Declaration of "not an instructor" status -- do we have it all backwards?

[JoeW]

Then it's a matter of definition. It sure sounds to me like they're leading and teaching.

It is more than a matter of definition. For instance, if someone wanted to be a great sales person then it is worth while to read about the attributes of super sales people. When these people are studied it turns out that they do not sell ! They have what other people want. Super salesman do not waste time trying to force the issue. Instead they find people who want or need what they have. So if you (the general you) wanted to be a super sales person follow the example of great sales people and ignore or pass on the "tire kicker" to the next hard charger. When we follow the super sale person around we find that they spend time with the person who wants, needs, and is looking for a new car. Then they "help" these people get what they already want. It is ironic that to be a super sales person you don't "sell" and then you can make a ton of money at your occupation.

The same can be said for great leaders. If we know how they function it is easier to find the next great leader. Look for the person who is liked by everyone because they listen and can build a consensus. If you want to succeed as a "leader" then listen to everyone around you before making a decision. It is ironic that we need to emphasize the opposite of what appears to be needed for success.

And of course my point in all of this is that great teachers don't teach, they help other people learn because they do not think of themselves as experts or "teachers." Because they are advanced students of the material other people want to study with them.

 

[mikepage]

It is more than a matter of definition. For instance, if someone wanted to be a great sales person then it is worth while to read about the attributes of super sales people. When these people are studied it turns out that they do not sell ! They have what other people want. Super salesman do not waste time trying to force the issue. Instead they find people who want or need what they have. So if you (the general you) wanted to be a super sales person follow the example of great sales people and ignore or pass on the "tire kicker" to the next hard charger. When we follow the super sale person around we find that they spend time with the person who wants, needs, and is looking for a new car. Then they "help" these people get what they already want. It is ironic that to be a super sales person you don't "sell" and then you can make a ton of money at your occupation.

The same can be said for great leaders. If we know how they function it is easier to find the next great leader. Look for the person who is liked by everyone because they listen and can build a consensus. If you want to succeed as a "leader" then listen to everyone around you before making a decision. It is ironic that we need to emphasize the opposite of what appears to be needed for success.

And of course my point in all of this is that great teachers don't teach, they help other people learn because they do not think of themselves as experts or "teachers." Because they are advanced students of the material other people want to study with them.

I don't see why it more than a matter of definition.

Rather than concluding the best teachers don't teach, the best salespersons don't sell, and the best leaders don't lead, we should be jumping to broaden our view of what it means to teach, to sell, and to lead.

If you are the best person at rallying a group of folks' hearts and minds around accomplishing a predetermined task or goal, then you are leading the most effectively.

 

[FranCrimi]

Philosophical debates aside, the actuality of the situation is that we are in a limited environment here. This is not a real classroom filled with students who interact with a teacher and each other face-to-face.

People come and go. They jump in and jump out. They don't stick around to follow the discussion. They often see one post and jump in with an opinion that could even be disruptive to the thread, without even caring, sometimes. Then they run off to post somewhere else.

There are a hundred different scenarios of things that happen in an uncontrolled environment such as a forum like this that can easily detract from something that could be potentially great, with just a little control.

Regardless of what is said about the benefits of dissension in a classroom, there is always the option for the teacher to take control and settle everything down. That option does not exist here under the present format.

 

[JoeW]

To some extent it is a semantic distinction. However, in our culture specific attributes are ascribed to a teacher that have taken root and obscure the meaning of teaching. People who are new to teaching or those who have not given serious thought to what it means to teach often have inappropriate definitions of the real meaning of the word. To some extent this has been evident in this thread when it is implied or directly stated that some people are more or less qualified and or authoritative than others. By virtue of their implied status they can answer in some authoritative way. Through the use of this commonly accepted definition some people are excluded for whatever reason.

Teachers in the best sense of the word are not like this. They do not use the authority ascribed to them as the basis for their statements or for their own self conceptions. If one seeks to be a teacher they need to subscribe to the highest standards not the culturally assigned ones.

