One Pocket Lessons (expensive)

social outcasts

There have been a few negative posts including one calling Bill a derogatory name. I am also aware that there have been many very good suggestions in this thread as well

My point was that many of the threads on this site seem to be home to social outcasts who have nothing to offer but negative input on every issue.

League Guy,
Thanks for the support. It's hard not to respond in a negative manner when you feel attacked by many at one time. I never was in that position before. Except when I went to Buffalo for a football playoff game. When Igot off the plane I was wearing a Raiders jacket and the whole airport boooed' me I mean it had to be fifty people saying booooooooooooooooo
Felt worse here. In Buffalo I understood it better. Hard to understand knockers..
thanks again.
Bill
 
What the Heck

What the heck??? I have not seen even ONE post knocking or hating. All I have seen is posts trying to help Jersey Bill with his posting style. Some have gone on here and tried to HELP Bill by telling him how to attract students. And they get called haters and jealous for that??? Some of you need to learn how to read.:confused:

Just curious, what if I got on here, said I was an A player, which I am, and said I was going to charge 4 times what Nick Varner charges per hour. I guarantee I, or anyone else would get the same response Bill got, if not much worse. For all I know, Bill might be the best one pocket instructor in the history of the world. But, by not giving any references, why would anyone go to him??

For some of you to flame those trying to HELP him, well, you are nothing but flamers yourself.

Neil,
I'm sorry you don't understand how I feel.
I chose not to give credentials in public. I wanted to have someone ask me with a PM, maybe I should have stated that in my post. As far as the price I'm charging. I don't care what the best player on earth is charging. If I have to go to your state and stay in a hotel and pay my expenses at home. I'd have to charge a lot. Maybe nobody will want to pay. BUT it's not up to anyone to say how I have to advertise or how much I have to charge. People shouldn't criticize me when they aren't interested in paying for my services either pm me or ignore me. WHY SAY I"M CHARGING TOO MUCH in a public posting???? Unnecessary and it's a flame what you're saying now. BUT I'm sorry if I offended you and anyone else. Not because I want the business because I pretty much don't want to be bothered after all this. BUT because it's good manners.
Bill
 
Wrong Way

LOL@Jerseybill. Let's suppose you are the greatest teacher in the world and your $200 per hour is worth it. You're going about it the wrong way, Bill. Good luck finding customers :thumbup:

HI,
You're absolutely right, and I"m pretty sure I don't want to do this anymore. Seeing the people I'd have to put up with it's probably worth a lot more.
Anyhow, thanks for the thumbup...good to see a positive person on AZ
Bill
 
Grumpy

The guy sure seems grumpy as heck and abrupt also ... but if he can teach you how to improve your game, just suck it up and learn what he has to show you. If you don't like his sales pitch, just don't call him, but it might be your loss!


Thanks, That's how I feel
Beside I gave a money back guarantee???
How can they go wrong.??
sincerely, Grumpy Bill
 
ADVICE on WOMEN

Hi,
Roll on JerseyBill, I like your style! 63 years equates to a ton of information. What would you charge for advice about women?
I can't wait until I'm an OG and just don't give a damn how I come off.

I"d charge in proportion to what I know about them>>>
0 nothing, nada, I'm dumb in that area. All flops, no successes.

lol
thanks Bill
 
present yourself better

That post came well after he had, indeed, acted like an a-hole. The first posts that he was responding to were all intended to help him by suggesting that he present himself better.

There were no "knocks" from other instructors either - just polite suggestions or outright offers of help.

Reading comprehension is quite lacking today apparently.

Mike

Mike,
Do you know anyone that likes to be told to present themself better. Or anyone that likes criticisms that sound at least shaded??? Yes shaded or ambiguous whatever you want to call them. Yes, I acted like what you said, but I feel I was provoked. Sorry you didn't get the vibe I was.
Bill
 
Philosophy

This is meant to be half serious and half tongue-in-cheek; but, on the subject of student testimonials: If the students actually knew what they were talking about, then they wouldn't be the students.

"If you knew what you don't know, then you wouldn't not know it."
-Danny DiLiberto

I say let the numbers do the talking, lest an "Emperor's New Clothes" situation could arise...

If I pay $200 for a lesson and use the information to multiply my investment in spots where I previously couldn't have, then I know I've had my money's worth. The $200 was a total no-brainer.

