Heh...let's not get infront of our feet.
Let's see the IPT pull off at least the next 2 tournaments successfully or at least start getting better ratings here in the U.S.. Dunno how well the Eurosport coverage went...They also need to get the details and confusion worked out over the competition and format.
I like this idea better than TV. I'm still a huge skeptic about successful pool on TV here in America. Even with the IPT's superior production quality and tactics...I don't see anyone new coming into pool because they saw it on TV. At least not in America. I'd love to be wrong on that. I'd love for pool to become more popular.
Going to the net, video streaming, live matches etc...is a very different strategy. That's a strategy that is meant to make money off of the existing pool fan-base. If you can't get people to watch pool on TV, what makes you think they'll pay to see it on the web? If it is successful on TV and is on often...why would any hard-core pool fan pay to watch it on the web when they can see it on TV?
I'm sure the webcast will be complete matches, not bits and pieces like the TV format...but still. Pool fans and players are cheap.
Time will tell. KT has been saying that the IPT is running at a profit so far. Of course, he can say anything he wants. He's never going to admit the IPT is losing money! Especially if he wants to sell it. Who would ever advertise with a business that is losing money!
Not to mention, in other businesses and the past, KT has made his billions being a complete and total liar. But, for some strange reason - I give him the benefit of the doubt for this IPT endeavour of his.
You have to wonder though. As a business, he must be making assessments of its success or failure. So far, they've had the KOTH on OLN. That's a first step. You can almost treat that as a "pilot"...They've had the North American Open on Eurosport. I'm sure they've received feedback in some form on the popularity or acceptance of it? KT must be getting an idea of what his chances are as far as the implementation of his original ideas and potential success....
