They can wear them. I don't care.
IPods and Playing Pool
- Thread starter NewStroke
- Start date
Prospero
Registered
The Spirit of the game
Sigh,
It seems like everywhere you go and anyplace you turn people are finding new parts of our lives to jam a small electronic device into. First, electronic wristwatches to replace the perfectly functional sundial. Then TV's built into refrigerators, because it's too much to have to turn away from the counter top TV or, Heaven forbid, go into an adjacent room lacking the babblebox. And now the crown jewels in the digital crown; people walking down the street, eyes glued and ears plugged into the magic box. They use their technology to prevent interaction with the real world so they can "interact" with their friends, some of whom they have actually "met".
And now it's in the poolrooms
I heartily endorse the right of any individual to pursue any activity that brings them pleasure, so long as it does not result in the lessening of someone else's pleasure. That being said, I fully support the right of these individuals to walk blindly in front of a city bus. I will shed not a tear, but instead feel a swell of pride that I live in a country that allows people such freedom.
And here's what I've seen:
Pros-People who are practicing by themselves can drown out the noise around them and focus on improving aspects of their game. This can free them from distractions and improve mental clarity, which leads to a loosening of body and in general a greater chance of succeeding at practice. Players improve their skills, the game gets more highly skilled individuals who will be good ambassadors for the sport and all is right in the jungle.
Cons-People who for some unfathomable reason have decided they do not need to interact with their fellow players, despite the fact that they are playing at minimum a two person (often up to a many as ten or fifteen) competitive game. Being courteous and respectful, a gentleman or woman, was once a hallmark of our games. This went so far as to discourage cheering and clapping in favor of a few finger snaps or light taps on the shaft. But because nothing in the universe is static these are no longer the norms. Loud music and raucous behavior are the new standard. For these reason's I could almost encourage the use of mp3 players, the Izombies tend to be quiet and well-behaved if a little unobservant which is frustrating but ultimately not such a big deal.
But...
RESPECT AND PROPER BEHAVIOR is what will lift our game out of the stereotypical smoke filled bar, with it's lascivious women and degenerate men. Pool can then enter the light filled arena of Respectable Sports, a place it deserves being longer practiced in this country than our national pastime. By inserting those earbuds you have made a social statement, 'Even though I am physically here right now playing this interactive game with you (or more), I do not feel the need to interact with my surroundings, or for that matter you personally'. You will then list a whole host of reasons that justify your actions but only amount to so much whining. Music wrong type or too loud, other people actually talking or !Gasp! someone commenting on your game. These are all parts of the environment that we have chosen to be in. Learning to be comfortable in your surroundings, no matter what they be, is one of the attributes that separates the wheat from the chaff. And what if your opponent is not facing you to verify that he heard you? Should your opponent be required to face you during all verbal communications? Because of your choice? I think not. And the same goes for poker players; interacting with your opponents is more than half the game since the cards fall randomly. In pool we can choose what happens, and I chose to interact with my fellow players with respect and sportsmanship. Which is what I expect in return.
I thank everyone for bearing with me during this rant and hope your day goes better than expected.
Prospero
Sigh,
It seems like everywhere you go and anyplace you turn people are finding new parts of our lives to jam a small electronic device into. First, electronic wristwatches to replace the perfectly functional sundial. Then TV's built into refrigerators, because it's too much to have to turn away from the counter top TV or, Heaven forbid, go into an adjacent room lacking the babblebox. And now the crown jewels in the digital crown; people walking down the street, eyes glued and ears plugged into the magic box. They use their technology to prevent interaction with the real world so they can "interact" with their friends, some of whom they have actually "met".
And now it's in the poolrooms
I heartily endorse the right of any individual to pursue any activity that brings them pleasure, so long as it does not result in the lessening of someone else's pleasure. That being said, I fully support the right of these individuals to walk blindly in front of a city bus. I will shed not a tear, but instead feel a swell of pride that I live in a country that allows people such freedom.
And here's what I've seen:
Pros-People who are practicing by themselves can drown out the noise around them and focus on improving aspects of their game. This can free them from distractions and improve mental clarity, which leads to a loosening of body and in general a greater chance of succeeding at practice. Players improve their skills, the game gets more highly skilled individuals who will be good ambassadors for the sport and all is right in the jungle.
Cons-People who for some unfathomable reason have decided they do not need to interact with their fellow players, despite the fact that they are playing at minimum a two person (often up to a many as ten or fifteen) competitive game. Being courteous and respectful, a gentleman or woman, was once a hallmark of our games. This went so far as to discourage cheering and clapping in favor of a few finger snaps or light taps on the shaft. But because nothing in the universe is static these are no longer the norms. Loud music and raucous behavior are the new standard. For these reason's I could almost encourage the use of mp3 players, the Izombies tend to be quiet and well-behaved if a little unobservant which is frustrating but ultimately not such a big deal.
But...
RESPECT AND PROPER BEHAVIOR is what will lift our game out of the stereotypical smoke filled bar, with it's lascivious women and degenerate men. Pool can then enter the light filled arena of Respectable Sports, a place it deserves being longer practiced in this country than our national pastime. By inserting those earbuds you have made a social statement, 'Even though I am physically here right now playing this interactive game with you (or more), I do not feel the need to interact with my surroundings, or for that matter you personally'. You will then list a whole host of reasons that justify your actions but only amount to so much whining. Music wrong type or too loud, other people actually talking or !Gasp! someone commenting on your game. These are all parts of the environment that we have chosen to be in. Learning to be comfortable in your surroundings, no matter what they be, is one of the attributes that separates the wheat from the chaff. And what if your opponent is not facing you to verify that he heard you? Should your opponent be required to face you during all verbal communications? Because of your choice? I think not. And the same goes for poker players; interacting with your opponents is more than half the game since the cards fall randomly. In pool we can choose what happens, and I chose to interact with my fellow players with respect and sportsmanship. Which is what I expect in return.