To some extent my comments have been directed at the idea that real teachers are not what they appear to be nor are they what others often ascribe to them. It follows, in my thinking, that this authoritative component is misguided especially when it is used as the basis for excluding the contributions of non-teaching posters.

The comments about leaders and super sales people are basically directed to the idea that nominative definitions can obscure the actions required to accomplish the goal. There are definitions and then there are the actions required. These are not quite the same.

 

[JoeW]

Regardless of what is said about the benefits of dissension in a classroom, there is always the option for the teacher to take control and settle everything down. That option does not exist here under the present format.

A good point and one that has more merit than the few amount of words it takes to make it. Hence the quote, so as not to get lost in the shuffle.

 

[FranCrimi]

Since I fit that description and I always have a lot to say (because I want to be clear), I'll respond>>

You're clearly passionate about teaching and that's great. I read your bio on your billiards.about.com page and you position yourself as a top billiards instructor, being on every major tv channel (ABC, CBS, NBC, DISCOVERY, NASA CSPAN and whatever), quoted in the LA Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune (quoted on what, not sure), as well as leading the University of Florida's billiard team to 6 national championships.

You even have a blurb about how you teach billiards to CIA intelligence officers. That's an oxymoron in terms because if they knew anything, they'd seek out a top instructor who was thought of as such among their peers. In your bridge length post, you say a player might need someone like "Scott or myself" to fix something, in an effort to raise your reputation through written association. You also referred to "we" when referring to pros, implying you are a pro player. Do you have a video you can post of yourself playing?

If you recall, I always defended you when you took on that wave of criticism here when you first showed up when many of those critiquing your teachings/writings were absolutely correct in saying many of your assertions/conclusions were wrong.

That said, you present yourself as someone whose bio/posted resume doesn't jive with the quality of your posts or the materials you put out (or the posture you're taking as a pro player). Many of your stuff tends to make the more knowledgeable people "bang their head into their laptop" as Fran so eloquently stated.

I'm not saying you're not a technical person who doesn't know the advanced stuff; I'm merely saying we haven't seen any proof of it yet in your writings. It's all super, super basic and even most of that material isn't technically correct.

I think you have a lot of potential and your enthusiasm is unmatched. I'm hoping you stop with the posturing and start with real good technical answers to specific questions, instead of saying "pros use long bridge lengths because they can."

Unlike About.com, you're going to get called out if your responses aren't correct and don't match themselves well to your claimed resume.

Spider, I see that Matt didn't correct your statement about the University of Florida billiard team, so I'll correct it for him. Here's what he wrote about it in his bio:

"Sherman formerly directed the University of Florida's pool competition in Gainesville, Florida, which has produced six national champions."

So basically, he ran a tournament for them. He claims they produced 6 national champions. At least 5 weren't collegiate champions --- The ACUI only had one national champion from the U of Florida in the last 40 years, and that was in 1992. So, I'm not sure what those 6 were national champions of, and also, there is no indication in his bio that Matt had anything to do with any of their performances.

I'm not sure what the purpose was of mentioning 6 champions in his bio.

 

[ENGLISH!]

It is more than a matter of definition. For instance, if someone wanted to be a great sales person then it is worth while to read about the attributes of super sales people. When these people are studied it turns out that they do not sell ! They have what other people want. Super salesman do not waste time trying to force the issue. Instead they find people who want or need what they have. So if you (the general you) wanted to be a super sales person follow the example of great sales people and ignore or pass on the "tire kicker" to the next hard charger. When we follow the super sale person around we find that they spend time with the person who wants, needs, and is looking for a new car. Then they "help" these people get what they already want. It is ironic that to be a super sales person you don't "sell" and then you can make a ton of money at your occupation.

The same can be said for great leaders. If we know how they function it is easier to find the next great leader. Look for the person who is liked by everyone because they listen and can build a consensus. If you want to succeed as a "leader" then listen to everyone around you before making a decision. It is ironic that we need to emphasize the opposite of what appears to be needed for success.

And of course my point in all of this is that great teachers don't teach, they help other people learn because they do not think of themselves as experts or "teachers." Because they are advanced students of the material other people want to study with them.

