How do we all help improve the image of pocket billiards?
- Thread starter CJ Wiley
- Start date
One of the unique features of pool is the idea that for the most part it is one of the few sports where men and women can compete on equal footing. I emphasize this in our active retirement community and it seems to have helped get some people interested. Not sure how to do it on a professional level as the equal footing idea is not as true.
With people new to the game scotch doubles is lots of fun.
With people new to the game scotch doubles is lots of fun.
Improve image of pool ?
On TV, I usually see people at or around a pool table (used as a prop, usually in a bar) in advertising almost everyday. Pool is a recreation, (some have a pool table in their home). It is a participation game! It's fun and requires skill and knowledge to play well. The real question is how to change the perception of a fun recreational activity into becoming a sport? The casual (bar) pool player isn't interested in watching professionals that play very well on TV, streaming or at a tournament. They want to PLAY and have fun!
On TV, I usually see people at or around a pool table (used as a prop, usually in a bar) in advertising almost everyday. Pool is a recreation, (some have a pool table in their home). It is a participation game! It's fun and requires skill and knowledge to play well. The real question is how to change the perception of a fun recreational activity into becoming a sport? The casual (bar) pool player isn't interested in watching professionals that play very well on TV, streaming or at a tournament. They want to PLAY and have fun!
In my opinion i hope i am wrong, pool is addictive to many and 99% will tend to take someone's time from more important activities, such as studying, major work project, family time, ...etc, also it is perfect setting for drinking gambling and "was smoking" it is year round, not like Golf or other sports of which are seasonal. Therefore, pool might be enjoyable to someone, but unfortunately it take a toll on other stuff in life, so we creates enemies of the sport that is irreversible at time. We tried taking family with us, i am sure most did it few times and quit!
Based on the above it is impossible to clean pool image, and only way to make pool prosper a little (to some) is by making it join other sports say a match of golf and pool between pro players, or pool and tennis; or better yet unfortunately porn industry with few sexy and erotic !! after all porn industry is most prosperous and will never bankrupt.
The Paradox of Promoting Pool - What this thread is about
What have you done or what will you do to help us promote pool in a positive way and come up with solution oriented input?
What have you done or what will you do to help us promote pool in a positive way and come up with solution oriented input?
Here's what I do in my little corner of the world...
I play leagues mostly now. I show up on time, respect the bar I'm in and the folks there. I consider myself a guest in their "home."
I pay my league dues on time.
I don't milk the free team drinks process by ordering a more expensive drink for that.
I don't cheat when playing.
I call fouls on myself.
I don't always call fouls on others but use the event as a learning experience, especially for a newbie. I explain what they did and why it matters to the league and the game.
I respect the game and don't abuse it or subordinate it to my petty issues at the moment.
I respect the other players up until they are dissing the game or cheating outright. Then I respect the game enough to call them on it without having a fight.
I don't hustle anyone. If someone wants to gamble I never intentionally play below my level to increase the bet. Take me as I am.
I don't jump/masse' etc. if the owners don't allow it.
I don't hurry up and shoot a close hit situation so my opponent can't see the bad hit.
I don't shark.
I help anyone who ask for my help. I give freely what I've learned over the past 50 years of playing. I refer folks to experts.
I don't impose my help onto others who don't want it.
I invent stuff that pool players like and want and sometimes I just give 'em what I made and charge nothing. Sometimes I sell what I've made, too.
I dress, not classy, but decent enough that an outsider wouldn't think of me as a bum.
I promote the game to non-pool players as the hardest, greatest game there is and encourage them to give it a try.
I buy stuff from the house and tip the help.
I encourage others to come to AZB.
I have fun doing all of the above.
I can only do so much in my little corner of the pool world, but I always try to do what I can to help the game. Multiply that by the millions who play and maybe we'd have something grand, ya think?
Jeff Livingston
I play leagues mostly now. I show up on time, respect the bar I'm in and the folks there. I consider myself a guest in their "home."
I pay my league dues on time.
I don't milk the free team drinks process by ordering a more expensive drink for that.
I don't cheat when playing.
I call fouls on myself.
I don't always call fouls on others but use the event as a learning experience, especially for a newbie. I explain what they did and why it matters to the league and the game.
I respect the game and don't abuse it or subordinate it to my petty issues at the moment.
I respect the other players up until they are dissing the game or cheating outright. Then I respect the game enough to call them on it without having a fight.
I don't hustle anyone. If someone wants to gamble I never intentionally play below my level to increase the bet. Take me as I am.
I don't jump/masse' etc. if the owners don't allow it.
I don't hurry up and shoot a close hit situation so my opponent can't see the bad hit.
I don't shark.
I help anyone who ask for my help. I give freely what I've learned over the past 50 years of playing. I refer folks to experts.
I don't impose my help onto others who don't want it.
