Live Stream- NO commentary or COMMENTARY?

JoeyA

JoeyA

Efren's Mini-Tourn BACKER
Silver Member
The reason I ask is I was wondering what makes you watch pool matches on live stream, the actual play only or the actual play plus the pool commentary.

I find myself unable to watch a match without commentary. I even prefer poor commentary to no commentary. Maybe I am a little different than some of the viewers/listeners because I provide pool commentary from time to time but I try to look at this as just a person who enjoys pool.

I prefer to hear a commentator getting the wrong call than having no commentary.

Even if a commentator says or does things that get under my skin, I prefer commentary. I don't think I have ever turned the volume off while watching a match even in another language. I guess I am just a commentary junkie. I have found myself listening to the other commentators in an entirely different language of which I don't know a single word and wondering if I can guess what they are saying as the match goes along. Now, I am probably wrong 99% of the time since I don't know the language but it is fun to hear the commentator's rhythm and excitement or lack of excitement as it relates to the match.

If a live stream has a web cam just sitting there streaming and nothing is happening, even though I know there is going to be a big match some time soon, I will turn off the computer and go find something else to do. I find it irritating watching a live stream and not knowing what is to come and what is going on. So in summary, I guess I like the idea of commentary keeping me informed about what has gone on, what is going on and what will be going on.

There it is. Sometimes I just have to type to get the thoughts straightened out. I depend upon the commentators to tell me:
1. What has gone on before.
2. What is going on now.
3. What will be going on in the future.

That's about it for me.

What about you?

JoeyA
 
I like commentary along with the streams, but only when the commentators have a clue about the game in progress and about the game of pool "in general".

I hate when the commentators just sit there and babble like "Rain Man". They don't have to do "play by play" on each and every shot, but when they make a comment they should know what the hell they are talking about.

I've seen SO MANY shots or safeties that were miscalled that it gets me wondering if many of the viewers are actually more knowledgeable about the game than the people commentating.

One of the streams I enjoyed most was a recent one (can't remember the event) where Bobby Cotton was on the microphone. That was the BEST that I've heard from anyone. He knew what he was talking about, he didn't just sit there and babble, and he filled the void times with pool "history" and stories from his pool playing days.
 
I like commentary. I agree that the commentary from Bobby Cotton was the best. I believe that was the week of the world 14.1 and the ginky memorial. Upstate Al was commentating some that week also. And then there's Alvin. Somebody refered to him as a dj style commentator. I could do without that.
 
I echo alot of the statements already. Its hard enough for me to watch pool for long spurts but without commentary I will not tune in at all.

Things I like:
a. Some talk about the game going on and the players at the table. Doesnt have to be shot for shot but should reflect whats going on to include the stage of the match/tourney or pressure involved.
b. If its a tourney, I like to hear updates from other matches even if limited.
c. I like random players from the tourney that pop in that note how their event went.
d. I like stories that players or commentators randomly might tell.
 
I'm very much in favor of commentary. Dead silence is brutal. I like to have a little flavor. Talk about what's going on on the table, make a few prognostications, talk about the tournament, tell a few stories that fit in, build a narrative, talk about hot topics in the pool world. All of that adds to my interest. The only type of commentary I don't like is when guys are talking to the ustream chat without repeating the questions that they were asked. It's like hearing one side of a phone conversation that doesn't make sense. Still I prefer something over nothing.
 
I was trying to re-watch the finals of the world cup pool on youtube. It was uploaded in some middle eastern(?) language and it was unbearable to watch. I've watch some of the amway tournament with chinese commentary and it wasnt as bad.
 
I prefer commentary too, but it has to be at least decent. If it's bad (and much of it is) I either mute the sound or watch a different match. BTW, I've enjoyed all the commentary I've heard you do because you have respect for the listener.

Too often commentary is horrible. Watch the SBE Finals Match between SVB and Hohmann. It is so bad that it actually becomes funny. I was very surprised since I thought SBE was a high-class event.

