Does Event Streaming Keep People From Supporting the Billiard Rooms ?

[geno]

Does Streaming of Regional Events Keep People From Supporting the Billiard Rooms ?

Does Local/Regional Event Streaming Keep People From Supporting the Billiard Rooms ?

There seems to be a 2-way argument for event streaming.

Argument 1. It is good for pool.
Maybe because it gets some additional sponsors involved and people far away from the event in question can watch the event and see the players.
Also it is seen as good for the players as it gives them and there sponsors more visibility.

Argument 2. It is NOT good for pool.
Possibly because it keeps people at home and they are not supporting the event by being there and eating, drinking, playing pool and supporting the venue in a whole. (note: I have seen for an absolute fact that some local/regional players do not come back to events on the final day and/or local players friends and family to not come to the venues because they can simply watch at home instead of being at and supporting the venue.)
Also, fans of the sport are sitting at home watching far away events instead of supporting a local event or pool room right in there own back yard.


I have tried to see both sides of the argument. I have spectated at events, I have also watched streamed events. I have also participated in the streaming of events and I have also chosen to not participate in the streaming of events. After trying out all sides of this argument I subscribe to the side that believes that streaming of local/ regional events is NOT good for pool but streaming of larger international events is good for pool. That is just my personal opinion, what's yours ?

I should also note that I also believe that streaming of local/regional events takes away possible sponsorship opportunities from the Payers, Promoters and Venues alike. But again, there are 2 sides to this argument to.

 

[alstl]

It can only help. I've never seen an event near where I live on a live stream. If I had the opportunity to attend an event with pro players I would be there regardless of whether it is on a live stream.

It promotes the game.

 

[ctyhntr]

The argument you're making is the essentially the same when TV first came out, it would kill live venues.

 

[oldzilla]

Remember that Eric Clapton song in the COM?

"Its in the Way That You Use It"

Well a good businessman would have a great internet connection with a big screen to show the good streams.

Imagine your room having the US Open broadcasted live !

Also with the great internet you can have your own events streamed !

Motion is 2/3rds of Promotion !

 

[Jaden]

It only helps...

The few people that wouldn't go BECAUSE they could watch it online, weren't likely to go anyways or buy much if they did.

The exposure that the venue gets from being seen by people that couldn't possibly go is worth more than the few people who don't go locally, and some people might find out about the event from seeing the stream that wouldn't have otherwise known and might decide to go.... so I think it can only help.

Of course, I'm biased because I'm a part time streamer...lol...

Jaden

 

[greyghost]

The few people that wouldn't go BECAUSE they could watch it online, weren't likely to go anyways or buy much if they did.

The exposure that the venue gets from being seen by people that couldn't possibly go is worth more than the few people who don't go locally, and some people might find out about the event from seeing the stream that wouldn't have otherwise known and might decide to go.... so I think it can only help.

Of course, I'm biased because I'm a part time streamer...lol...

Jaden

agreed 100%

 

[ctyhntr]

What would help video streaming is

1. Common or centralize place to access listings.

2. Ease and convenience, has to be as easy as using a remote

 

[geno]

The argument you're making is the essentially the same when TV first came out, it would kill live venues.

The main difference with Stream vs TV is that Live Venues like major Sports and such get a cut of the advertising dollars from TV while the billiard venues usually have to pay streamers to come and stream the events while the streamers also keep the advertising dollars they collect from commercials.

Basically it is the ESPN deal all over again. But you would have to be in the know to know this.

 

[geno]

Remember that Eric Clapton song in the COM?

"Its in the Way That You Use It"

Well a good businessman would have a great internet connection with a big screen to show the good streams.

Imagine your room having the US Open broadcasted live !

Also with the great internet you can have your own events streamed !

Motion is 2/3rds of Promotion !

Showing streams is a different subject. As I stated, streaming of LARGE international events is very good for pool IMO.

 

[geno]

My response is in blue/

The few people that wouldn't go BECAUSE they could watch it online, weren't likely to go anyways or buy much if they did.

But if they bought anything at the venue it would be better than the NOTHING they get from people staying at home.

The exposure that the venue gets from being seen by people that couldn't possibly go is worth more than the few people who don't go locally, and some people might find out about the event from seeing the stream that wouldn't have otherwise known and might decide to go.... so I think it can only help.

Exposure means almost nothing when the people are not walking in the door and spending money at the pool room.

