How to Increse Pool Popularity

[jasonlaus]

Pool has been dying a slow lingering death for decades. This decline seems to have sped up over the last few years. I do not see this trend reversing anytime soon if ever. I think it's sad, but true. I can't get enough of it myself, and most people on AZB feel the same way I'm sure. I have a Gold Crown in the middle of my livingroom, and I am still at the poolroom 2 or 3 nights a week. Give me a smokey room, some friendly action, and a beer, and I am in HEAVEN. Most folks these days ain't that way though. Too many other things to do I guess. I do a lot of other things too, but when it comes to pool I am addicted.

My name is Joe and it has been 15 hours since my last game of nine ball, but I'm playin' tonight!

The smokey rooms are what keeps me out of the pool room. I dont want to see friendly action either, I want to see somebody lose thousands. Oh yeah, if Earl is playing & mic'd up I'm watching -train wreck coming-or alot of break & runs either way I'm in.

 

[Rod]

I've read these type of treads many times before. Personally I don't see a need, its been the same for many years before the pool movies. Now a movie comes along, gives it a short burst then its over. Thats the way pool is, there is no one stupid enough to gamble large amounts of money to make a few bucks. Oh wait KT did so and, er we'll just say lost. I use to give two $hits like some but it ain't gonna happen while I'm above ground.

Rod

 

[smoooothstroke]

I agree

I posted this in another thread, but it got buried in all the other posts so I'll post it here too.

In order for pool to gain the popularity it deserves, it needs to be made more appealing to the average laymen who is not a serious pool player. The only way this is going to happen is if the television networks that air pool (ESPN) glorify the unsavory aspects of the game that appeal to the non pool playing television viewer. That being the gambling and hustling aspects of the game, and trash talking and sharking. This is what the average non pool playing view wants to see. The pool community needs another Minnesota Fats to put the game on the map. Some loud mouth hustler who's charismatic and entertaining to watch and listed to. The audio portion of the match is essential to get non pool players to tune in.

Since we have very little video footage of Fats, we have to go with the next best guy to put pool on the map. If you want the television ratings to go through the roof, which is the only way pool's ever gonna gain significant popularity, all you have to do is air every Earl Strickland match that's ever been played, with full audio so you can here everything he's saying. Just put a mike on Earl, and televise every match he plays. If that doesn't increase the ratings, nothing will. People who don't even play pool would tune in to see a good Earl melt down. This is precisely the strategy they use in poker, with Phil Hellmuth. It worked in tennis with John McEnroe. It worked in boxing with Mohammed Ali. It works in the NFL and NBA with loud, arrogent, athletes. People want to tune in to watch the guy they love to hate.

Very True.

I cant say this wood be "good" for pool but this sort of thing would likely bring viewers.Most importantly it would bring a TV viewing public that is not already a pool fan.With TV ratings comes advertising dollars,prize moneys,and player sponsorship.

 

[smoooothstroke]

Daly vs Tiger

So you're going for the "lowest common denominator" demographic, eh?

Earl throwing a tantrum = ratings! Joe Sixpack'll love it! Train wrecks always equal great ratings!

This is sorta like saying "Get Tiger Woods off the TV - we don't need someone who is a great sportsman and everyone respects! We need more John Daly! He's a fat drunk asshole, everybody will watch that!"

Puh-leeze.

Tiger is great for ratings because he is the best and he is setting records in a game that many people already did follow.The fact is that John Daly is good for golf ratings also.

Billiards may be able to increase popularity by marketing the characters who play the game.If this were to happen and one day pool moves more into the mainstream consciousness then a "Tiger" type pool player might do for pool something like Tiger Woods has done for golf.

 

[manwon]

I posted this in another thread, but it got buried in all the other posts so I'll post it here too.

In order for pool to gain the popularity it deserves, it needs to be made more appealing to the average laymen who is not a serious pool player. The only way this is going to happen is if the television networks that air pool (ESPN) glorify the unsavory aspects of the game that appeal to the non pool playing television viewer. That being the gambling and hustling aspects of the game, and trash talking and sharking. This is what the average non pool playing view wants to see. The pool community needs another Minnesota Fats to put the game on the map. Some loud mouth hustler who's charismatic and entertaining to watch and listed to. The audio portion of the match is essential to get non pool players to tune in.

Since we have very little video footage of Fats, we have to go with the next best guy to put pool on the map. If you want the television ratings to go through the roof, which is the only way pool's ever gonna gain significant popularity, all you have to do is air every Earl Strickland match that's ever been played, with full audio so you can here everything he's saying. Just put a mike on Earl, and televise every match he plays. If that doesn't increase the ratings, nothing will. People who don't even play pool would tune in to see a good Earl melt down. This is precisely the strategy they use in poker, with Phil Hellmuth. It worked in tennis with John McEnroe. It worked in boxing with Mohammed Ali. It works in the NFL and NBA with loud, arrogent, athletes. People want to tune in to watch the guy they love to hate.

Earl would not be my choice, I would have to go with Keith McCready. Keith, plays to the fans better than most of the Pro's playing today, he is not insightful, and he certainly is very funny.
In addition to that since he played the part in the color of money, he is a known face and many people know who he is.
Take Care

 

[smoooothstroke]

Keith would be a good choice.

"Reality TV" that is real.There are plenty of characters in the game.No need for writers or crazy scenarios with bad actors.

IMO it just takes a little bit more then the game itself to get those not allready in love with the game to watch.