Critics wanted

Shawn Putnam

Shawn Putnam

Pro Player
Silver Member
I'm looking for input from you guys about my game. I would like to know what you percieve when you're watching me play? What do you like or dislike about me (how am I percieved) or my game. No holds barred, I'm easy going and not easily offended. I want you guys to be honest. I want to project a positive attitude and be an ambassador (for lack of a better term) for the game. Honest answers will help me understand how you the fans and sponsor's see me. Being a top ranked pro, it's important to know how you're percieved if you sincerely want to project a good image of the game to the public. Without you, the fans of pool, I wouldn't be what I am or where I am today. Thanks for all your support.

NOW, C'MON & LET ME HAVE IT! :)
 
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Well...being a girl, I don't know much about this "pool" stuff. So I can't help you there.

But I can tell you this...you are a pretty decent commentator...even if you do like to give the players a hard time!

Welcome aboard Shawn!

Best Regards,

Melissa Herndon
 
Yeah, I'm with Melissa on that one...being a girl I don't know much either. But I would try you some when it comes to a break contest. :)

Anyway, I've never seen anything as far as what sponsors see that would hurt you. You have been more than generous already on this forum. You would be suprised how many people and just who reads this.

Good luck,
Sarah
 
Hi Shawn,

My wife and I watched several of your matches, including the finals, at Valley Forge. We were both very impressed with you as both a player and a person. Your game is solid and, when other players were taking their smoke breaks, you would talk to some of the fans. I saw nothing that a sponsor would not like. :D

My wife has commented, many times, about how excited you were about the Crystal Trophy at Valley Forge. She thinks you may have just taken the trophy and passed up the money, but I don't think so. :D :D :D

BTW, I have never seen anyone use a jump cue as well as you. You are simply amazing with it. IIRC, I beleive even J.J. commented, to you, that he was afraid to play a safety, because of how well you used the jump cue.

Keep up the good work. I look forward to seeing you at more tournaments. You present a very positive image for the game of pool. :D
 
I think I left you know what I thought when I ask you about lessons.

Please don't forget me when you get to this area.
Thanks
JR
 
Shawn Putnam said:
NOW, C'MON & LET ME HAVE IT! :)
Click to expand...

Shawn,
Welcome to the board, and many thanks for your participation. The true pool fanatics on the board REALLY appreciate the opinions and advice of the pro's (and we ignore the ramblings of anonymous internet posters like myself).

I have only seen you play once - Friday evening at DCC this year. I formed no real conclusions and have no direct criticism; I was very impressed by your play.

I would offer only generic advice (not specifically directed at you). I grew up in an era where golf moved from a fringe sport to a big-time venture on the shoulders of Arnold Palmer. While pool has drawbacks that will never allow it to be as big as golf; top pool players could definitely learn a thing or two from Arnie (I've been fortunate to spend a little time with him).

Be yourself, show emotion (and make sure that a lot of the emotion is positive - smile frequently).

Dress nicely.

Interact with the fans as much as possible. Look at the fans as much as possible. Be available for autographs as long as it takes.

Be a true sportsman and gentleman. Hate to lose, but be happy for your opponent when they win (this may be the hardest to accomplish according to Arnie). Graciousness in defeat is a rare quality - found frequently in the true champions; and CERTAIN to win you more fans.

Promote the game whenever possible.

Participate in charity events and functions.

Good luck this year.
 
Shawn Putnam said:
I'm looking for input from you guys about my game. I would like to know what you percieve when you're watching me play? What do you like or dislike about me (how am I percieved) or my game. No holds barred, I'm easy going and not easily offended. I want you guys to be honest. I want to project a positive attitude and be an ambassador (for lack of a better term) for the game. Honest answers will help me understand how you the fans and sponsor's see me. Being a top ranked pro, it's important to know how you're percieved if you sincerely want to project a good image of the game to the public. Without you, the fans of pool, I wouldn't be what I am or where I am today. Thanks for all your support.