Best of luck with your lessons, JerseyBill. Knowledge can't be quantified monetarily.

Keep up the great philosophizing..
I appreciate your understanding of how it really is.
Bill
 
customer is always right

Glad you feel better. You make it seem like we are the bad guys but in reality, the reaction you have received is predictable. It doesn't matter who would have posted what you stated - the first post wasn't very informative, we don't know you at all, and then you fire back at people. Granted, some responses were harsh (and inappropriate)... but if you are looking to help others, then firing back is not the answer.

I am in a business where no matter how people may act towards me, I always have to respond professionally, no matter how personal or ticked I may be. Your replies are getting better, but I respectfully suggest that you keep continuing being nice because it sounds like you could help some people and that's great - let's get that going for you!

You're right,
I did lose it for a minute or two. the customer is always right.

Got under my skin. Always has, (knockers) that is.
That's how I see it. Maybe it's not how you see it.
sorry, Bill
 
Bill...NOBODY who was offering you solid advice (like myself) knocked you. If you believe that, you need some better reading comprehension skills (and that is not a knock, it is intended as professional advice). Many people who post on here are very knowledgeable, quite skilled, and very polite...as most of us were to you as a brand new poster. I never said I was as skilled as you, in 1-pocket or any other game. However I do play well enough to be able to teach somebody how to play any game. What I do best is teach people how to create an accurate and repeatable stroke, which is necessary to play any game at a high level.

There are plenty of posters here who have the skill and desire to gamble with you. All you have to do is step up, and give them a way to find you. You never asked people to get references through a PM...that would have helped (not what I'd recommend, but to each their own).

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

Mike,
Do you know anyone that likes to be told to present themself better. Or anyone that likes criticisms that sound at least shaded??? Yes shaded or ambiguous whatever you want to call them. Yes, I acted like what you said, but I feel I was provoked. Sorry you didn't get the vibe I was.
Bill
 
This is some kind of joke, right? Ahahaha....I get it! Wait, no I don't. This thread is a success because it's funny.
 
I give one pocket lessons.
I know the game as well as anyone.
I've got credentials. (successes)
I've got forty years experience.
I teach well.
I charge a lot. depends on where you are and how long you want lessons for.
bill

JerseyBill, though you’ve been a member here since 6/09 you haven’t posted much, so let me welcome to the boards. If I may offer a couple of things:

You would do better if you post your sales offerings in the proper forum. There is a For Sale forum for just that purpose and that's where this belongs really.

First off, recent events have made one thing clear: there are many here that are tired of having to wade through sales pitches while cruising the main forum. This is likely the reason for some of the replies you have received. Do this enough and the person quickly develops a rep for being nothing more than a spammer. It seems as though some members have gotten the idea that as long as they are not pitching slate or lumber then they are entitled to clog up the main forum with endless solicitations. It also seems as though many members are beginning to voice their displeasure. You may have unwittingly gotten caught up in this to an extent.

Secondly, it is just simply unfair to other instructors who limit the offering of their instructional materials or lessons to the For Sale forum where they belong. This includes bending the rules by having cronies post "reviews" of their experiences with the product or service.

Also, the For Sale forum has additional rules that protect sellers from cross marketing and critical opinions or negative remarks about the product/service (or marketing methods) that do not apply in the main forum. Most of the other forums, especially the main forum, are for open discussion and sharing of ideas, thoughts, opinions, and viewpoints and these rules do not apply. In the main forum your pitch is fair game for a wider range of viewpoints.

Lastly, if you look at the numbers, there are usually close to the amount of people (if not more) in the For Sale forum as in this forum. And this is where you will find the members who are actually looking to buy something.
----
I would also suggest that perhaps the best way to market yourself here would be to become a regular contributor to this board. The most successful, highly regarded, and sought after instructors around here seem to be the ones that make significant contributions to the membership. Guys like Bob Jewett, Dr. Dave, and Roger Long to name just a few. On the other hand those that are only here for themselves are equally well known, and not in a good way. You will find that sharing your knowledge of the game will only serve to impress us with your wisdom and create a demand for your services. Especially in one hole, your area of expertise, there are so many nuances to the game that you could give out gold nuggets of information every day for years and still only have touched the tip of the iceberg. A guy with your knowledge would be a valuable asset around here.

