Pool as a career

[justnum]

There are some talented pool players and some lesser known pool players. Much like any industry there are people who love to be a part of it and people who have been blessed to do it.

What does the industry do to ensure all players have some basic support? I've seen room owners be generous with opening their tables to touring players. Some do it because they can afford it, some do it because it is a nice thing to do, the point is they do something.

Then there are the supporters who help out the road players, or help up the prize money at events. I am all for rewarding excellence. But how far has it taken the industry so far?

When hall of fame players are limited to doing what they did decades ago, that is not a sign of an industry that is evolving. That is a sign that the industry hasn't changed, it just got more crowded.

Hopefully the wiser and more experienced pro players have more advice than saying "this industry is tough, get out while you can." They might say it went all wrong because we thought someone else said they could do a job and then failed to do it. Like any business person there are people that are easy to work with and people that it costs to work with.

 

[ctyhntr]

Minnesota Fats and Jeanette Lee have the right idea, marketing. I believe Jeanette made more money from marketing herself to mainstream public than from playing pool. As for Minnesota Fats, Walter Tevis went to his grave telling people that Fats was a fictional character.

 

[JAM]

There are some talented pool players and some lesser known pool players. Much like any industry there are people who love to be a part of it and people who have been blessed to do it.

What does the industry do to ensure all players have some basic support? I've seen room owners be generous with opening their tables to touring players. Some do it because they can afford it, some do it because it is a nice thing to do, the point is they do something.

Then there are the supporters who help out the road players, or help up the prize money at events. I am all for rewarding excellence. But how far has it taken the industry so far?

When hall of fame players are limited to doing what they did decades ago, that is not a sign of an industry that is evolving. That is a sign that the industry hasn't changed, it just got more crowded.

Hopefully the wiser and more experienced pro players have more advice than saying "this industry is tough, get out while you can." They might say it went all wrong because we thought someone else said they could do a job and then failed to do it. Like any business person there are people that are easy to work with and people that it costs to work with.

I am looking forward to seeing the RackStarz evolve. It sounds like they're taking an innovative approach to marketing themselves, which can only be advantageous to the pool industry as a whole.

PoolDawg has now partnered with them. This is a step in the right direction, seeing various pool industry members working together for a common goal of promoting pool as opposed to every man/woman for him- or herself.

Move over Jeanette, there's some new gals in town.

I like their approach to advertising. Wow! Check out their "limited edition" calendar: Rack Starz 2012-2013 Calendar.

 

[The Chinchilla]

Minnesota Fats and Jeanette Lee have the right idea, marketing. I believe Jeanette made more money from marketing herself to mainstream public than from playing pool. As for Minnesota Fats, Walter Tevis went to his grave telling people that Fats was a fictional character.

Right, and neither could play, relatively speaking to the best players. I think you are exactly right though, but it is just sad. It's like if tiger woods (when he was playing good) made a quarter as much as paula creamer or something. It's just sad.

 

[Johnnyt]

Right, and neither could play, relatively speaking to the best players. I think you are exactly right though, but it is just sad. It's like if tiger woods (when he was playing good) made a quarter as much as paula creamer or something. It's just sad.

Neither could play? For two that couldn't play they both took a ton of money off the light.. Johnnyt

 

[justnum]

I am looking forward to seeing the RackStarz evolve. It sounds like they're taking an innovative approach to marketing themselves, which can only be advantageous to the pool industry as a whole.

PoolDawg has now partnered with them. This is a step in the right direction, seeing various pool industry members working together for a common goal of promoting pool as opposed to every man/woman for him- or herself.

Move over Jeanette, there's some new gals in town.

I like their approach to advertising. Wow! Check out their "limited edition" calendar: Rack Starz 2012-2013 Calendar.

The girls are invading and showing a strong force in more non-female only events nowadays.

 

[justnum]

After careful review

Pool players may just be the people considered at risk. The people with a personality type that early on in their life they know what they want to do and can't see it any other way.

If a pro player is in the industry they might view themselves as limited by what they know. But in the world of media today, what someone else knows means you know, if you just see what they did.

Pro players just need some encouragement to try things they may have never even considered before. Like owning a website (for the older players that must seem like a nerdy thing to do), or doing a routine exhibition (for the younger players, they must think that amounts to acting).

Whatever the case pro players have the chance to entertain people where they go. Some can do it by writing about it (having someone else help you write about it), others can create fan controversy and really get crowds going.

Just trying is the point. A pro player doesn't have to goto film school to shoot a viral video that showcases them doing something they love. Itd be great if someone offered to take some pics or operate a camera.

More players thinking/acting on how they want to change the industry is needed more than ever today. Old pros know how to work crowds, new pros can work technology. Some pros can organize others know financial donors.

Gone are the days of needing business people to do something. Sure some good ones are out there, but are they interested in helping you with what you want to get done. This doesn't mean a fellow pro might not try to hustle you, it just means instead of looking for a business person, your next business partner could be beating you at the next tournament.