NOW, C'MON & LET ME HAVE IT! :)
Click to expand...
Hey Shawn,

I have seen you play quite a few matches, and here is what I see (FWIW).

It is like there are 2 different players who show up at the match sometimes. Both are excellent players, but 1 show just slight intimidation or nonchalance when he shows up. The other is fearless.

I watched you play Earl at the Derby in 2003 (I think). You beat him 7-2 or something. That's the first time I watched you play that I knew you could beat anybody. You were relaxed, but had an air of confidence that a spectator could see.

I have watched you play quite a few regional events where you played top level regional players, and it was like you had something on your mind, or were a little unsure of yourself, and your game was a notch below normal.

I know it is what we all aim to do, but if you could keep that good mindset every time you come out, I think you would be one of the best in the world. Apparently you have gotten better at it, with the great finishes you have had so far this year. And let me say that even when distracted, your game is still great. And it would be interesting to know if you do anyting in particular for your mental mindset when it comes to pool. It may help some of us with the mental side of the game.

Your persona and presence at the table always seems very professional, and that is what alot of people look at. I think that you are on your way to great things on tour. Good Luck.

Mike
 
new nickname

Williebetmore said:
Shawn,
Welcome to the board, and many thanks for your participation. The true pool fanatics on the board REALLY appreciate the opinions and advice of the pro's (and we ignore the ramblings of anonymous internet posters like myself).

I have only seen you play once - Friday evening at DCC this year. I formed no real conclusions and have no direct criticism; I was very impressed by your play.

I would offer only generic advice (not specifically directed at you). I grew up in an era where golf moved from a fringe sport to a big-time venture on the shoulders of Arnold Palmer. While pool has drawbacks that will never allow it to be as big as golf; top pool players could definitely learn a thing or two from Arnie (I've been fortunate to spend a little time with him).

Be yourself, show emotion (and make sure that a lot of the emotion is positive - smile frequently).

Dress nicely.

Interact with the fans as much as possible. Look at the fans as much as possible. Be available for autographs as long as it takes.

Be a true sportsman and gentleman. Hate to lose, but be happy for your opponent when they win (this may be the hardest to accomplish according to Arnie). Graciousness in defeat is a rare quality - found frequently in the true champions; and CERTAIN to win you more fans.

Promote the game whenever possible.

Participate in charity events and functions.

Good luck this year.
Click to expand...

I agree with Williebetmore. The only thing I might change if I were you is the nickname, not too sure I like the "love sponge" thing. Maybe
Shawn "Power" Putnam
 
Shawn - First off, kudos for taking this step to solicit any, and all, input on your game and how you're perceived by others. Most of us would never take a similar step. It's really encouraging to see someone who actually wants to improve their image and be an ambassador for the game of pool. Thanks for doing this! The game certainly needs more players who sincerely care about the game and can permanently set their ego and macho self-image on the rail.

I've had the opportunity to watch you play recently... at the Reno Open... and based on your play of Saturday, you were my choice for the top money. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be. The confidence you played with on Saturday was gone come Sunday morning. There was a noticeable change in your demeanor… even before the matches on Sunday began. It was fairly obvious to me as I was watching you closely... at the table and in your chair. I'd be interested in knowing if you knew that as well… and if so, to what you attributed it to. Understanding what happened would likely be instrumental to your progress.

Regarding your image while at the table… first impression… you come across as professional, well-mannered, straight-forward (no BS or games being played at the table, such as with the rack), you're focused with the task at hand and generally absorbed in the game. Really, no negative attributes while at the table. Could there be some more positives?, sure… as have been suggested by Williebetmore but those are tough to adopt while at the table… as they tend to be "out of character" for most of us… and would require a major effort on your part to change.

