BazookaJoe said:
I won't acknowledge people when I am not wearing headphones, unless it is something said that is relative to the outcome. Not being rude, but I don't want you saying "nice shot". It insinuates you want me to compliment your shots. I only do that when the outcome of the game/match means absolutely nothing.
LOL.. I don't need anyone to compliment me on my shots.
I already know by the expressions on peoples faces if I put the "fear" in them or not.
What I was saying was occasionally someone will either do something really amazing during a rack.. In which case after the rack was over I would simply say "Nice Shot on that ____ ball." Doesn't have to be some long drawn out conversation. On the same token if someone shits in a ball I would also say "Nice shot on that _____ ball." LOL..
If I'm just practicing with someone then damn straight I like to have a little chit chat. If I'm really bearing down on my practice and am trying to accomplish something that day (and not just stay in stroke) then I'll practice at home, or get a table by myself.
As far as MP3 players reducing distractions... They probably do reduce them quite a bit. I kind of have the same stand point of "Unfair" as the other guy did, but in a different light. To me I don't believe they are unfair becuase if some guy wants to be "rude" then that's his right. I can tell you though, that part of playing pool is learnin how to cope with distractions. Playing pool in a pool hall, there will always be something in your peripheral vision, and most the time in your normal vision. There will always be background noise that is distracting, and the smoking hot chick will always walk by as I'm shooting an 8 ball or a 9 ball. Learnin to tune that out is part of being a pool player. Using a mechanical aid to tune it out for you would ultimately make a weaker player in my opinion.
My opinions are just that, my opinions and they might be viewed as right, and they might be viewed as wrong, so with that being said I'm going to take my argument to the next level..
To me being a solid pool player isn't just about shooting balls in a hole with a stick. A good "player" has to know all aspects of the game, mental, physical, and metaphysical (for when you piss off the pool gods
). A strong player should be able to match up with somebody, and if that somebody is talking while their shooting, "adapt and overcome." Whether that be by talking back, tuning it out, etc.. etc.. If someone is standing in their line of sight, again adapt and over come.
I've had guys try to shark me in money games by talking non stop about shots they missed, and how tough the outs are. You'll never see me get a bigger smile on my face then when somebody tries to do that kinda stuff. You can tell alot about their game, their mindset, and their mental state just by listening to their voice, the things they say etc.. It's almost like "tells" in poker if you know what I mean. On top of which, any person that's spent alot of time in pool halls should be able to talk with the best of them.
I pride myself on my pool etiquette. I never talk when someones shooting, I'm always out of the line of sight etc.. etc.. But if someone opens that door and tries to go down that road.. God help them becuase to me they just gave me another tool in the tool box, and myself I'm pretty imune to it.
Point in fact when I play at home, I usually have my g/f talking to me, or whomever I'm playing with talking at me. It teaches you how to play with those distractions. etc..
This is getting long winded, but I hope I got my feable point across. MP3 players suck.
There is a mental aspect to the game, and to tune it out, or ignore it will yield less results in the long run. (IMO)
DJ
