Rude or inappropriate???

SlashingAxe

SlashingAxe

Pool newbie
Silver Member
I had seen Efren Reyes just earlier and I had been debating for quite some time whether it was acceptable to ask for a photo. He has been my idol since I first started amazed by his games not only that I had the luck of not only seeing my idol but also being the first professional pool player I've seen in person and just couldn't control myself. I had decided not to ask and respect his space so after seeing a few games from Carlo Biado and practicing I left the pool hall only to see Efren leaving at the same time! From there I couldn't control myself and when we got outside under the entrance lights I asked if I may take a picture with him to which he agreed. Now that I think more of it is that rude to do? I wouldn't want to be doing things like that should I meet another professional. What's your guys' take on it?
 
The top guys like that are accustomed to it, and from the minute you thought about it you should have ask Efren. Every time I have ever seen him anywhere he has always obliged fans when it comes to pictures or autographs. Now there are a select few that come across as standoffish and maybe they are, but unless you catch them after a loss or just a bad match they are all usually pretty cordial.
 
Don't see a problem with it. Efren is at the pinnacle of his chosen profession, a celebrity of sorts, and that all goes with the territory. I've always heard he was very cool. While most probably are, some are not but those that are humble enough to realize the fans make it all happen most likely enjoy it for the most part.
 
I think you just have to be respectful of the circumstances and the moment. If a player is getting ready for a match, or in the middle of dinner with their wife, as but two examples, they should be left alone.

On the other hand, if they are sitting around and you clearly would not be bothering them, I see no issue.
 
GideonF said:
I think you just have to be respectful of the circumstances and the moment. If a player is getting ready for a match, or in the middle of dinner with their wife, as but two examples, they should be left alone.

On the other hand, if they are sitting around and you clearly would not be bothering them, I see no issue.
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This I don't think I would've ever done had he been playing or some family personal event. Just not sure how people respond with pool players. No one really talked to em despite being a freakin legend! That's why I wasn't sure since only one person I saw asked if they could autograph a cue ball but I think he was part of the streaming crew. He was nice and agreed and from his remarks I heard seemed like a fun guy with good personality but he seemed quite drained as well as yesterday on stream not sure if Efrens health has been declining or just tired
 
i've seen/watched/met efren numerous times. here's a tip: ask for a photo/autograph after his game. he has a "vibe" when preparing for a match and he does not want to be interrupted. after his game, he's cool. it will also help if you approach him with a smiling face and an enthusiastic attitude. he's a very simple man and he's humble to his fans.
 
Is there any professionals who don't like that attention and want to be left alone or might reply in a less than positive way? I would assume Earl based off some people's experiences with him but is there anyone else? Carlo Biado was also there but he was playing so I didn't want to interrupt.
 
GideonF said:
I think you just have to be respectful of the circumstances and the moment. If a player is getting ready for a match, or in the middle of dinner with their wife, as but two examples, they should be left alone.

On the other hand, if they are sitting around and you clearly would not be bothering them, I see no issue.
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What he said IMO.
 
Although not my style, I believe asking the pros for pictures and autographs is great for promoting the game, especially when it's done outside of the pool world.

The way I see it is most people can't mind their own business and are captivated by the idea of "celebrity..." So, if a person asks some guy in a crowded restaurant or in line at the mall for an autograph and picture, it's sure to pique curiosity and interest in others.

Couple that with a general dependency on smart phones and you have a nice way to get the players names out there and at least into heads of non-players, even if it's 'In one ear and out the other.'

If the players don't like it: Tough. Take one for the team or at least for yourself.
 
SlashingAxe said:
Is there any professionals who don't like that attention and want to be left alone or might reply in a less than positive way? I would assume Earl based off some people's experiences with him but is there anyone else? Carlo Biado was also there but he was playing so I didn't want to interrupt.
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I'd say earl is definitely more likely to show you crazy than the avg pro, but I have had multiple interactions with him and he's never been what I would call rude. He's gonna drive the conversation, have no doubt about that..,and you might not like what he has to say, but whaddya gonna do?
 
I went to Mosconi in December and got autographs and photos from all the team players and coaches, plus Jason Shaw, Allison Fisher, and Pat Fleming. They were all super nice, even the Americans right after their loss. Even Mikey was cordial!

Then I scored an invite to the after-party, where they really let their hair down LOL. Got more pics of them including Niels DJ'ing, and Amir Pishad gave me a Seal Team V pin after I introduced myself to him as a fellow vet. Oh, and Mikey and Karl almost got into it at the party and Mark had to break them up, LOL.

All that to say, among all those pool players, every one was cool with the fan worship, even those who are known to be a bit cranky.
 
I apparently caught Mike Segal at a bad time 15 years or so ago because he was less than pleased (was at a billiards expo where I saw him sign for others few minutes before) and even sort of was an ass about it. Needless to say when I saw him a few years ago in Arlington, Va at a local tournament he was very arrogant/annoying to everyone there even then. I chalked it up as his personality. The billiards game does not owe anyone anything and folks should not act like it does.

I would assume Efren would be very approachable from everything I have read/witnessed. He plays cheap cheap with anyone that would like to even.

~Perk
 
No not rude

You have nothing to be ashamed of, you were nice and he was professional about it as far as Im concerned when someone is nice it should be no problem. I think most of us stand in awe of someone like that and would love to have just 5 min to shoot the breeze with him even if it was about something like fishing.

SlashingAxe said:
I had seen Efren Reyes just earlier and I had been debating for quite some time whether it was acceptable to ask for a photo. He has been my idol since I first started amazed by his games not only that I had the luck of not only seeing my idol but also being the first professional pool player I've seen in person and just couldn't control myself. I had decided not to ask and respect his space so after seeing a few games from Carlo Biado and practicing I left the pool hall only to see Efren leaving at the same time! From there I couldn't control myself and when we got outside under the entrance lights I asked if I may take a picture with him to which he agreed. Now that I think more of it is that rude to do? I wouldn't want to be doing things like that should I meet another professional. What's your guys' take on it?
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Veteran68 said:
I went to Mosconi in December and got autographs and photos from all the team players and coaches, plus Jason Shaw, Allison Fisher, and Pat Fleming. They were all super nice, even the Americans right after their loss. Even Mikey was cordial!

Then I scored an invite to the after-party, where they really let their hair down LOL. Got more pics of them including Niels DJ'ing, and Amir Pishad gave me a Seal Team V pin after I introduced myself to him as a fellow vet. Oh, and Mikey and Karl almost got into it at the party and Mark had to break them up, LOL.

All that to say, among all those pool players, every one was cool with the fan worship, even those who are known to be a bit cranky.
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That sounds like a great experience!!! It'd be nice to know them on a more personal level sharing pool experiences and other stories outside of pool getting to know an idol
 
Efren IMO IS a celebrity... and he's always been gracious about photos and autographs... agreed I wouldn't ask before a match.

Earl is a coin flip, for sure... I've seen him be a jerk to someone wanting an autograph, then at other times being an ambassador for the game, signing, posing for pictures, etc.

Sigel?... 100% asshat.
 
There is a right way and a wrong way.
1. Be respectful , and use some common sense, no one wants to give autographs or pictures right after a big loss.
Give them some time to calm down.
2. Don't flash them.
3. Remember that it should be considered a privilege to take their picture, not a right!
4. I have taken hundreds of pictures of players from the mid eightys to the early 2000 's
and some since then and most of them were very gracious and accommodating to me .
The number 1 thing I am the proudest of, in all my photos, is that almost all of them are smiling!
 
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