Away from the table, my advice would be to engage the spectators more. Don't be afraid to initiate the interaction… to ask them where they play, how much… and if there's a question or two they might want to ask a pro if they had the opportunity. Pool tends to be clique-ish… and whatever you can do to break down some of those borders would be beneficial to the game. Strive to make the fans of the game feel close to you.

Again, thanks for asking Shawn… and good luck. You're on your way to the top and steps like these will help your journey. ;)
 
Kevin Lindstrom said:
I agree with Williebetmore. The only thing I might change if I were you is the nickname, not too sure I like the "love sponge" thing. Maybe
Shawn "Power" Putnam
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Hi Kevin.
All the good animals were taken,plus I got a lot of room to work with that nickname.
 
Kevin Lindstrom said:
I agree with Williebetmore. The only thing I might change if I were you is the nickname, not too sure I like the "love sponge" thing. Maybe
Shawn "Power" Putnam
Click to expand...
LOL, it would be great if we could pick our own nicknames but unfortunately for some people we "can't" do that. Esp with pool players, nicknames are given by other players for different reasons. I know there used to be a radio DJ in FL that called himself bubba the love sponge. I think that's where they got it from. If we picked our own nicknames, ya'll would be calling me "Goddess". :D :D :D
 
Timberly said:
LOL, it would be great if we could pick our own nicknames but unfortunately for some people we "can't" do that. Esp with pool players, nicknames are given by other players for different reasons. I know there used to be a radio DJ in FL that called himself bubba the love sponge. I think that's where they got it from. If we picked our own nicknames, ya'll would be calling me "Goddess". :D :D :D
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Now Timberly.....I think Shawn was wanting to be critiqued on his "pool" game :D
 
Mike Templeton said:
Now Timberly.....I think Shawn was wanting to be critiqued on his "pool" game :D
Click to expand...
Oh, you mean this thread isn't all abut me?!?!?!? :eek: :eek: :p
 
Shawn Putnam said:
Hi Kevin.
All the good animals were taken,plus I got a lot of room to work with that nickname.
Click to expand...

Shawn, I watched all weekend at the Planet Pool in Hagerstown that you won back in May. You were busy whipping everybody's tail so I didn't get a chance to speak with you. However, you conducted yourself in gentlemanly manner that weekend not seen in many pool players (pro or amateur). I read the other posts and can understand the confidence issue when playing "the Legends". As you might know Mike Davis used to be somewhat of a regular at our room and we discussed that same that on several occasions. Anyways, best of luck and we hope you make it to Hagerstown tomorrow. I'll be the guy at the registration table. take care.
 
Well I guess I'll go ahead and throw in my $0.02 here...

I didn't see you play until the SBE in March.... I had a seat for your final match against Fabio (LOL). I had a great view right behind where your table was (where your water, cues, etc were). I never got a chance to talk to you, but I did watch you practice warm up and play.

You were very calculating when moving around the table, took your time, and played very slow methodical, which is what I am trying to do, along with using more centerball! What really blew my mind was when Fabio played a push and rolled the cue ball behind the 8 and you used a bridge and jump cue to make the shot, then run out...

Anyways, I'm rambling here.... You seem to have excellent character both on and off the pool table. You also seem to be devoted to your fans, which is a great trait.

Just keep it up, good things will continue to come.
 
SHAWN....I got to see you play at NUMANS in Johnson City Tennessee, at a Vikiing stop, and at first you came across as condescending and " holier than thou ".....but I really think it was just a bad perception, and I really enjoyed seeing you there and watching you play, hearing you tell stories........and I would definietly agree you are a pretty good fellow and definetly one of, if not my favorite pro. :D :D


as far as the nick name I like this one better.....

SHAWN " POWER PLAY " PUTNAM.......

that power is more than physical , the way you are playing now , I think you are putting the fear of God in many a player these days.
 
How about "Shotput"....????

Also , I would like to know why you like the numbers up when racking the balls???

thank you,

Mr. J. :-)
 
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