I invent stuff that pool players like and want and sometimes I just give 'em what I made and charge nothing. Sometimes I sell what I've made, too.
I dress, not classy, but decent enough that an outsider wouldn't think of me as a bum.
I promote the game to non-pool players as the hardest, greatest game there is and encourage them to give it a try.
I buy stuff from the house and tip the help.
I encourage others to come to AZB.
I have fun doing all of the above.
I can only do so much in my little corner of the pool world, but I always try to do what I can to help the game. Multiply that by the millions who play and maybe we'd have something grand, ya think?
Jeff Livingston
This helps for the people who walks to pool rooms, how about the majority that want no association with pool!
I usually order their oldest single malt scotch regardless if I like it our not.
Or sometimes I'll get a double long island iced tea
...HAHAHA
The Sample Example - The Game is the Teacher
Yes, Jeff, I appreciate those things and I have a feeling you treat many other people/places/things in your life with care and respect...If the game could talk it would say "thank you"..
..keep up the good play and feel free to contact me anytime if you need some guidance or direction with your game...aloha ....I'm working on opening up a new CJ's Billiard Palace and would love to have guest like yourself http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma5PTds8YaI&feature=plcp
Yes, Jeff, I appreciate those things and I have a feeling you treat many other people/places/things in your life with care and respect...If the game could talk it would say "thank you"..
..keep up the good play and feel free to contact me anytime if you need some guidance or direction with your game...aloha ....I'm working on opening up a new CJ's Billiard Palace and would love to have guest like yourself http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma5PTds8YaI&feature=plcp
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One thing that would help would be for the USPPA, BCA, APA, ACS, TAP, etc. to all go bye, bye, and Pool like oter REAL Sports was under ONE Governing Body like the Basketball has the NBA, Baseball has MLB, Auto Racing has NASCAR, Drag Racing has NHRA, etc.
With one set of rules, dress code, etc. Having 7 or 8 different organization is great for the 7 or 8 KING FISH each with their little empire, or pond. But sure has not been good for the Amateur or Pro Players.
Had the like of Kevin Tradau been governed by one Pool governing body, maybe he would have never left players unpaid, like is an almost monthly event on tis forum, like the RENO Fiasco.
JMHO nothing more.
With one set of rules, dress code, etc. Having 7 or 8 different organization is great for the 7 or 8 KING FISH each with their little empire, or pond. But sure has not been good for the Amateur or Pro Players.
Had the like of Kevin Tradau been governed by one Pool governing body, maybe he would have never left players unpaid, like is an almost monthly event on tis forum, like the RENO Fiasco.
JMHO nothing more.
Improve the image of pool and...
As to what I've done for pool, 10 years ago, I stopped playing golf and started playing pool again. I bought and tried a few cues, showed them off to fellow players and they ask if I could get a cue for them? Since I was actively looking for pool cues over those past few months, I said YES I COULD ! I'm now in the pool equipment business for the last 9 years! It is not a profit making business (I discount deeply...more than the internet retailers), but I am now VERY knowledgeable about pool equipment and can help a person "get fitted", both in price and value, but also in the type of equipment that would best suit them. I feel like I am "giving back" to the industry and enhancing the enjoyment of my fellow pool players!
Regarding "solution oriented input", $$$ are needed to make any professional sport important. Player sponsorships, $$$ from ads, charity sponsored tournaments, leagues and tours are a few examples that help. Streaming is getting VERY popular and should attract $$$ for sponsorship. Even "trick shot" tournaments attract the common weekly player to watch it on TV. The conduct (and dress) of some professional players takes away from the image that should be projected to the public. Even a simple dress code at places that have leagues would enhance that image. A good person to ask about image is Mike Massey. He DOES look professional ALWAYS !
As to what I've done for pool, 10 years ago, I stopped playing golf and started playing pool again. I bought and tried a few cues, showed them off to fellow players and they ask if I could get a cue for them? Since I was actively looking for pool cues over those past few months, I said YES I COULD ! I'm now in the pool equipment business for the last 9 years! It is not a profit making business (I discount deeply...more than the internet retailers), but I am now VERY knowledgeable about pool equipment and can help a person "get fitted", both in price and value, but also in the type of equipment that would best suit them. I feel like I am "giving back" to the industry and enhancing the enjoyment of my fellow pool players!
Regarding "solution oriented input", $$$ are needed to make any professional sport important. Player sponsorships, $$$ from ads, charity sponsored tournaments, leagues and tours are a few examples that help. Streaming is getting VERY popular and should attract $$$ for sponsorship. Even "trick shot" tournaments attract the common weekly player to watch it on TV. The conduct (and dress) of some professional players takes away from the image that should be projected to the public. Even a simple dress code at places that have leagues would enhance that image. A good person to ask about image is Mike Massey. He DOES look professional ALWAYS !
