I have read so many threads with ideas on how to make pool better, or why we can't get sponsors, why your neighbor doesn't get the beauty....................YADA YADA YADA.
I am not saying for one minute that I disagree with any of the great points made, I have uttered the same words as well. But maybe, just maybe our beloved sport/game/obsession, is meant to be exactly what it is or even where it is.
There are so many variables and differences of opinion involving EVERYTHING from playing conditions, playing equipment crowns diamonds boxes, 5 x 10 like back in the day, snooker vs pool, pocket size, shimmed unshimmed, rubber, angles of facings, balls, not to mention cue balls......standard with set or red circle, how bout red triangle, cues UGHHHHHHHHHH, full splice shorty splice, house cue, wood to wood joint, stainless, ivory, hard tip, soft tip, med hard tip, laminated, pressed, and we haven't even discussed games or leagues, or God forbid rankings....................master, open, A, B, D-..............team play, you can't play with two advanced players, but you can play with 5 unknown masters on an open team. Masters dropping into the open.......master at ACS state but open in BCA, a 7 APA who is really a 32 (if there was a rank that high)
We all have our preferences and opinions on the above. That is what makes life what it is, and that is fine. But for the average Joe to try and wrap his head around ALL of our nuances is asking a whole hell of allot. Not to mention for him to even begin to understand that in order to put a few racks together takes endless hours of practice, competitive play, and an unimaginable amount of commitment.
For the average Joe Sponsor to throw millions at our sport/game he will need it way more simplified. We all know that this is NOT a simple sport, so I am guessing Joe Sponsor won't jump on board with his money train just yet.
Which puts us right where we are, with not much hope of becoming the next NFL. But that may be o.k................For me personally, I have spent many hours with my kids around the pool table, and we have had many fantastic learning/coaching opportunities. The complexities of our sport allow for endless discussions on how discipline, commitment, sportsmanship etc....transcend the table into our every days lives. For someone else it may be that three hours of complete silence while practice ONE shot at his local pool room, off in a corner some where. The next player may just love playing for 10 or 20 a set against a guy he could never beat in a million years, just for the experience. Or the millions of league players that just need to get out of the house one night a week, win lose who cares as long as they can show off their new cue, or some goofy shot they made last week.
The bottom line is that any of the cue sports are so individualized from personal goals, cues, table conditions, time commitment, etc...........maybe it is meant to be there just waiting for someone to enjoy it at their own pace, on their own time, in their own way. As opposed to commercializing it and jamming down the John Q publics throat.
Just thinking out loud!
Mike
I am not saying for one minute that I disagree with any of the great points made, I have uttered the same words as well. But maybe, just maybe our beloved sport/game/obsession, is meant to be exactly what it is or even where it is.
There are so many variables and differences of opinion involving EVERYTHING from playing conditions, playing equipment crowns diamonds boxes, 5 x 10 like back in the day, snooker vs pool, pocket size, shimmed unshimmed, rubber, angles of facings, balls, not to mention cue balls......standard with set or red circle, how bout red triangle, cues UGHHHHHHHHHH, full splice shorty splice, house cue, wood to wood joint, stainless, ivory, hard tip, soft tip, med hard tip, laminated, pressed, and we haven't even discussed games or leagues, or God forbid rankings....................master, open, A, B, D-..............team play, you can't play with two advanced players, but you can play with 5 unknown masters on an open team. Masters dropping into the open.......master at ACS state but open in BCA, a 7 APA who is really a 32 (if there was a rank that high)
We all have our preferences and opinions on the above. That is what makes life what it is, and that is fine. But for the average Joe to try and wrap his head around ALL of our nuances is asking a whole hell of allot. Not to mention for him to even begin to understand that in order to put a few racks together takes endless hours of practice, competitive play, and an unimaginable amount of commitment.
For the average Joe Sponsor to throw millions at our sport/game he will need it way more simplified. We all know that this is NOT a simple sport, so I am guessing Joe Sponsor won't jump on board with his money train just yet.
Which puts us right where we are, with not much hope of becoming the next NFL. But that may be o.k................For me personally, I have spent many hours with my kids around the pool table, and we have had many fantastic learning/coaching opportunities. The complexities of our sport allow for endless discussions on how discipline, commitment, sportsmanship etc....transcend the table into our every days lives. For someone else it may be that three hours of complete silence while practice ONE shot at his local pool room, off in a corner some where. The next player may just love playing for 10 or 20 a set against a guy he could never beat in a million years, just for the experience. Or the millions of league players that just need to get out of the house one night a week, win lose who cares as long as they can show off their new cue, or some goofy shot they made last week.
The bottom line is that any of the cue sports are so individualized from personal goals, cues, table conditions, time commitment, etc...........maybe it is meant to be there just waiting for someone to enjoy it at their own pace, on their own time, in their own way. As opposed to commercializing it and jamming down the John Q publics throat.
Just thinking out loud!
Mike