Can you imagine an NBA basketball game where the commentators completely ignore the game, and instead talk about NBA politics, where they've been lately, who's doing what to whom, etc.? It's like two drunks sitting behind you--you just want to shout "Shut up! I'm trying to watch this game!"

Here's where I'm coming from: I play pool with 15-20 friends who are casual players. They really enjoy the game but they've never watched a professional match. They are exactly the kind of people that the industry wants to attract as an audience.

I want to invite them over to my place to watch a professional match. My only requirements for success are 1) filmed in HD; the old stuff looks awful on a big HDTV, 2) good commentary. Like most casual players, they need a good commentator to keep up with the shot-by-shot. But how can I ask them to sit through two hours of jibberish? They'd never really see the match because the commentary is so distracting.
 
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I don't mind either way.

If there is no commentary i tend to concentrate more on the play and think about how i would play the shots and then see how the pros do it, instead of listening to how the commentators think he'll play. I think i learn more without the commentary, even though it might not be as interesting.
 
This won't be a popular opinion, but it's my opinion. This post is not directed at anyone in particular, just a general thought on the art of commentary in itself. Again my opinions here, and I'm a nobody so there shouldn't be any hurt feelings.

My answer is, it just depends. It depends on who is doing the commentary, their knowledge of the game, knowledge of the players, the players individual styles of play and the commentators personality. It also depends on the amount of commentary taking place. It's ok to have some dead air and just let the game "play out" on the screen. Not every shot has to be discussed in a multitude of scenarios unless it's a particular strategic situation the competitor is currently facing.

The commentary should not trump the action at or around the table. After all, we're here to watch the streaming pool first and foremost. The commentary is just an informational relay for the viewer To inform the viewer of events taking place out of the frame, or out of the reach of the microphones. To inform the viewers of where the match is at in regards to who has what score, and how many games are left until a victor is determined. The commentator should also be informing the viewers of future matches to take place on the stream and also recap some of the previous matches that a new viewer just tuning in may have missed.

Somewhat off topic here, and I've stated something similar in a previous thread:

On the topic of audio. Why is it none (that I have viewed) of the pool streams have a microphone located above or as close as possible to the table? As a viewer, first and foremost I'm interested to hear a multitude of things that are happening at the source. Some of those things I wish to hear are, 1) The sound of cue impact, I can tell if the hit was pure or not and would like to be able to hear it. 2) The communications that are happening at the table by the players. Both the players barking at each other or berating themselves for a failed attempt, or discussing fouls or potential game/rules situations. Some foul language is to be expected in my opinion, it's not like we're streaming porn, violence or illicit drug use live.

Back on topic:

There are several of the popular commentators/streamers that I have no problems with hearing on stream, and they are very professional and make it enjoyable to listen to. On the flip side though, during a match when there are several people on the mic who are clearly unfit for the task, and usually so inebriated they can't form a complete sentence. The worst is when these people are having their own little party on the microphones and paying the match zero attention. At that point I usually go for the mute button, but I still watch the action on the screen and I'm still very appreciative of them providing the video streaming service. I don't "Expect" professionalism, it's juts a nice added bonus to a freely available production.

Hats off to anyone who can commentate well with clarity, I don't think I could do it very well and appreciate the amount of mental attention and dedication it takes. So there you have it, you asked and I gave my opinions on commentary. I'm probably opening the door for an onslaught of bad comments towards me for stating how I feel about the subject. I'm a big boy and can handle it.

Feedback on my thoughts are always welcomed.

Dopc.
 
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I strongly prefer commentary. I often watch matches after the fact on youtube, as I'm drifting off to sleep. Believe it or not, I can enjoy just the commentary without the video if it is focused on the match.