I’m always interested in learning about this great game and one pocket is certainly an area I know little about. While I’m pretty far away and a little too price sensitive for private lessons, I might be interested should you come out with a book or DVD. Of course, this is assuming it is posted in the For Sale forum. :grin-square:

You seem like a decent enough guy and those that know you have posted vouching for your credentials. I agree that a certificate from the BCA doesn’t mean much in and of itself and all things being equal would rather take lessons from someone as yourself who has accomplished something as a player or is known as a great instructor. I agree you are entitled to charge whatever you want for your services; the market will determine if it perceives value.

Please take my comments in the spirit of friendship they are intended.

Hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.
 
Bill, dude!

I don't want to get myself into hot water, but I take some offense with your initial post and feel compelled to respond. I really enjoy receiving instruction and would have been a potential one-pocket student of yours in the area.

I take private one-on-one lessons in Manhattan -- the rate is $30/hr + $17/hr table time. Pretty reasonable, I think.

To put this in perspective for you: my instructor is a young open speed snooker & 3 cushion player who retired a few years back after moving to the States and became a mother. She truly enjoys sharing her game and is incredibly generous with her help and support. Not only do I get a class player telling me how to handle things, I also get the pleasure of watching an impeccably dressed, gorgeous woman move around the table.

Can you out-teach her? That isn't here nor there. My arrangement isn't unique at all, there is an incredible amount of talent around NYC giving excellent insight at decent rates.

I'm not questioning your skills, but I find your initial post insulting to area teachers and their current students. The lawyer I keep on retainer gets $200/hr -- can you save my game the way he saved my life time and again? I'm not being flip, I'm being honest. Any older, experienced player I respect is normally so excited that a younger player is even interested in 14.1 or 1 pocket that buying them a beer is all it takes to get more great advice than the mind can absorb in one session.

Now look, I don't want to get off on the wrong foot and I definitely don't want to discourage you from sharing what you have to offer. Everyone needs to make a buck... I get that. I just wish all these "talented" instructors could get over their egos and make it accessible for people who truly love the game and want to learn. How else is this sport going to grow? And if you can command so much money, what are you doing soliciting students in the main forum of AZ?

Can you put a value on great instruction? Absolutely not. Can you put a value on having an excellent teaching reputation and some class about advertising it? You can answer that one. You should go visit the private sports clubs and university clubs in the City... that's the only market to be seduced by lessons advertised as being "expensive".

Next time I have $200 to spend on pocket billiards instruction, I think I'll buy half an ounce and call up Joe Rogan. The joke will still be on me, but at least I'd be laughing.
 
...and for all those that questioned JerseyBill's marketing skills, look at all the pub he's getting :wink:. Although I still don't know his last name and I do not know this first hand, but I have it on good authority he is the real deal w/a ton of 1-pocket knowledge.

Maybe he's one of the many Masked Marvels reincarnated :).

Dave
 
Mike,
Do you know anyone that likes to be told to present themself better. Or anyone that likes criticisms that sound at least shaded??? Yes shaded or ambiguous whatever you want to call them. Yes, I acted like what you said, but I feel I was provoked. Sorry you didn't get the vibe I was.
Bill

Bill,

No need to apologize to me but thanks just the same. Yeah, criticism is tough but it's all part of this whole AZB Forum thing. It's noble of you to respond to everyone on this thread.

Best of luck to you and if I ever get the chance, I'll look you up and put the money on the light.

Mike
 
Luck

Bill,

No need to apologize to me but thanks just the same. Yeah, criticism is tough but it's all part of this whole AZB Forum thing. It's noble of you to respond to everyone on this thread.

Best of luck to you and if I ever get the chance, I'll look you up and put the money on the light.

Mike

Thanks, MIke,
I thought it necessary at the time. Looking back, maybe I shouldn't have posted it here.
thanks, Bill
 
Masked Marvel

...and for all those that questioned JerseyBill's marketing skills, look at all the pub he's getting :wink:. Although I still don't know his last name and I do not know this first hand, but I have it on good authority he is the real deal w/a ton of 1-pocket knowledge.

Maybe he's one of the many Masked Marvels reincarnated :).

Dave

Thanks Dave,
No, not the masked marvel, although I saw one of them when I was a kid. Might have been Pete Margo, there were a few.
Good Luck, Bill
 
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