Sorry if I am coming on like ‘an old fogey’, since the newest ‘social media’ generation does not (typically) respect their elders (Hey, I also turned up my collar and grew sideburns in the 50s like Elvis, so I know what I am talking about). BUT, reading these site posts makes me wonder: Has the modern generation of billiards enthusiasts possibly overlooked what really made their ancestors such die-hard enthusiasts? It wasn’t the competition, or the gambling, or even the glory (mostly lost to history). In truth, it was the rare opportunity to display human sociability & honor. We most all fell for that guff in school (‘it’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game’), but the pros soon figured out that winning IS everything! The rest of us have only honor to fall back on. To win & conduct ourselves honorably (to the best of our ability) is the greatest goal we can possibly aspire to. I would rather be known as ‘that guy who called a foul on himself when the ref wasn’t looking’, than a ‘world champion’. But then, I am old school. How will you choose? How would the venerable player-greats from history we all idolize have chosen?
I feel I must say this first: **In my opinion**: I agree with what you are saying. I made a post a couple of months back about intentionally fouling and quite a few people were up in arms about it. I kind of knew how most people feel about it because I ask lots of people, including my clients I restore Brunswick tables for or sell new Diamond tables to and most people are fine with it. Some recognize they have to do it on rare occasion, but, don't like to.
I would always rather lose with dignity than win in a dishonorable way. Moral fiber is different from person to person. What I know about people in general, sad but true, is that most people will do the wrong thing most of the time. At this point in my life it does not even surprise me anymore. On the other hand it is VERY refreshing to meet someone who is not that way and cares about how they act & treat other people.
Winning is not everything to me. I of course like to be competitive and winning is awesome, but, I am not willing to compromise my dignity to do so. Some people think intentionally fouling is playing within the rules & strategy, I say no, its directly breaking them and is un-sportsman like behavior. I understand we will all end up in some sort of situation where there is no way to make a legit hit on a ball, but, it is not the norm.
People come up with new and creative ways to break the rules all the time. It seems like once they are willing to compromise the rules it gets easier and easier. I hear this one a lot: Well they do it in so many other pro sports like basketball, football and baseball, that does not make it right. "because I gave ball in hand" does not negate the fact that a person broke the rules on purpose. No offense, but, it is my opinion that little kids think this way.
Anyone who has passion for their hobbies or professions, don't want to be known as the type of person who will do anything to win. I prefer to play pool with people who honor the rules and play with integrity. In fact I try hard to live my life by these concepts as well. Good for goodness sake.
Good post and positive rep sent.
Trent from Toledo