The 2nd part of this is a very good point but that is also what reslults in magazines and/or websites is for.


Of course, I'm biased because I'm a part time streamer...lol...

Jaden

 

[Island Drive]

I designed/opened/ran a pool room once that the owner would not allow any flyers of tournaments in other rooms on his bulletin board, thinking they would go elsewhere to play, he wanted ''all'' the money was his attitude.

 

[geno]

I designed/opened/ran a pool room once that the owner would not allow any flyers of tournaments in other rooms on his bulletin board, thinking they would go elsewhere to play, he wanted ''all'' the money was his attitude.

And this has what to do with the streaming issue ? Explain please.

 

[Bigtruck]

Streaming Benefits

Streaming one table at an event can be a huge plus for the event.

1. It's a teaser - Several great matches going on, but you only get to see one. If you are close enough to get there, you're going.

2. It gives people who otherwise will NEVER go to a pool room a chance to support their friends and family by cheering them on from home.

3. It gives the pool room a chance to show people what they offer and convince them to start coming. (can work both ways, if it's a poorly ran room)

4. Semi-finals and finals. This is a point in the event that some people WILL watch at home when they "might" have stayed. PPV might be the answer. I have rarely stayed and watched the semi's and finals but I have watched online often.

Bottom line is....it CAN be a huge benefit to the venue and the tours IF it's used properly. If the venues and promoters don't take advantage of the advertising opportunity, then it still helps but nearly as much.

Ray Hansen

 

[heit8]

I have not read any of the postings but... I do not think so, I think it helps. When me and a few friends are watching or even just me, When or even sometimes before it is done, I want to go shoot some so... I guessing that it might be on the helping side.

 

[ososlow]

All the streams lately have really pumped me up to play more!

I was getting bored with pool and watching great pool motivated me to get back out there and play more

 

[stljohnny]

It can only help. I've never seen an event near where I live on a live stream. If I had the opportunity to attend an event with pro players I would be there regardless of whether it is on a live stream.

It promotes the game.

Yeah, I agree with this. I can't always make it across the state for a tournament, but if it's streamed, at least I can watch the people I know, or get a feel for the room; which can help me make a decision on whether or not I want to drive out there next time (if I've never been there).

If it's local, I'll just drive over to the room as long as I have the time available. If it's streamed, and local, but I can't make it because of work or something, then I'm thankful for the stream.

 

[joey900rr]

Actually watching a live stream always wants to make me go out and play. So in my case its actually making the pool rooms money..

 

[Brian in VA]

Geno, I notice that your signature states "No free Wifi = No Sale" which indicates that you have an expectation of a level of service to be provided by any proprietor. In fact, one that costs them money but doesn't cost you anything for using it. I find that interesting in this context because you infer that people who are watching the streaming, aren't putting any money in the room owner's pocket and yet you advocate something that reduces the amount of money that business owner can make. Hmmm.

Is your question about free streaming or PPV?

If it's free we're talking about, I don't think it hurts the game as there are always sponsors that are helping to pay for it - doesn't hurt the room IMHO because the people that want to be there are there. The streams aren't that good that it would make someone stay away because watching it at home is "just as good as being there."

PPV - usually it's the higher level events and people are willing to pay for a better quality experience. Still not as good as being there IMHO. Hurt the game or the room? I don't think so. It exposes more people to a particular venue that they then may visit.

Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Brian in VA

 

[geno]

Response in blue...

Geno, I notice that your signature states "No free Wifi = No Sale" which indicates that you have an expectation of a level of service to be provided by any proprietor. In fact, one that costs them money but doesn't cost you anything for using it. I find that interesting in this context because you infer that people who are watching the streaming, aren't putting any money in the room owner's pocket and yet you advocate something that reduces the amount of money that business owner can make. Hmmm.

Hmmm - YES, Free Wifi in the location as it keeps me and others in there supporting the location. Again we are in there buying table time, drinks, food etc.... This would be a great argument if I was asking the RO to give me free wifi at home but I am not.


Is your question about free streaming or PPV?

My question is specifically referring to the FREE streaming of local/regional events.

If it's free we're talking about, I don't think it hurts the game as there are always sponsors that are helping to pay for it - doesn't hurt the room IMHO because the people that want to be there are there. The streams aren't that good that it would make someone stay away because watching it at home is "just as good as being there."

