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Timberly

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I was just going through the latest BD and found this little tidbit at the bottom of page 44....

When the IPT was founded, one of it’s selling points to players was that they could compete on any other tour and in any other event. “they have no restrictions,” Trudeau said. That could change after this season.

Trudeau told BD in early July that he was pondering making IPT membership exclusive in 2007 and exerting some control over when and where members play. Some exceptions could be made, Trudeau theorized, such as for promoters who use IPT equipment or have arrangements with the IPT.

Trudeau contended that some tour members no longer wished to play in events that didn’t conform to IPT playing conditions, and that the IPT’s 2007 schedule couldn’t help but conflict with other events. He also was concerned with protecting his investment.

“It may not make sense for me to brand these guys and make them stars and then have other promoters profit from that,” he said.

Trudeau pledged to discuss the matter with the players before making a decision in late 2006. “There are a lot of options,” he said. “At the end of the year, we’ll reevaluate the situation.”

Let the players decide what they want to play in. If they don't want to play in events, that's a choice they can make on their own. They don't need a restriction making that choice for them. :rolleyes:

I'm a long time fan of the game and I enjoy watching great pool. Great being the pro's. I don't have the funds to go to every tournament and I certainly don't have the funds to go to Vegas & Reno multiple times a yr. As a fan, I like having the option of driving a short two hours to see pro's, short stops, and amateurs all compete together in regional and independent events. Of course I would love to watch pro events all the time but regional tours like Tiger Planet Pool, Blaze, Joss, Viking, etc provide me with the next best thing.

Allowing pro's to play in regional events is a way of supporting pool overall, IMO. It brings in more fans and it brings in more players. Folks with half a brain that want to get better at pool realize that playing against a pro can only help their game and where else can one play against a pro for $50 to $70?

It's a win, win, win situation. The fans like it, the players like it, and the regional tours are able to stay afloat a little easier because of the added entrants. It also helps the pool rooms that put up the money to support these events... it gets people in the door buying food, drinks, and pool time once the tourney has ended for the day.

Johnny Archer, Mike Davis, Rodney Morris, Efren Reyes, Shannon Daulton, and the whole lot of pro players have always been stars to me when it comes to the pool table. They became known to me because of their game, I don't need KT to tell me they're stars. FWIW, KT is only able to do what he's doing now with these stars because they're already stars. KT has stepped up and added money to the game and I commend him for that but the truth of the matter is that he couldn't have done this with out these guys having already made names for themselves in the pool world. He can't take credit for making them stars... he can take credit for seeing to it that they get the money they've long deserved for the talent that they have. He's making them "rich", they made themselves stars. ;)
 
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Timberly. I am pretty sure that Kevin's remarks are intended for the times when there is an IPT event AND a competing event during the same time frame. Pretty soon the players won't even want to do anything but compete in the IPT and train for the IPT. And if the IPT lives up to it's promises there will be enough IPT events to keep the pros VERY busy.

As far as the branding goes, well Kevin is right about that as well. Part of the whole IPT vision is making the players into stars through media exposure and through contacts that no one else to date had a prayer of getting for the players. He should be concerned about other promoters cashing in on the investment he has made. I am sure he isn't in the least bit concerned with regional and rinky dink unfilmed events.

I am sure the regional tours will be just fine. In fact, I predict that the regional tours will be trying to tie in with the IPT so that part of the prize is the chance to "go pro" and play in the big events. If that happens you'll see a lot more entrants into the regional events - especially if the entrants know they don't have to fade the pros to win.

Persoanlly, I like way the women's regional tours do it. They don't bar the pros and the highest finishing non-pro gets the qualifier. This way the players get to play with the pros AND they are still fighting for a spot on tour.

John
 
It's not entirely true that the players are stars. They are to you and I but honestly the only player in the current IPT tournament that would get name recognition on the streets of Vegas is Allison Fisher. And even she wouldn't be known by name, just "oh that short haired British lady that's always in the finals".

When I tell people I sell pool cues I almost always have to repeat myself because pool is so far outside of what people think of as as a profession.

If KT does what he says he will and makes the players into stars then he does deserve to get something back from that. He is providing a platfrom that no else has ever been close to providing. Perhaps RJ Reynolds with the Camel Tour was close but not really on this scale.

And I think the player won't mind a bit. If they do become famous then they'll have bargaining leverage as well. It's the way the circle works.