My Joe,

IMHO You are correct about the 'sales' relation. People do not want be sold they want to make intelligent decisions to buy. There are some that can sell ice to Eskimoes but when the Eskimoes get home they say why did we buy this, we don't need this & they have buyer's remorse & the salesman will never get a referral from them.

Then there are others like myself that do not want to sell you anything that you do not need or want. I merely want to give you all of the info so you can make an intelligent decision whether or not to buy. If the answer is no, fine, call me if your situation changes & I'm on to the next opportunity.

I think you are correct as well regarding teachers. If a teammate tells a fellow teammate that he's choking the life out of the bat & it's hurting their abilty to hit the ball, he just taught a lesson but he's not the hitting coach. The hitting coach would tell him the same thing & he or she is still studying all they can to learn as much & anything new so as to be better able to do their job. They are students of how best to hit the ball even though they are no longer hitting the ball.

When a teacher closes his or her mind & stops learning & thinks that he or she knows everything there is to know about a given subject & thinks all else is not applicable, they themselves have reached a state of stagnation.

You are correct, again IMHO, that the teacher & the student should be on the same quest & journey to learn more, one is merely some chapters ahead in the book.
If not, then the teacher becomes a preacher & is no longer a 'teacher'. IMHO.

Thank You much for all your well worded insights,

Best Wishes,

 

[ENGLISH!]

Teachers in the best sense of the word are not like this. They do not use the authority ascribed to them as the basis for their statements or for their own self conceptions. If one seeks to be a teacher they need to subscribe to the highest standards not the culturally assigned ones.

Mr. Joe,

A very good point regarding ascribed authority as not being the basis of good teaching. I might add to your 'self conceptions' the terms self gratification or self aggrandizing to the point of arrogance that you mentioned earlier with regards to the student study of the best teachers.

A true teacher, IMHO, is one that will help any 'fellow student' in all facets of life & not just the one that is their specialty or the one they have been certifed to instruct in.

Perhaps we have ventured beyond the scope of the primary discussion but perhaps not as I think very many of us are 'teachers' & perhaps even more so than some that have the designaton of instructor.

One of my neighbors was a defensive lineman for the N.O. Saint's. he played football because he could not get on with a pro basketball team. He was a basketball player that was playing football as a job. He was not a football 'player'. The point is that 'heart' or passion has a place when it comes down to 'defining' what one is or is not. At least IMHO.

Best Wishes to All,

 

[JoeW]

My Joe,


You are correct the teacher & the student should be on the same quest & journey to learn more, one is merely some chapters ahead in the book.

If not, then the teacher becomes a preacher & is no longer a 'teacher'. IMHO.

I like that, seems to sum up many ideas we share.

 

[Neil]

This thread has become ridiculous. Typical of today's thinking by people. Not a lick of common sense. First, just ask yourself Why is there a separate section labled Ask The Instructor? Obvious answer- so people can ask someone with known knowledge a question and expect a reliable answer. To separate all the wannabes from those that actually know the answers.

All this nonsense about what is an instructor is just nonsense. And is nothing more than hurt feelings because some don't like being excluded from posting here. Guess what, if you ever played for money, you are, by some peoples reckoning, a pro. Why don't you go answer questions in that forum too?

General opinions are for the main forum. This is not the main forum. It's that simple folks. If you aren't or haven't been an actual instructor, then this forum wasn't put here for your answers. That isn't saying you don't or can't have the correct answer, it's just saying it's not your place to reply here. Give your answer in the main forum.

Sure seems like some can't see the forest for the trees. Yes, everyone that ever taught anyone one thing is technically a teacher, or instructor. Common sense says that is not what this forum is for. No more than anyone that ever helped someone with a mental issue is a psychiatrist and is free to post on their forums. And some of you have trouble with the aiming threads? They never got as ridiculous as this one has!

 

[BilliardsAbout]

So basically, he ran a tournament for them. He claims they produced 6 national champions. At least 5 weren't collegiate champions --- The ACUI only had one national champion from the U of Florida in the last 40 years, and that was in 1992. So, I'm not sure what those 6 were national champions of, and also, there is no indication in his bio that Matt had anything to do with any of their performances.