PPV - usually it's the higher level events and people are willing to pay for a better quality experience. Still not as good as being there IMHO. Hurt the game or the room? I don't think so. It exposes more people to a particular venue that they then may visit.

Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Brian in VA

To be perfectly clear on this. You are NOT patronizing a billiard room by watching a stream. I have seen many and yes I mean MANY room owners look at stream #'s and say Hmm. 200 people online......... I wish they were here in my room.

The simple fact is that people are not coming into pool rooms as often as they used to and anything that in reality or is even perceived as keeping any PATRON out of the pool room the room owners are not going to be happy with it.

 

[SUPERSTAR]

My opinion is based on about 12 individuals i know including myself, that watch streams.
I think it really depends.

For instance, with some of the local billiard parlors, there have been times where several people were in the pool room hanging out, each with their own individual laptop, and every one of them watching some tournament that was being streamed.
In this instance, everyone would have been there in the room hanging out anyway.
You would have a couple people watching each computer, and they would still be buying food and drink from the establishment, and people would get up and play every now and then if the right game came in for them, or if the match online was going to be boring, and usually, in between shots, they were peeking over at the nearest computer anyway.
Plus, there have been times where someone who was planning to leave, didn't, because they didn't own a computer at home, and wanted to see some good pool.
So i don't really think it would have that big an effect on local businesses and the people that didn't go to the pool room, probably were looking for an excuse not to go in the first place.

As for the local and major venues that might get streamed, it's a tough call.
I know of times that i was just too lazy to get in the car and drive a couple hours BECAUSE i had the streaming option, where as if it weren't there, i would have driven there.
Instead, i would be somewhere other then the pool tournament watching the stream, eating food and drink, and not spending a dime on the pool room in question.
Heck, sometimes, we would all end up at the local pool room, blowing money in there and watching the stream from the event, but not blowing money at the host venue.
Starting to see the complexity of the issue?

As much as i love streaming and being a couch potato, there is a part of me that wonders if the pool room hosting the event, is getting compensated in any way for my absence, and what i might spend.
There aren't that many instances of events being streamed anyway in the area, so that issue doesn't come up that much, but it is interesting to have that topic dissected because it applies everywhere.

One could argue that streaming, if it is taking away revenue from an local establishment hosting a venue, might ultimately be a reason that the pool room doesn't host as many events, or stops hosting them altogether, if it just turns into money out the window because only players showed up and no spectators.

And then one has to ask, how are events that are losing potential revenue due to streaming, being compensated.
Is exposure enough to offset not generating income, if potential customers never go to the host venue in the first place because of streaming?
Sure people say they get pumped up to go play, but that is putting money into the local pool room, and not generating money for the host venue that is providing the stream. The host venue loses.

For example. A ridiculous hypothetical situation.
Say one year, everyone was lazy and no one went to the U.S. Open to watch. Everyone bought the streaming package and stayed home.
In that instance, Barry wouldn't be making anything at the gate, Barry might not be able to add the proper money to the prize fund, payouts might have to be lowered, and Accu-Stats make a killing.

Should Accu-Stats compensate Barry? Should Accu-Stats compensate the players? In this scenario, they definitely should IMO.
Now granted, this is ridiculous and was used to emphasize the point, and i am sure that Barry and Accu-Stats have a wonderful working relationship.

But the example is valid in that it happens with probably every stream to some degree, just on a much smaller scale.
People are inherently lazy. No one is going to get all gung ho and drive somewhere to watch pool if they don't have to. They might want to go to see live matches, or talk to some friends they know will be there, but streaming has absolutely nothing to do with that.
And depending on the degree that it happens at, i can see some pool rooms not caring because they have a solid enough customer base that don't watch streams, and i can see other pool rooms suffering as a result of it.
It's those that suffer, that might not opt to host tournaments or have them streamed in the future, so in that sense, the pool community loses out.

But then you have to wonder how many customers does it cause to not go?
When it comes down to it, X being the maximum # of people that would go to a venue without it being streamed, the only logical number would be X-Y, where Y=# of people that don't show up due to streaming.
There will never be a situation where it is X+Z, where Z=# of people that go to the venue DUE to streaming. That just doesn't happen, i don't care what anyone says.

Ultimately, it's going to come down to cold hard cash and NOTHING else.
If the pool room hosting a tournament, sees a decent ROI, then streaming will continue.
If not, we will find out.