 

[JAM]

Pool players may just be the people considered at risk. The people with a personality type that early on in their life they know what they want to do and can't see it any other way.

If a pro player is in the industry they might view themselves as limited by what they know. But in the world of media today, what someone else knows means you know, if you just see what they did.

Pro players just need some encouragement to try things they may have never even considered before. Like owning a website (for the older players that must seem like a nerdy thing to do), or doing a routine exhibition (for the younger players, they must think that amounts to acting).

Whatever the case pro players have the chance to entertain people where they go. Some can do it by writing about it (having someone else help you write about it), others can create fan controversy and really get crowds going.

Just trying is the point. A pro player doesn't have to goto film school to shoot a viral video that showcases them doing something they love. Itd be great if someone offered to take some pics or operate a camera.

More players thinking/acting on how they want to change the industry is needed more than ever today. Old pros know how to work crowds, new pros can work technology. Some pros can organize others know financial donors.

Gone are the days of needing business people to do something. Sure some good ones are out there, but are they interested in helping you with what you want to get done. This doesn't mean a fellow pro might not try to hustle you, it just means instead of looking for a business person, your next business partner could be beating you at the next tournament.

This is a really good post. It is true that the youngn's know how to work social media to their advantage. Heck, some older players don't even know how to use a computer, much less have a website.

In sum, pool players need to learn how to be entrepreneurs and come with new innovative ways of marketing. I believe team marketing is the best approach, merging with other known well-established pool entities.

I'd love to see a tour with the big pool industry members merging together to sponsor it, e.g., Brunswick, Diamond, Predator, McDermott, Joss, Simonis, Aramith, et cetera, et cetera. Sadly, the competition between some business entities may be too strong to ever let this happen.

 

[Slh]

Right, and neither could play, relatively speaking to the best players. I think you are exactly right though, but it is just sad. It's like if tiger woods (when he was playing good) made a quarter as much as paula creamer or something. It's just sad.

Anna Kournikova was not that good (even if she was a decent tennis player) and she was much more known than ony other female tennis player.

 

[K.Mcphee]

Room owners should lower day rates as much as possible. I go to a room that charges me 3-5$ for every visit...it's a special situation. The owner is very nice to me so I drive my V8 gas guzzler a city over to play until my feet fall off. While I'm there I don't mind buying a few drinks. There is a pizza joint next door so I'll leave my table for a few breadsticks.

Because of this courtesy, I come everyday and speak highly of the hospitality anywhere I go. I don't see how any room owner, especially one that has played pool competitively, would treat their pool players any other way.

I got it good but most everyone that plays a lot should really negotiate monthly fees or even annual.

Ima cook some chicken and head off for a 7 hour day. It never ends. I spent a payment for a BMW M5 last month.

 

[ctyhntr]

Twitter and Facebook were instrumental in toppling the governments of Egypt, Libya, and organizing Occupy Wall Street in our own backyards. I see OWS as the modern day Veterans bonus march on Washington.

Streaming if done right will eclipse cable TV. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Apple TV, and others are fighting to be the next generation cable content providers.

This is a really good post. It is true that the youngn's know how to work social media to their advantage. Heck, some older players don't even know how to use a computer, much less have a website.

In sum, pool players need to learn how to be entrepreneurs and come with new innovative ways of marketing. I believe team marketing is the best approach, merging with other known well-established pool entities.

I'd love to see a tour with the big pool industry members merging together to sponsor it, e.g., Brunswick, Diamond, Predator, McDermott, Joss, Simonis, Aramith, et cetera, et cetera. Sadly, the competition between some business entities may be too strong to ever let this happen.

 

[cueandcushion]

Minnesota Fats and Jeanette Lee have the right idea, marketing. I believe Jeanette made more money from marketing herself to mainstream public than from playing pool. As for Minnesota Fats, Walter Tevis went to his grave telling people that Fats was a fictional character.

Most bangers I talk to have thought Jeanette Lee was the reigning world champion for the past 15 years. That she has never been beaten in a pool match. Shows that marketing yourself and treating your pool skills and reputation like a long term business pays off. Jeannette Lee is the model ALL pool players should emulate in behavior, dress code, and attitude if they ever wanted to be taken seriously. Pool has a reputation problem. That's why someone like Jeannette really stands out.

People thought the same about Minnesota Fats even when he was dead. That no one ever beat him in pool.

The general population vs pool followers have very different opinions of every aspect of the game.

 

[Bobby]

Neither could play? For two that couldn't play they both took a ton of money off the light.. Johnnyt

He said they couldn't play relatively speaking compared to the top players. Jeanette was probably closer to the top of the women's game at one time, Fats however was never near being a contender for any world class title. He was very good at knowing how to make a game he could win.

 

[justnum]

This is a really good post. It is true that the youngn's know how to work social media to their advantage. Heck, some older players don't even know how to use a computer, much less have a website.