I'm not sure what the purpose was of mentioning 6 champions in his bio.

I ran all pool at UF for many years under the auspices of the director of the Union, which has 20,000 visitors daily when school is in session, 16 9-foot tables and a full-sized Snooker table. (I miss the 3 Cushion Billiards table we used to have there). I did charity tournaments, fund raisers, lessons for beginners, lessons for advanced players, clinics, shows, booksignings, more. The ACUI has been around a long time. We have a proud tradition as Gators including 6 national ACUI winners including William Rion, for whom our ballroom in the same center is named. His winning cue is on display there. Nick Varner won there as well--his second national ACUI championship. He named one of his cues the "Gainesville" in accordance. David Uwate was our most recent national champ in 1992.

The bio at About is just a little snapshot and could stand to be updated. I have recently coached two players who won regionals and went to nationals although my student activities at the university are much more limited these days. The champs are there on my page because I'm proud to be a Florida Gator with our many champions in many sports.

I have many more accomplishments in pool and I appreciate your avid fandom and constant reading of my pages.

 

[BilliardsAbout]

Matt--- you have a tremendous enthusiasm for teaching which is certainly a gift. I defended you during that "wave" because people tend to look beyond the good in order to find the bad. I'm not saying you're not a "technician" when it comes to this game; I'm merely saying if you took as much time into your responses as you did your bio (instead of a 3 second basic/generic answer), you'd shut up your critics in a heartbeat.

For instance, your bio states that you led the University of FL to 6 national collegiate billiard titles. Clearly, you have to have examples with players who struggled with certain things, what you guys worked on, how they improved and some challenges they encountered. Use that kind of approach to relate your real-world experiences into your responses instead of drive-bye generalities.

I'm only straight-talking you on these items because no one will. I think if you formatted your responses in the form of laser-guided strikes instead of carpet bombings, you'll earn a new group of fans here. I hope you do because I like your style as an instructor (personality/style), but your bio leaves us wanting more out of your posts. It's like if you asked a champion instructor how you hit a certain shot and they say "just whack it in." The person asking the question KNOWS there's more in there, but all they ever get is the left-over dried up mushrooms while picking the pizza instead of the hot pepperoni.

Best of luck --- next beer is on me if we cross paths.

Sounds good to me and thank you sincerely. I was trying to keep my comments curt but I'll try to spare the Zen-like quips going forward and be "meatier" as you suggest.

Second brew is on me.

 

[FranCrimi]

I ran all pool at UF for many years under the auspices of the director of the Union, which has 20,000 visitors daily when school is in session, 16 9-foot tables and a full-sized Snooker table. (I miss the 3 Cushion Billiards table we used to have there). I did charity tournaments, fund raisers, lessons for beginners, lessons for advanced players, clinics, shows, booksignings, more. The ACUI has been around a long time. We have a proud tradition as Gators including 6 national ACUI winners including William Rion, for whom our ballroom in the same center is named. His winning cue is on display there. Nick Varner won there as well--his second national ACUI championship. He named one of his cues the "Gainesville" in accordance. David Uwate was our most recent national champ in 1992.

The bio at About is just a little snapshot and could stand to be updated. I have recently coached two players who won regionals and went to nationals although my student activities at the university are much more limited these days. The champs are there on my page because I'm proud to be a Florida Gator with our many champions in many sports.

I have many more accomplishments in pool and I appreciate your avid fandom and constant reading of my pages.

Trust me. You don't want to get into it with me, Matt, so quit the ridiculous statements like calling me a fan.

Your 'accomplishments' in that post are stated in a conveniently vague way. You basically describe nothing.

