Quit with the Negative Waves

[Island Drive]

It sure didn't take long for many on line to love the IPT in Reno and then once it's over to turn their back on all that has been done when they come upon a problem. Maybe the real problem lies when we look in the mirror. Is KT really Don Mackey, seems like everyone is treating him as if he was.

 

[sjm]

Respectfully, why wouldn't those of us who care so deeply about the prospects for success of the IPT not be at least a little miffed over the fact that IPT management does not always appear to be as good as its word when it comes to dealing with the players?

Like you, I don't think we should be jumping to conclusions here, but there is no need to mock those who express concern.

 

[Island Drive]

Respectfully, why wouldn't those of us who care so deeply about the prospects for success of the IPT not be at least a little miffed over the fact that IPT management does not always appear to be as good as its word when it comes to dealing with the players?

Like you, I don't think we should be jumping to conclusions here, but there is no need to mock those who express concern.

My intention is not to mock, It's just sad that all he has given up to this point seems forgotton so quickly. The overenthusiastic (which by no means is a bad trait) KT maybe for the first time in his life, learned a valuable lessson, bite your tongue when it may be the most difficult/smart thing to do, its almost like telling your 16 yr old you bought em a car for their birthday, but in fact it would have way more impact if they came home and saw it sitting there in the driveway and nothing was ever said prior.
KT is one of the greats on the front end (sales/promoting/marketing) but as I see it, those type of people get so excited and into what there are doing they lose track because they really can't do everything even tho feel they are (and they truly 'are'). There are many people behind the scenes we have no clue of that "get her done" and with what he is doing to make these events happen, constant change comes with every minute along with problems around every corner. I am always "amazed" at someone even wanting to take on a task so grand and actually do it, it would kill me trying. It takes a special person to keep their focus when so many obstacles make others fold their hand. I don't know you at all KT but your persona speaks loudly to me.

 

[memikey]

.........I don't know you at all KT but your persona speaks loudly to me.

Just a wild guess......but you might have a clearer sight of the areas of criticism of IPT being levelled by some rational,reasonable people who nevertheless remain IPT supporters,if the view on all sides of your head wasn't apparently so severely obstructed by KT's bowels

 

[cheesemouse]

It sure didn't take long for many on line to love the IPT in Reno and then once it's over to turn their back on all that has been done when they come upon a problem. Maybe the real problem lies when we look in the mirror. Is KT really Don Mackey, seems like everyone is treating him as if he was.

I think it is the frustration of the powerless. We, the powerless, have to watch a here-to-for outsider take control of our charished game. The sugar daddy has appeared, he frontloaded the money, he didn't kiss butt with the old school, and he rolled the dice on a business plan that is highly risky. Many questions are not answered because the IPT is an infant still. Many mistakes are made by infants while they learn. I'm not going to ***** slap a kid for not being able to run fast and straight just after he learned to walk. Sorry for the analogies but in trying to explain a complicated endeavor analogy is a good tool: a shortcut. All I know is that one of my hopes for the game of pool is taking place right in front of my eyes and I will only encourage the kid to run like hell.
I don't hear any of the actual player/participants *****ing. For once the players are not playing for money based on the number of players times the entry fee plus some short money added. The players are not back seat driving they are on board enjoying the ride. Some players didn't jump on for the maiden voyage, they had no trust, and too bad for them now. The ones off the bus can only wait at the bus stop with the toll in hand and hope all the seats are not taken.......
I can only sit on the side lines and take pleasure in what is offered to me as a fan. I do know one thing for a fact, the IPT is a good thing so far...LONG LIVE THE IPT.......

The mention of Don Mackey probably has most asking "who the hell is Don Mackey?"......

 

[Island Drive]

The mention of Don Mackey probably has most asking "who the hell is Don Mackey?"......[/QUOTE]

If the naysayers don't know who Don Mackey is they should. He was a 'guy' (and that's being nice) who took advantage of professional pool here in the US, PBT/Camel ring a bell ? I have always compared him to the great tele evangelists that ripped off his followers, but boy could he talk a good game, he probably could of gone head's up with Amarillo Slim, tho slim would of gotten my bet cause he could "read em".

 

[onepocketchump]

The money issue is a BIG issuse. The tournament is worthless for all it's grandeur if the players don't get paid.

Kevin promised that the players would get paid at the end of each round. Then apparently he promised that they would get paid at the end of the tournament. Now they are told that they will have checks sent to them.

This would all be fine if Kevin was picking up the expenses for the players but he is not. They have collectively shelled out several hundred thousand to attend this event. Some of these players are living on the edge financially and have overextended themselves to be a part of this vision. Kevin needs to step up and honor his promise to them if he wants our support.

I paid $30 to see some great pool. I wouldn't have paid it had I known that the promoter was going to delay payment to the players. Barry Behrman did this to the players at the US Open and I have never supported the Open with either my exhibition dollars or my fan dollars. My expenses at the open used to be on the order of $2500 for the week, between the hotel, the food, the tickets, the US Open clothing, the money spent at Q-Masters and so on. Not only that, I would often take people with me to help me with the booth and pay for their fun as well. And I would promote the hell out of the US Open to anyone who will listen.

Now, I don't go, I don't spend, I don't promote, and I will advise anyone who will listen to do the same. Why? Because of one simple word, "guaranteed". Barry promised that the payout was guaranteed and it wasn't.

Now Kevin is fudging on his promises with the payouts. As a fan this is unacceptable to me. I have been a vocal supporter of Kevin and the IPT and will continue to be unless the players get screwed. At this point they have been screwed as far as I can tell in regards to when and how they would get paid. My friend Jay Helfert had to jump through hoops to get the money owed to him. Apparently there are others who aren't being paid as promised. Just fix it Kevin and pay out as you promised and you will have all the willing converts you can handle.

John Barton