I thank everyone for bearing with me during this rant and hope your day goes better than expected.
Prospero
I hope your day goes better than expected too. :smile:
If your part of the "chaff" then Ipods these days ARE a part of the environment (reason for this thread obviously) and you need to learn to be a part of it. Your words not mine.
Don't get me wrong here fellas... Playing 8 ball tournaments or league play obviously interacting with the other player is needed, and therefor I wouldn't wear them. IE: calling shots and so forth (league is supposed to fun team play).... But and a big huge BUT.... playing a 9 ball tournament or gambling obviously needs no conversation involved and any social interaction. This would only break my concentration and obviously bother me. In this instance the Ipod goes on plain and simple. It is my perogative to do so and shouldn't hinder your play at the table in the least. If you chose to wear Daisy Duke shorty shorts with your butt cheeks hanging out, it is your perogative to do so and shouldn't hinder my play at the table.... it would just make me throw up a lil bit in my mouth is all :thumbup:
Who knew this would be such a big deal? I do use an iPod during matches, but the league I play in is not call-shot so there isn't too much to worry about in that regard. Nevertheless, for everyone here who thinks it's rude, I must say that my game has improved quite a bit since I started using my iPod and one of the reasons is my opponents no longer bother to chat me up in their drunken stupor while I'm at the table. THAT is what I would call rude. Besides, I don't play my music so loud that I am unable to hear anything else.
Ipods and Playing Pool
Rude....Disrespectful....Inconsiderate....
All of these words have been used in this thread to describe those using headphones (music?). I play in the area APA leagues and this topic has surfaced on the APA local website. Many responses, pro and con...same bad words as above. There has to be a reason that this subject gets SOOOO MUCH attention. Many tournaments prohibit their use...WHY ??? It's obvious that the user of the Ipod feels that it is giving them an advantage. The only "fringe benefit" I see is not having to listen to too loud music (if you can call it that?) and the consequent too loud conversations that have to compete with the too loud music.
Rude....Disrespectful....Inconsiderate....
All of these words have been used in this thread to describe those using headphones (music?). I play in the area APA leagues and this topic has surfaced on the APA local website. Many responses, pro and con...same bad words as above. There has to be a reason that this subject gets SOOOO MUCH attention. Many tournaments prohibit their use...WHY ??? It's obvious that the user of the Ipod feels that it is giving them an advantage. The only "fringe benefit" I see is not having to listen to too loud music (if you can call it that?) and the consequent too loud conversations that have to compete with the too loud music.
Well, the way I see it is that a really good player can tune all that surrounding noise out. If you're focused on the table you shouldn't be hearing too much going on around you.
MULLY
Prospero
Registered
That is exactly what I am talking about. Being in the pool world, like having fans jeer and heckle you while playing baseball, is part of the game. Anyone who cannot handle the environment has no business being at the table. The Greats (Mosconi, Hoppe, Crane, Murphy and the like) never seemed to have any problem adapting to their circumstances. Maybe we amateur players should just learn to deal with it, and maybe even draw strength from it. This is how a dolphin, while being much less dangerous than a Great White shark, is able to be a more effective swimmer than it's predator.
Just my thoughts, Prospero
"The Greats" did nothing but play pool and who is to say they wouldn't have used an iPod if they'd had one? That's like saying a movie in the '40s was shot in black and white because they wanted to. No, it was shot on black and white because that's what they had at the time or that's what they could afford. The available technology isn't hurting the game of pool.
What it sounds like though is you guys who are against the use of iPods seem to be defending the loud drunks and the rap "music" that is annoying to those of us who do use an iPod. I just don't see the harm.
What it sounds like though is you guys who are against the use of iPods seem to be defending the loud drunks and the rap "music" that is annoying to those of us who do use an iPod. I just don't see the harm.
blah blah
Shoebat
just rude.
I think angry, music- hating people are rude.
Just last night I won a very important game by flying the nine, swept my cape out behind me, and did my victory dance around the table, blowing on my kazoo and listening to my ipod for added personal stereo and rhythm and guess what?!?!?
I got smacked in the mouth.
How rude.
I think angry, music- hating people are rude.
Just last night I won a very important game by flying the nine, swept my cape out behind me, and did my victory dance around the table, blowing on my kazoo and listening to my ipod for added personal stereo and rhythm and guess what?!?!?
I got smacked in the mouth.
How rude.
And what about those events that don't play music at all, so you can hear everything the crowd does or says? Any music is better than no music in my book but it's out of my hands............till I put the earbuds in.
Take a bow for a well-reasoned and well-presented argument.
I recall being shocked watching John Hennessee wearing his IPOD during a match at Derby City on the TV/Internet table. Tune out your opponent, tune out the applause of the fans, and tune out the credibility of your sport as a challenging, but interactive and social pursuit. Professionals need to understand that they are salesmen for their sport.
To those who like comparing pool to golf, give it up if you think wearing an IPOD to tune out your envioronment is acceptable. Pro golfers understood that they need to manifest appreciation for and acknowledge the paying fans to make event organizers and sponsors happy, and to make themselves look good.
I refuse to shoot pool against anyone who insists on wearing an IPOD while we play, but respect those who feel differently.