 

[dr9ball]

I ran all pool at UF for many years under the auspices of the director of the Union, which has 20,000 visitors daily when school is in session, 16 9-foot tables and a full-sized Snooker table. (I miss the 3 Cushion Billiards table we used to have there). I did charity tournaments, fund raisers, lessons for beginners, lessons for advanced players, clinics, shows, booksignings, more. The ACUI has been around a long time. We have a proud tradition as Gators including 6 national ACUI winners including William Rion, for whom our ballroom in the same center is named. His winning cue is on display there. Nick Varner won there as well--his second national ACUI championship. He named one of his cues the "Gainesville" in accordance. David Uwate was our most recent national champ in 1992.

The bio at About is just a little snapshot and could stand to be updated. I have recently coached two players who won regionals and went to nationals although my student activities at the university are much more limited these days. The champs are there on my page because I'm proud to be a Florida Gator with our many champions in many sports.

I have many more accomplishments in pool and I appreciate your avid fandom and constant reading of my pages.

Can you give the year William Rion won the ACUI Billiards Championship?
He's not listed on the ACUI list of Champions since 1937.



Thanks,

Rufus

https://www.acui.org/content.aspx?menu_id=14&id=13181

History of ACUI Billiards Champions since 1937
Men's Champions
2012 Matt Shilinski University of Maryland–College Park
2011 Raymond Linares Miami Dade College–Kendall
2010 Raymond Linares Miami Dade College–Kendall
2009 Adam Maloney Texas A&M University
2008 Redante Rakin California Polytechnic State University–San Luis Obispo
2007 Andy McKinn California State University–Los Angeles
2006 Lars Vardaman Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville
2005 Lars Vardaman Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville
2004 Lars Vardaman Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville
2003 Adam Smith Michigan State University
2002 Jason Cruz University of Puerto Rico
2001 Jason Cruz University of Puerto Rico
2000 Ruben Silva Jr. Pikes Peak Community College
1999 Blucer Rajagukguk Syracuse University
1998 Christopher Biddle University of Connecticut
1997 Anthony Piazza Colorado State University
1996 Anthony Piazza Colorado State University
1995 Kevin Carlberg Montana State University
1994 Max Eberle James Madison University
1993 Max Eberle James Madison University
1992 David Uwate University of Florida
1991 Frank Alonso University of Nebraska–Lincoln
1990 Marc Oelslager St. Cloud State University
1989 Gary Asbell Florida State University
1988 Nick Kucharew Mohawk College
1987 Bill Beardsley University of Michigan–Flint
1986 Gary Asbell Florida State University
1985 No tournament held
1984 Gary French California State College–Stanislaus
1983 Robert Madenjian Kansas State University
1982 Thomas Golly Penn State University
1981 No tournament held
1980 Rob Hovick University of Minnesota–Duluth
1979 Peter Lhotka University of North Dakota
1978 Steve Cusick University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign
1977 Jay Hungerford Arizona State University
1976 John Cianflone Rutgers University
1975 Robert Jewett University of California–Berkeley
1974 Dan Louie Washington State University
1973 Dan Louie Washington State University
1972 Andrew Tennent University of Wisconsin
1971 Keith Woestehoff Ohio University
1970 Nick Varner Purdue University
1969 Nick Varner Purdue University
1968 Marshall Boelter University of Illinois–Chicago Circle
1967 Richard Baumgarth Purdue University
1966 William Wells Tulane University
1965 William Wells Tulane University
1964 William Hendricks Southern Illinois University
1963 Larry Galloway Indiana University
1962 Robert Burke University of Oregon
1961 Jim Finucane University of Notre Dame
1960 Henry Parks Indiana University
1959 Donald Dull State College of Washington
1958 Lloyd Courter State University of Iowa
1957 Joseph Sapanaro Suffolk University
1956 Joseph Sapanaro Suffolk University
1955 Rodney Boyd Ohio State University
1954 John Beaudette Michigan State College
1953 John Beaudette Michigan State College
1952 Bill Simms University of Georgia
1951 Leroy Kinman Eastern Kentucky State
1950 Leroy Kinman Eastern Kentucky State
1949 Leroy Kinman Eastern Kentucky State
1948 Jack Brown University of Utah
1947 Leif Mabie University of Florida
1946 No tournament held
1945 No tournament held
1944 J. Zvanya University of Indiana
1943 Leif Mabie University of Florida
1942 Leo Bonimi Cornell University
1941 Lloyd Green University of Kansas
1940 John O. Miller University of Wisconsin
1939 Peter Choulas Colgate University
1938 J. L. Geiger University of Florida
1937 John O. Miller University of Wisconsin