Frankly, I did not read this thread so I my be repeating something someone else has already stated. I think the status of pool is directly related to each and every one of us. We are all ambassadors for the sport. I'm reminded each time I tell somebody I play pool what the public's perception is of the sport. They tend to be surprised-seedy, smoky under belly of society and all. 20 years ago I was shooting shotguns 3x a week. My girlfriend at the time, now my wife, did not want to have anything to do with the sport because of her perceptions of the people involved. I knew if I could get her out once to meet some of the guys I could change her mind. Those "guys" are some of here best friends today, and she is a pretty good shot. My point is that how we act in public reflects, for better or worse, how pool will be perceived and therefor determine if sponsors outside the industry will be attracted or repelled.
Steve
Steve
The question remains "what have done and what are you willing to do?
Mike does look nice....and we're just wondering what you would do or have done to promote professional pool?
Mike does look nice....and we're just wondering what you would do or have done to promote professional pool?
Hire a public relations firm with a background in image improvement.
While there have been many good responses to your request, I think a PR firm should come up with a plan that is not infused with our many ideas that have not worked in the past. The problem with this is that it takes money... and a lot of it.
While there have been many good responses to your request, I think a PR firm should come up with a plan that is not infused with our many ideas that have not worked in the past. The problem with this is that it takes money... and a lot of it.
Joey Fast Evola
New member
Site to Promote Pool
This is a website and international social network to promote pool and billiards. It was created for the purpose of helping players get better at pool while making the game look fun and interesting, too. I am obviously the website's creator and entertainer. I want a name in pool someday just like any pool player, and this site is my main contribution to the professional pool world. I hope you find it entertaining, fun, as well as educational! Type in fast joey's billiards and youll see it listed as one of the first links.
-Joe
This is a website and international social network to promote pool and billiards. It was created for the purpose of helping players get better at pool while making the game look fun and interesting, too. I am obviously the website's creator and entertainer. I want a name in pool someday just like any pool player, and this site is my main contribution to the professional pool world. I hope you find it entertaining, fun, as well as educational! Type in fast joey's billiards and youll see it listed as one of the first links.
-Joe
Joey Fast Evola
New member
Web site to promote pool
This is a website and international social network to promote pool and billiards. It was created for the purpose of helping players get better at pool while making the game look fun and interesting, too. I am obviously the website's creator and entertainer. I want a name in pool someday just like any pool player, and this site is my main contribution to the professional pool world. I hope you find it entertaining, fun, as well as educational! Type in fast joey's billiards and youll see it come up listed as one of the first links in google, or yahoo, or even bing.
"... to some players, luck itself is an art."
The Color of Money
-Joe
This is a website and international social network to promote pool and billiards. It was created for the purpose of helping players get better at pool while making the game look fun and interesting, too. I am obviously the website's creator and entertainer. I want a name in pool someday just like any pool player, and this site is my main contribution to the professional pool world. I hope you find it entertaining, fun, as well as educational! Type in fast joey's billiards and youll see it come up listed as one of the first links in google, or yahoo, or even bing.
"... to some players, luck itself is an art."
The Color of Money
-Joe
With all due respect, it sounds like you run a business out of your house or the trunk of your car with no overhead and undercut ligit retailers who are trying to run a business. People who pay taxes, provide jobs, are licensed, insured and so on. Actually what you do undermines the industry selling severally below MSR and hurting real businesses that are the backbone of the sport. This would include the local pool rooms who themselves sell products, places I am sure you go as you try to steal their customers.
Do you have a storefront, report taxes, are licensed and insured? Possibly, but I have a feeling you are not. I am sorry for being so blunt, I am just responding to what you said and my comments comes from years of owning pool rooms and having guys like you trying to do business in my parking lot. It actually adds nothing to the industry.
Skippy's Biohacking Billiards Lab
I hope that in some way my website and podcast can help reach people that aren't already aware of our great sport. Things I'm doing and I will do in the future that might help to bring in interest (I hope)....
* I interact a lot with biohackers and quantified-self folks. This crowd looks for ways to become high-performing in all areas of life, including sports. Maybe my application of these principles will introduce some of them to the world of billiards.
* I am honing my skills in promoting the game via podcast and video. For instance, I just finished an interview with Max Eberle, last night. I will be publishing that soon.
* I'm always looking for techniques used in other sports to improve performance and I explore how to apply them to billiards. Eventually, I hope to use some good PR to help get exposure via more traditional media outlets.