Here is what I like:
1) get your microphone levels right. I don't want to hear distortion or someone yelling at me
2) get your microphone levels right. see above
3) No need to yell. Talk to the viewers as if we are both sitting a few rows back in the stands. *Quiet* talk about the match.
4) Focus on the match. This is not your opportunity to go on and on about whatever tour, product, or whatever you might be involved in. I mean sure mention it here and there, no big deal. Just don't make it a show about you or your wares.
5) Call it like you see it. If someone makes a horrible shot, don't say it was a pretty good attempt.
6) Stories about pool and pool players are cool. Just don't talk over the action too much. Tell those stories when the players are on break, or racking or something.
7) The main enjoyment for most players watching is "what is he going to do here". So make that the primary focus of conversation. That is why Billy is the best...he never lets a tangent go too far, and always steers back to the match.
8) make an effort to stay updated on other scores.
9) scan the chat a little. Maybe there is a good question or issue.
10) Keep everyone updated and informed about what is coming up next
11) I shouldn't have to wonder what the score is ever. No reason any professional streaming outfit can't have an overlay with the players names, the race, game, and score.


However, to answer the OP...even if every one of my "Likes" are ignored, I can always turn the sound off. So no commentary is almost always a bad option for me.

Hope it helps,

KMRUNOUT
 
JoeyA said:
The reason I ask is I was wondering what makes you watch pool matches on live stream, the actual play only or the actual play plus the pool commentary.

I find myself unable to watch a match without commentary. I even prefer poor commentary to no commentary. Maybe I am a little different than some of the viewers/listeners because I provide pool commentary from time to time but I try to look at this as just a person who enjoys pool.

I prefer to hear a commentator getting the wrong call than having no commentary.

Even if a commentator says or does things that get under my skin, I prefer commentary. I don't think I have ever turned the volume off while watching a match even in another language. I guess I am just a commentary junkie. I have found myself listening to the other commentators in an entirely different language of which I don't know a single word and wondering if I can guess what they are saying as the match goes along. Now, I am probably wrong 99% of the time since I don't know the language but it is fun to hear the commentator's rhythm and excitement or lack of excitement as it relates to the match.

If a live stream has a web cam just sitting there streaming and nothing is happening, even though I know there is going to be a big match some time soon, I will turn off the computer and go find something else to do. I find it irritating watching a live stream and not knowing what is to come and what is going on. So in summary, I guess I like the idea of commentary keeping me informed about what has gone on, what is going on and what will be going on.

There it is. Sometimes I just have to type to get the thoughts straightened out. I depend upon the commentators to tell me:
1. What has gone on before.
2. What is going on now.
3. What will be going on in the future.

That's about it for me.

What about you?

JoeyA
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Easy answer, with commentary as I can always turn it off and have done so on occasion.

Good commentary adds insight to the game and overall enjoyment, poor commentary is not so great but bad commentary is a detractor for sure. Mostly, bad commentary is either some old fart who was something sometime in the middle of the last century that thinks every table length rail shot is a hanger or questions every pattern play, or, someone who has been in the seat too long that particular day and is only talking about where to eat, how tired they are or some other non match related topic.

I like it best when it is someone like Jay, Joey A, Cotton, or one of the pros that have been knocked out of the tournament. They point out different potential shots, understand that no one ever missed a shot from the commentator's chair and can add some color during down times like breaks and between racks.

Never been's and has been's not so much
 
I've just read down to post #12 and as always it is interesting to hear the opinions of people who watch the live streams.

The opinions about what the posters like and don't like is of special interest to me. I always try to make the listeners visit interesting and pleasant in whatever is at my disposal.

One question that I have for those of you who listen to the live streams is:
Do you have a particular opinion about commentators providing steady talk about what is going to happen as far as which ball is going to be shot in which pocket and what shape the cue ball is going to travel on each shot, EVEN THOUGH, it is a very simple pattern that the player is going to take. Do most of you like to hear the commentator talk steady from shot to shot about the shots?

I am reading your posts and am not ignoring any of them. I genuinely enjoy the constructive criticism and the likes and dislikes that all of you have simply from an information gathering standpoint.

I know that some of you have favorite commentators and that's great but please go easy on those that you don't favor so well. They are all doing a job that isn't as easy as it seems and the pay isn't always at the upper scale. Most commentators are giving their best effort and no commentator can please everyone on each and every match. Some are on a learning curve and others are already "seasoned" and you're either going to like them or not.