Women's Champions
2012 Michelle Yim University of Houston
2011 Delia Mocanu Northeastern University
2010 Lindsey Dorn Purdue University
2009 Shari Cui University of Illinois–Chicago
2008 Milica Kozomara Northern Illinois University
2007 Eleanor Callado San Francisco State University
2006 Eleanor Callado San Francisco State University
2005 Eleanor Callado San Francisco State University
2004 Maria Juana University of Wisconsin–Madison
2003 Eleanor Callado San Francisco State University
2002 Laura Lo University of Colorado–Colorado Springs
2001 Laura Lo University of Colorado–Colorado Springs
2000 Angela Mears University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
1999 Ellen Hale Florida State University
1998 Elania Wong University of Illinois–Chicago
1997 Heather Perrigoue University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
1996 Erica Testa University of New Hampshire
1995 Heather Perrigoue University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
1994 Rachel Ross University of Washington
1993 Carla Swails College of Southern Idaho
1992 Laura Bendikas University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign
1991 Leanne Okada University of California–Berkeley
1990 Susan Tillotson Florida State University
1989 Cathy Petrowski North Texas State University
1988 Janet Dordell Penn State University
1987 Penny Belie University of Kentucky
1986 Kathy Trabue Ohio State University
1985 No tournamanet held
1984 Shirley Weathers Triton College
1983 Helen Yamasaki California State University–Los Angeles
1982 Jane Bartram University of Colorado
1981 No tournamanet held
1980 Shari Verrill University of Wisconsin–Madison
1979 Julie Bentz Fitzpatrick University of Wisconsin–Madison
1978 Mari Dana Heydon Oregon State University
1977 Julie Bentz University of Wisconsin–Madison
1976 Melissa Rice University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
1975 Debra Weiner Northern Illinois University
1974 Janice Ogawa Boise State University
1973 Marcia Girolamo State University of New York–Oswego
1972 Krista Hartmann Santa Fe Junior College (Gainesville, Fla.)
1971 Marcia Girolamo State University of New York–Oswego
1970 Catherine Stephens Western Washington State
1969 Donna Ries University of Missouri–Kansas City
1968 Gail Allums University of Iowa
1967 Shirley Glicen University of Miami
1966 Linda Randolph Iowa State University
1965 Susan Sloan University of Texas
1964 Barbara Watkins Bowling Green State University
1963 Barbara Watkins Bowling Green State University
1962 San Merrick Bowling Green State University
1961 Ann Sidlauskas Indiana University
1960 Darlene McCabe University of Oregon
1959 Jan Deeter Purdue University
1958 No tournament held
1957 Judy Ferles University of Arizona
1956 Judy Ferles University of Arizona
1955 Lee McGary University of Oregon
1954 Joanne Skonning Purdue University
1953 Jackie Slusher Oregon State College
1952 Sondra Bilsky Purdue University
1951 Ramona Fielder South Dakota State College
1950 No tournament held
1949 Cora Libbey University of Wisconsin
1948 Jeanne Lynch Rhode Island State
1947 No tournament held
1946 No tournament held
1945 No tournament held
1944 Barbara Jackson Colorado State College of Education
1943 Mary Jean Noonan South Dakota State College
1942 Emily Ann Julian South Dakota State College
1941 No tournament held
1940 No tournament held
1939 Margaret Anderson University of Illinois

 

[BilliardsAbout]

Trust me. You don't want to get into it with me, Matt, so quit the ridiculous statements like calling me a fan.

Your 'accomplishments' in that post are stated in a conveniently vague way. You basically describe nothing.

Fran, I was being facetious. I was aware you are not a fan and added a to my post. I think you are taking some things too seriously IMHO.

If you say "You don't want to get into it with me" why in the same post would you attack my bio from a different perspective? Why do you say "let's not fight" and then say something cruel and hurtful in the same post?