* My ultimate goal is to have my own place called "Skippy's Biohacking Billiards Lab". I will have a few tables. People can come and play using all types of technology and information to enhance their pool game. Imagine wearing a pair of SPARQ strobe goggles to train your vision and dominant eye training while playing pool. Or playing a session of pool while wearing an Emwave2 heart-rate monitoring device to tell when your mind-heart are in optimal coherence like golfers use. Or doing brain training drills to enhance fine motor skills. Have left-handed training and being able to video the person playing and invert the image so they can see themselves playing perfect pool left-handed. Then to take it to another level, I would have a B-Alert X24 Wireless EEG that players would wear on their head while playing a set and it would track all types of brain activity, sense fatigue and be useful for other neurofeedback training. Imagine having this type of lab/poolhall and going to a local news affiliate or even at a national level. Would it not spark an interest in our sport?? Would it enhance current players' interest? That is my hope....plus, I am a true pool "geek" at heart.
This is the type of pool hall or should I rename it "pool lab" that I will have someday.
Cheers,
Skippy
I hope that in some way my website and podcast can help reach people that aren't already aware of our great sport. Things I'm doing and I will do in the future that might help to bring in interest (I hope)....
* I interact a lot with biohackers and quantified-self folks. This crowd looks for ways to become high-performing in all areas of life, including sports. Maybe my application of these principles will introduce some of them to the world of billiards.
* I am honing my skills in promoting the game via podcast and video. For instance, I just finished an interview with Max Eberle, last night. I will be publishing that soon.
* I'm always looking for techniques used in other sports to improve performance and I explore how to apply them to billiards. Eventually, I hope to use some good PR to help get exposure via more traditional media outlets.
* My ultimate goal is to have my own place called "Skippy's Biohacking Billiards Lab". I will have a few tables. People can come and play using all types of technology and information to enhance their pool game. Imagine wearing a pair of SPARQ strobe goggles to train your vision and dominant eye training while playing pool. Or playing a session of pool while wearing an Emwave2 heart-rate monitoring device to tell when your mind-heart are in optimal coherence like golfers use. Or doing brain training drills to enhance fine motor skills. Have left-handed training and being able to video the person playing and invert the image so they can see themselves playing perfect pool left-handed. Then to take it to another level, I would have a B-Alert X24 Wireless EEG that players would wear on their head while playing a set and it would track all types of brain activity, sense fatigue and be useful for other neurofeedback training. Imagine having this type of lab/poolhall and going to a local news affiliate or even at a national level. Would it not spark an interest in our sport?? Would it enhance current players' interest? That is my hope....plus, I am a true pool "geek" at heart.
This is the type of pool hall or should I rename it "pool lab" that I will have someday.
Cheers,
Skippy
promote pool
I have been following most of CJ's posts and blogs.
i find the discussion (on the most part) vry interesting - but only a few 'gems' have popped out at me.
I think all comments should be welcomed - but ideas must be practical and defined so they can be implemented.
I 'have' a lot of the answer. But it is very difficult to get al the pieces together that will get traction.
I am not convinced that 10' tables are the solution. Or the cloth - or any of the equipment issues.
I think the biggest part of the answer is to gain recognition, of the game and the top players.
I am the only national league system that actually tries to get the amateurs and pros to connect. I have learned a lot and our 2013 National CSI/BCAPL/USAPL National event at the Rio Iin Vegas) will offer the opportunity for a few pros to get involved in promoting the game.
Sponsorship is key to have the funding to get the exposure we need. Sponsors will only get involved if it is in their best interests.
Lets keep up the discussions - they can only help us get everything moving forward.
Mark Griffin, CSI
BCA Pool League - USA Pool League
TAR - Diamond - 6 Pocket - Texas Bumps
US Bar Table - Jay Swanson 9-Ball
US Open 10 Ball
US Open One Pocket
US Open 8-Ball
US Open Straight Pool - CSI Hi Run Challenge
I have been following most of CJ's posts and blogs.
i find the discussion (on the most part) vry interesting - but only a few 'gems' have popped out at me.
I think all comments should be welcomed - but ideas must be practical and defined so they can be implemented.
I 'have' a lot of the answer. But it is very difficult to get al the pieces together that will get traction.
I am not convinced that 10' tables are the solution. Or the cloth - or any of the equipment issues.
I think the biggest part of the answer is to gain recognition, of the game and the top players.
I am the only national league system that actually tries to get the amateurs and pros to connect. I have learned a lot and our 2013 National CSI/BCAPL/USAPL National event at the Rio Iin Vegas) will offer the opportunity for a few pros to get involved in promoting the game.
Sponsorship is key to have the funding to get the exposure we need. Sponsors will only get involved if it is in their best interests.
Lets keep up the discussions - they can only help us get everything moving forward.
Mark Griffin, CSI
BCA Pool League - USA Pool League
TAR - Diamond - 6 Pocket - Texas Bumps
US Bar Table - Jay Swanson 9-Ball
US Open 10 Ball
US Open One Pocket
US Open 8-Ball
US Open Straight Pool - CSI Hi Run Challenge