Anyway, I welcome your posts and appreciate your comments.

It is pretty clear that MOST of you like to hear commentary but want to hear what you feel is preferable commentary (to you).

In a little while, maybe tomorrow, I am going to ask a few more questions of those posting and reading.

Thanks for participating in this thread!

JoeyA
 
Perk said:
I echo alot of the statements already. Its hard enough for me to watch pool for long spurts but without commentary I will not tune in at all.

Things I like:
a. Some talk about the game going on and the players at the table. Doesnt have to be shot for shot but should reflect whats going on to include the stage of the match/tourney or pressure involved.
b. If its a tourney, I like to hear updates from other matches even if limited.
c. I like random players from the tourney that pop in that note how their event went.
d. I like stories that players or commentators randomly might tell.
Click to expand...

Good/descent out put..hate run on bubble gum popping..:grin-square:
 
bdorman said:
I prefer commentary too, but it has to be at least decent. If it's bad (and much of it is) I either mute the sound or watch a different match. BTW, I've enjoyed all the commentary I've heard you do because you have respect for the listener.

Too often commentary is horrible. Watch the SBE Finals Match between SVB and Hohmann. It is so bad that it actually becomes funny. I was very surprised since I thought SBE was a high-class event.

Can you imagine an NBA basketball game where the commentators completely ignore the game, and instead talk about NBA politics, where they've been lately, who's doing what to whom, etc.? It's like two drunks sitting behind you--you just want to shout "Shut up! I'm trying to watch this game!"

Here's where I'm coming from: I play pool with 15-20 friends who are casual players. They really enjoy the game but they've never watched a professional match. They are exactly the kind of people that the industry wants to attract as an audience.

I want to invite them over to my place to watch a professional match. My only requirements for success are 1) filmed in HD; the old stuff looks awful on a big HDTV, 2) good commentary. Like most casual players, they need a good commentator to keep up with the shot-by-shot. But how can I ask them to sit through two hours of jibberish? They'd never really see the match because the commentary is so distracting.
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Great points!
 
Well, for me, straight pool, it doesn't matter. 9 or 10 ball, I have a hard time watching for any length of time. If Danny D. Or Billy I, I could watch all night. :)
 
I do like when the commentators discuss patterns and shot selection and cue ball position. Sometimes when this might be obvious it's less important. Also, I think it's every bit as important to hear the why and how a shot is performed than just what the shot is. Why did he go 2 rails instead of 1? Why did he use reverse? What english will he use? Was that the right choice? etc. Also, I wanted to add that I always enjoy your commentary Joey because you seem to do a really good job of getting the information out of your analyst partners like a true play by play man. Those guys have so much pool knowledge in their noodles, but sometimes it takes someone to tease it out of them and have them explain it in a way that makes sense.
 
50% of the time, I have to mute the commentary. Why can't it be better than the air-heads in the chat room that ramble on about nothing, all the while insulting world class players?
There are some commentators that do a superb job, while others are so bad I mute them the very first rack and watch the match in silence. I know because of who they are, the exact dialog that will follow. I'd rather hear fingernails on a chalkboard. They speak as if every viewer just started watching pool last week.
 
I won't watch pool unless there is commentary. On the other hand if the commentary is horrible, I'll just shut off the match entirely. Some of my biggest pet peeves are lip smacking, drink slurping and coughing. Instead of naming names who I don't like, I'll name my favorites. Billy I., Grady, John Schmidt, Scott Frost, Steve Booth, Upstate Al, Jerry Forsyth, Buddy Hall, one pocket rich(from LA), Jay Helfert and Joey Augizin. I really enjoy the matches with you and Jay in the booth together. My favorite YouTube match that I've watched more than any other is the finals of the 2011 us open one pocket. I've watched that video and drifted off to sleep at night more times than I even care to think about. I could listen to Scott Frost and Corey rib each other and analyze one pocket every night of the week. Great thread Joey!
 
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