I do not wish to argue with you but I think you pick on me because you know I'm a kind person and don't give you back in kind. Please stop being so mean spirited.

 

[BilliardsAbout]

Can you give the year William Rion won the ACUI Billiards Championship?
He's not listed on the ACUI list of Champions since 1937.



Thanks,

Rufus

Hi Rufus,

Rion won in the 1930's at Straight Pool. I've thought to petition ACUI to include Rion but I don't know who the other 1930's winners were and there'd be a gap. I'll take a photo of the wall display, his cue, and the memorabilia next time I'm at the Union this week.

Thank you,

 

[FranCrimi]

Fran, I was being facetious. I was aware you are not a fan and added a to my post. I think you are taking some things too seriously IMHO.

If you say "You don't want to get into it with me" why in the same post would you attack my bio from a different perspective? Why do you say "let's not fight" and then say something cruel and hurtful in the same post?

I do not wish to argue with you but I think you pick on me because you know I'm a kind person and don't give you back in kind. Please stop being so mean spirited.

Don't worry. I said all I needed to say for now regarding your conveniently vague descriptions of your accomplishments. If you continue to mislead, I'll be back.

 

[BilliardsAbout]

My webpage describes my magazine series, my book and DVD, my hundreds of students, and some of my professional collaborations. I've already explained about my playing accomplishments.

Please send a link to your book and DVD or your website, Fran--I'd like to review them sometime, and I could not find them online--only your many recognitions and accomplishments as a playing pro and famous instructor recognized for her achievements.

Thank you.

 

[justadub]

I don't know that I wanna get in between these two, but I would like to give my thoughts, if I may.

I have "taught" in an organized fashion several times in the past, primarily young people. I have taught karate, amateur radio, baseball (little league level) and many different skills related to Scouting. I would not then, nor now, consider myself an expert on any of those activities, but I knew enough to actually "instruct" the students that I had at that time.

I went into all of these instances with the mindset that I would teach what I knew, and not try to go beyond what was appropriate for my ability to impart on others. Yet in all of these,cases, I considered myself truly "an instructor".

In those instances, however, I wouldn't dream of representing myself as an instructor on any if those subjects in an online forum. My level of expertise was far below what I would consider to be adequate to speak with authority to a potential world wide audience.

I am relatively new to pool, but even at this point I would be comfortable teaching young people how to play. A favorite phrase of mine us "I know what I know, and I know what I don't know." And in such an instance and environment I would consider myself an instructor. But you still wouldnt see me here trying to answer questions in this forum.

I think more people should back away and let those who really are instructors doing the heavy lifting here. I still think we should all be able to comment and contribute to the conversation, but more folks should comment and then defer to the experts. To the original point (remember that?), I likely still will make some reference to my not being an instructor in such a scenario, and I'm sorry if that offends or annoys anyone. I just believe that's a small measure of respect that the real experts here deserve, and really doesn't put me out in any way.

I have an idea to make all of this simpler, and I will post that later, when I'm not doing this on my phone. It likely won't happen, but is worth mentioning for future possibilities from the webmasters.

 

[justadub]

Ah, the hell with it, I'm on a roll, I'll plunk along on the phone.

I think this issue would be easily solved by having a distinctively designed indicator (perhaps the letter "I", maybe in a different color) next to the user name.

How would that be selected and administered? The devil is in the details, of course, but I think that could be handled easily enough. Mike and Jerry certainly are familiar with many of the more prolific "instructors" that participate here. They could select a core group of active participants to begin with, and empower them to select/suggest others to receive that designation as well.

What would thus accomplish? It would make it simple for anyone using the forum to understand that those folks are considered "instructors", at least in the eyes of those who run and administer this site. This benefits the site in other ways, beyond the scope of this little argument we are having here. Those with that designation would be easily identifiable in any discussion, which in turn provides more credence in keeping discussions on track, and hopefully more civil.

Do I think this will take place, probably not. But I thought that I might put it out there, and maybe it might strike the powers that be as something potentially desirable to contemplate for future site upgrades.