For starters darts advertises what it is...a party. They don't try to make it into a sophisticated atmosphere because all the public know darts from one place...the pub. Drinks flow and it gets rowdy which makes tickets sell. Sell tickets and sponsors will come, which they did. Some of the venues sell out within 6months before its due date. The big betting and alcohol sponsors provide the paychecks and it soon makes its way onto tv. Its always on the tv here, more than snooker. Lastly ot makes interesting viewing because the tv commentators are out there....the geordie fella I forget his name just cracks me up. I'd listen to a darts match via a podcast if he were commentating.
Pool has piss poor commentary. I know he is shooting the 1, and has to get to the two next...i don't need telling 5 times in a monotone voice. Next is the crowds it attracts. Pure pool fenatics...im one and I hate being around others. The atmosphere needs to be more mosconi based. Have jeering and chanting with beers flowing. Lots of people know pool from the pub, so advertise it to working class people to sell some tickets. Make pool a sort of side show, as darts is...just two guys hitting some balls in the background...the people buying tickets want to go and watch for a good time. Next the players...the amount of times I've fallen asleep during a stream. They play so slow. 9 or ten balls on a table...hurry the eff up. A little player interaction with the crowd wouldn't go amiss either, even if its earl chatting crap to a fan. Player image also counts. I don't want to watch a guy in sandals and shorts looking like he's just got out of bed play. Have a shower and cover your feet and knees up. Its not hard to put on some smart pants and a polo shirt with your sponsor plastered all over it. Games need to be short and sweet. 15 second shot clock, 1 15 second extension per game and a max of 2 safety shots per game. No push out and races shouldn't be to more than 10.
Even with all this...pool doesn't stand a chance. It is what it is. And what it is is dull, slow and full of dull characters. More stricklands would help the sport imo. As with Ronnie in snooker, you don't know what mood he is going to turn up in and its worth paying just to see. The worst you could get is to watch some world class snooker or pool.