Podcast Ponderings!
First of all, I'm thrilled to hear that the podcasts will be a regular fixture in the future. Every two weeks sounds good to me.
Secondly, I just want to a minute to relay my experience at the U. S. Bar Table Championships. I had the pleasure of meeting Ozzy of C.S.I., Joe Tucker of the American Billiard Club, and Justin of TAR. These three guys are perfect examples of people who put the game and the players of the game before themselves. I was amazed at how much of their time they sacrificed to spend time with me. They stood nothing to gain, but yet they made me feel like I was on the inside looking out for once. A note to all players, if these guys did this for me just stop and think how much they can and will do for you. Mark, I know you don't need my approval, but your selection of Ozzy to manage C.S.I. couldn't have been better. Also, your association with Joe Tucker is understandable. I can't say enough good things about Joe. What he did for me was far beyond all expectations. What I admire about Justin is that he had the courage to actualize a dream that he didn't exactly have the knowledge of how streaming worked. I admire his determination to make it happen. I'm trying to make something like this happen in my life. Mark, could you reiterate what it was that drew you to Ozzy, Joe, and Justin?
What more can be done to open the dialogue between players and event organizers? While at the Bar Table Championships, I overheard a conversation between a top pro and an individual pitching a business idea to help the pros make money. At one point he says " Well which is it, do you want to make money for yourself or do you want to help the pros? Well quite frankly, what is wrong with both parties making money. In fact, I would argue that both parties must be successful in order for each party to succeed. He felt like the players should be part owners in this venture. I'm not aware of any other sport that works this way. We don't even have a legit players organization. To me, the players need trust the event organizers to offer an opportunity for both the players and promoters to make money. The players are best at playing the game. To me, this story is a good example of the distrust between player and event organizers.
Could you discuss the selections for the Mosconi Cup? I like most of the selections. My only hesitation might be with J. Bergman. His game is getting nothing but better, but I think a few others such as J. Gray, C. Compton, and yes even M. Dechaine. I think it's a good idea to announce the team early. I imagine it's difficult to organize their schedules.
Looking forward to your announcements in regards to the C.S.I. Invitationals. Hoping to hear Wang Can is involved. I watched a great after hours set with him and Ruslan Chinahov at the Derby. These two are great representatives for the future. I hope Dennis Orcullo, Carlo Biado, and maybe LeeVann Corteza are involved. Neils Feijen, Ralph Souquet, and Mika Immonem would be good. Also, becoming huge fan of John Morra, Jason Klatt, and Of course Alex P. Let's talk him into sticking around the American Pool scene.
I have been watching the Color of Money match between Earl and Efren in 1996. I noticed that even then they had an instant replay available for the great shots. They may have edited this after the fact I'm not sure. Just wondering if this technology could be used during live streaming of C.S.I. events. Does this take special equipment or costlier equip. Maybe Justin can weigh in.
I'm planning on attending the referee certification program that runs in conjunction with the Nationals. Are there real opportunities out there for tournament refs. I like the idea of neutral rackers, but I know that the current tournament budgets can't make this happen. I spoke with K. Shuman and B. Stock a little, but maybe you could elaborate?
Mark, hopefully I can meet you at the Nationals in July. I still want hear some Alaska stories. I made Justin listen to few of mine. Unfortunately, he said after hearing my stories he was sure he wouldn't go now. To Ozzy, with Joe Tucker's help I'm going to at least win one game against you next year. Thank You for all you guys do. It doesn't go unnoticed.