Honestly, beyond just an incredible love of the game, can you see any IPT player wanting to go to a regional event where first place is $1400 and the nut is $300 at least after participating in an event of this magnitude. I wish they would and I hope they do but don't count on it.

John
 
onepocketchump said:
Timberly. I am pretty sure that Kevin's remarks are intended for the times when there is an IPT event AND a competing event during the same time frame. I didn't read it that way but I guess it's up to interpretation. Pretty soon the players won't even want to do anything but compete in the IPT and train for the IPT. That's fine, but let them make that choice. And if the IPT lives up to it's promises there will be enough IPT events to keep the pros VERY busy.

As far as the branding goes, well Kevin is right about that as well. Part of the whole IPT vision is making the players into stars through media exposure and through contacts that no one else to date had a prayer of getting for the players. He should be concerned about other promoters cashing in on the investment he has made. I am sure he isn't in the least bit concerned with regional and rinky dink unfilmed events. I know KT doesn't care about regional events. He probably isn't even aware of many, if any at all. The fans do care.

I am sure the regional tours will be just fine. In fact, I predict that the regional tours will be trying to tie in with the IPT so that part of the prize is the chance to "go pro" and play in the big events. If that happens you'll see a lot more entrants into the regional events - especially if the entrants know they don't have to fade the pros to win.

Persoanlly, I like way the women's regional tours do it. They don't bar the pros and the highest finishing non-pro gets the qualifier. This way the players get to play with the pros AND they are still fighting for a spot on tour.

John
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I also like the way the women's regional events do it and I'm all for that kind of format.

I understand the branding part of it. I just think it's fair to point out that in the pool world, these guys are already stars. It appears that those of us that have supported pool all these years are going to end up with the short stick and loose the option to see these guys play a little closer to home where us working Joe Schmo's can afford to go see them. :( Sheesh, even Nascar drivers can be found running in local dirt & asphalt tracks down south.
 
Timberly said:
I also like the way the women's regional events do it and I'm all for that kind of format.

I understand the branding part of it. I just think it's fair to point out that in the pool world, these guys are already stars. It appears that those of us that have supported pool all these years are going to end up with the short stick and loose the option to see these guys play a little closer to home where us working Joe Schmo's can afford to go see them. :( Sheesh, even Nascar drivers can be found running in local dirt & asphalt tracks down south.
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And I don't think that'll change. The Nascar drivers do it because they love to drive. They don't need the money anymore from the little tracks. The pool players are going to be the same way. The ones who love to play are going to be at the regional tournaments.

I also warned years ago to be careful what you wish for. So many of us wish the best for the pros, stardom, big incomes, status but we don't reallize that with that comes loss of access. Mostly because they enter another level of existence, tour stops, exhibitiions, interviews, guest appearances, parties and so on. With fame comes obligation and pressure.

Timberly, I think though that YOU will be one of the ones who ALWAYS has access to your buds. You'll be the one who has the all access pass. You're just that kind of REAL person to them that will ground them.

John
 
onepocketchump said:
It's not entirely true that the players are stars. They are to you and I
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Timberly said:
these guys having already made names for themselves in the pool world.
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That's why I was careful to make sure I stated "in the pool world". ;)

onepocketchump said:
You're just that kind of REAL person to them that will ground them.
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Thanks :o
 
don't be so sure that kt wont have restrictions inthe future prohibiting playersfrom participating in events whether or not they conflict with ipt events or not. in fact, no ipt player would voluntarily skip an ipt event to play in another tourney. common sense tells us that, with guaranteed money. so this means these restrictions will specifically be limited to ALL outside events. this would not be unprecedentedas i think there are restrictions on some tours in asia.
 
NYC cue dude said:
in fact, no ipt player would voluntarily skip an ipt event to play in another tourney. common sense tells us that, with guaranteed money.
I agree. Anyone that chose an event over an IPT event would be the biggest fool to ever see the light of day and would be deserving of whatever repercussion the IPT saw fit to.

so this means these restrictions will specifically be limited to ALL outside events. this would not be unprecedentedas i think there are restrictions on some tours in asia.
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It might not be unprecedented overall, but it would still suck. :(
 
"it would still suck". I couldn't agree more.

I was the financial sponsor of the world straight pool championships and KT came to check it out. During the conversation he said something to me that deeply disturbed me, and I have often repeated it to anyone who will listen. He told me " I want to OWN pool".

As a friend of very many pros, I am a very strong advocate of the players. I think this policy would be terrible, but he really is holding all the cards here, and ultimately, the players will have to followthe money, and KT knows it.
 