In sum, pool players need to learn how to be entrepreneurs and come with new innovative ways of marketing. I believe team marketing is the best approach, merging with other known well-established pool entities.

I'd love to see a tour with the big pool industry members merging together to sponsor it, e.g., Brunswick, Diamond, Predator, McDermott, Joss, Simonis, Aramith, et cetera, et cetera. Sadly, the competition between some business entities may be too strong to ever let this happen.

That vision does seem off in the horizon.

My current thoughts were more focused on how to get more people into pool rooms. The lifeblood of the player's industry seems to be sourced from the quantity of players in a room and the quality of play in the room.

The point being if the pool room survives, then the pro player, house pro and league players can survive.

Watching people play via the internet, is a step back from keeping pool halls competitive and able to produce quality talent.

The dilemma I saw was, why would a rookie or newbie think spending a good amount of time in a pool hall is a worthwhile investment, if they can watch decent pool via internet. They know they won't play as great as the greats, so why not just be fan.

The big selling point advertisers use for pool is "big money, big prizes or bigger cash prizes." While other sports are advertised for the "greatness of physical prowess or teamwork."

I've seen pool halls starting to incorporate media to advertise their facilities. But nobody has figured out how to sell billiards in a way that works for a general audience.

Billiards isn't like the fashion industry where you can just sell it cheaper and get more business. Parents and individuals (the general audience) needs to understand how it benefits them. If billiard rooms got any cheaper I doubt there would be any left. If the only reason to be in the pool room is to earn a better chance at quick cash then instead of the billiard room try the library or school.

 

[real bartram]

Right, and neither could play, relatively speaking to the best players. I think you are exactly right though, but it is just sad. It's like if tiger woods (when he was playing good) made a quarter as much as paula creamer or something. It's just sad.

i dont think there are 5 girls who are the fav over jan lee
for the cash.

 

[jalapus logan]

I am looking forward to seeing the RackStarz evolve. It sounds like they're taking an innovative approach to marketing themselves, which can only be advantageous to the pool industry as a whole.

PoolDawg has now partnered with them. This is a step in the right direction, seeing various pool industry members working together for a common goal of promoting pool as opposed to every man/woman for him- or herself.

Move over Jeanette, there's some new gals in town.

I like their approach to advertising. Wow! Check out their "limited edition" calendar: Rack Starz 2012-2013 Calendar.

I like their marketing as well. I just wonder if they are marketing pool or condoms???

 

[JAM]

I like their marketing as well. I just wonder if they are marketing pool or condoms???

As pitiful as pool's lack of sponsorships is today, heck, I think the players would wear L'eggs pantyhose if L'eggs sponsored a pool event.

 

[West Point 1987]

I'd like to know where they think they are taking it. Is this a team of "pool ambassadors" that draw in sponsors for broader ventures, or is it a self-sustained marketing ploy that ultimately goes no further than Amsterdam Billiards? I think there's a lot of potential here, hope they make a positive impact on the industry as a whole. Part of the challenge is that they're selling a reputation (as top pool players) that only two of them have earned...hope they can play, but looks like they don't have to. The cheesecake factor is a little over the top for my tastes.

Lately, I've been thinking about the social networking phenomenon and pool--as seen right here on AZBilliards. We all trade advice, stories, jabs, opinions, etc. like we're all good friends. It's a lot of fun. But we really don't know anything about each other. Some are accepted here as strong monster road players, big time action gamblers, tournament warriors, etc., but with a very few exceptions, I've never heard of 98% of you...and I've played all over the World for decades (or so you'll have to believe me!). Same thing for pool cues. So-and-So's cues are the nuts, everyone is after them, blah, blah, blah. Some of them I have personal experience with and can attest to their quality, and a lot of them are crapolla. Reputation and mystique are built right here in the virtual world we're playing in, and most of us buy right into it. Add to it all the folks trying to monetize their participation here, selling second hand custom cues (while doing what they can to build up the reputation in other threads), selling "secrets" that only the top pros know, etc.

Reminds me of the George Plimpton story in Sports Illustrated where he made up a New York Mets prospect that wore only one shoe and could pitch a fast ball over 160 mph. A total April Fools Day hoax that caught fire. He had a hard time convincing people it was fake for a while after that, the legend just wouldn't die. Same thing could happen right here, only much more easily. Some guy could build a false reputation as an established top player, and most would take it for granted (we don't want to look stupid calling him out, demonstrating we didn't really know who the real movers/shakers are). Everyone assumes privately they are the only ones here who never heard of this guy, so collectively we all buy it. Then he figures out how to monetize that, somehow selling his made up reputation. Next thing you know, we're all gambling while watching two shortcuts on PPV. There could be a movie in this somewhere...............

 

[West Point 1987]

Deleted...duplicate post.

 

[Mickey Qualls]

.......... I like their approach to advertising. Wow! Check out their "limited edition" calendar: Rack Starz 2012-2013 Calendar.

Ouch !!!! Miss October's a beast !!!!