pool as a gym credit. I did not take this course, however, the college has a large gaming facility with several pool tables and I would think that it would not be that difficult for them to start a competitive tourney with other local colleges. It could be set up like High School and other College/ University sports with an A, AA, and AAA classes. The interest is definitely on campus, at least where I went to school. There were plenty of people waiting to challenge the table in the student center during lunch and in between classes.

Heck, maybe one day someone could go to college on a billiard scholarship. I don't see why the BCA doesn't look into pursing this. Maybe they have, but if so it would be nice to know what obstacles there were.

 

[sixpack]

The college I went to (a local college) they had pool as a gym credit. I did not take this course, however, the college has a large gaming facility with several pool tables and I would think that it would not be that difficult for them to start a competitive tourney with other local colleges. It could be set up like High School and other College/ University sports with an A, AA, and AAA classes. The interest is definitely on campus, at least where I went to school. There were plenty of people waiting to challenge the table in the student center during lunch and in between classes.

Heck, maybe one day someone could go to college on a billiard scholarship. I don't see why the BCA doesn't look into pursing this. Maybe they have, but if so it would be nice to know what obstacles there were.

They have that, it's called ACU-I - they have pool, chess, bowling, table tennis and a host of other recreational games/sports. It's great fun and if your college does not participate, it's fairly easy for them to.

Here's the link to their 'recreational' page. http://www.acui.org/Acui/Programs/Rec/index.cfm

Oh yeah, they also offer sporting clay competitions.

I participated in several of the pool tournaments and also the bowling tournaments, great fun.

No scholarships

Cheers,
Regas

 

[Renegade]

Two words - Extreme Pool!

(And maybe get that guy from wrestling to produce it)

 

[Kerry Impson]

It used to be that the BCA Junior Championships involved scholarships (if I'm not mistaken, Charlie Williams won some scholarship money that way - incidentally, I wonder what happened to it since he didn't use it?). I agree, as mentioned by legions of people over the years, the best way to increase pool's fan base is to start young, even younger than college. Other sports have Little League, Tumbling, PeeWee Soccer....of course, these sports have consistent rules and equipment, so these would have to be standardized for pool (at least for the purposes of the rec classes) - as discussed ad nauseum on numerous other threads!