NYC cue dude said:
He told me " I want to OWN pool".

As a friend of very many pros, I am a very strong advocate of the players. I think this policy would be terrible, but he really is holding all the cards here, and ultimately, the players will have to followthe money, and KT knows it.
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Nascar has Bill France and pool has KT... next thing you know, ESPN won't be able to show taped highlights of the IPT events, they'll only be allowed to show still photo's. :rolleyes:

KT already has the pool world by the balls. In essence he already owns pool. Yes, the players will follow the money because they've never really had it to speak of.

I'm all for supporting pool, promoting pool, making these guys known to those outside of the pool world, and these guys making the money that they deserve for the wonderful talent that they have. This can be done without dictatorship. These guys will follow him... that's been proven. Just look at the distance these guys traveled and the money they spent for the qualifiers... there's no need to rule the roost with an iron fist IMO. He's got their loyalty already.
 
i agree totally with you, but this is kt we are speaking of. Obviously fromy persoanl experience with him, and what i haveheard, this man is driven by ego, and he will rule with an iron fist. Why? because he can. I walked away from our conversation with a bad taste in my mouth. If he implements these restrictions, i'll puke.
 
watchez said:
The DCC would be over also.....unless the IPT 200 showed up to just gamble.
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The DCC and the Open were the 1st two that came to mind.

I'm taking solace in the fact that Greg is providing the IPT with their playing equipment so surely the DCC would be safe?!?! :confused:

The Open... that's a different story altogether. These are two of the biggest events that I can attend. The Open is driving distance and while I do have to fly to KY, I make it a point to make sure I have the funds for that tourney.

When it comes to the open, people have to look past their issues with Barry and think of the event itself. From the day I started playing pool I remember hearing about the Open. It was the premier tournament. I would hear so many stories about it and how all the local players would love to win it. It was the one title that was wanted by all. Times have changed of course but I still haven't forgotten all those stories about the open.

Back then I never dreamed that I would be able to go. LOL, who would've known that many yrs later I would be within driving distance. Last yr was my 1st yr and I was so excited. I plan to make it a yearly event like the DCC for as long as I can. I just hope that it's still around for me to do so. :confused:
 
I think that, unfortunately, that Greg from Diamond will make more money off the IPT than he will, along with the headache, of the DCC each year. Greg posts here so I am sure he can give us his thoughts on that. The IPT will only be a bonus advertisement for Diamond. If KT wanted to play his tournaments on a Sears Model honeycomb table, for $350k the IPT 200 will still show up. Plus, if these IPT 200 become superstars, what will the press do when they hear they are gambling at the DCC. Just look what kind of a field day that Sportscenter has when it has a story of Jordan, Tiger, Charles Barkley and gambling.
 
"Some exceptions could be made, Trudeau theorized, such as for promoters who use IPT equipment or have arrangements with the IPT."

I'm guessing this was said with something like the DCC in mind. And of course to also let the pool world know that they need to buy & support his product if they want to stay in the tournament business.

I think pool players could get away with gambling... it's expected and accepted by most everyone, even the Joe Schmo's of the world that can't name a single pro player. Poker is huge right now and doesn't seem to be going anywhere. I think they could actually capitalize on big action if they did it right.
 
NYC cue dude said:
"it would still suck". I couldn't agree more.

I was the financial sponsor of the world straight pool championships and KT came to check it out. During the conversation he said something to me that deeply disturbed me, and I have often repeated it to anyone who will listen. He told me " I want to OWN pool".

As a friend of very many pros, I am a very strong advocate of the players. I think this policy would be terrible, but he really is holding all the cards here, and ultimately, the players will have to followthe money, and KT knows it.
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While I may find it difficult to root for KT, anyone who fails to acknowledge and give KT due credit for being several steps ahead of most others, is seriously underestimating him. There is a great probability that KT will completely "own pool", he is already well on his way there. Those who think that he intends on stopping his quest with only a successful "tour" will be very surprised as his plans further develop. Makes total sense to me, there is nothing and nobody capable or concerned enough to prevent it, especially those that feel that he is pool's saviour and that they will profit by going along for the ride.

Without going into a dissertation, I don't believe that the total domination of pool by KT, or perhaps, anyone else, would be in the long term best interests of the sport, the players or the public.

It may be the right time for the players, with the aid of a extremely qualified entertainment attorney, to form a player's association in order to protect their rights.
 
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