Similar experiences but not just with pool players but anyone on the net that you don't regularly see. It's easy to screw a screen name.
Send Mike Wong to the U.S. Open
- Thread starter ace911
- Start date
Similar experiences but not just with pool players but anyone on the net that you don't regularly see. It's easy to screw a screen name.
How is he doing in Austin ? A top 25% finish should be reasonable unless he draws Bergman, et.al.
Sorry, wrong Wong.
Sent from my XT830C using Tapatalk
Sorry, wrong Wong.
Sent from my XT830C using Tapatalk
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Hi JoeyA, it actually is my birthday today. Thank you for the birthday wishes on Facebook and AZBilliards.
Hi Lonestar_Jim, I debating now the best way to collect the funds. I know Cardigan Kid suggested that I start a GoFundMe account. I researched it just now. GoFundMe takes 7.9% while Paypal takes 2.9%. However, with the GoFundMe you can keep track of the money accumulated. I guess I could always do both? Any suggestions? Also I believe there are two groups of supporters. One group wants to flat out sponsor me, and others that want to stake me, so I need a good way of separating those funds so I don't get them mixed up.
Because the entry fee for the tournament is $1,000, after expenses I am probably looking at $1,700, which includes gas, tolls, hotel, and food. I never asked for help like this before, so I want to make sure that I do everything the right way, and respect the people that choose to support me. (I want to say thank you to pt109, Cardigan Kid, Lonestar_Jim, and all others for their support).
Thank You,
Mike
Hi Lonestar_Jim, I debating now the best way to collect the funds. I know Cardigan Kid suggested that I start a GoFundMe account. I researched it just now. GoFundMe takes 7.9% while Paypal takes 2.9%. However, with the GoFundMe you can keep track of the money accumulated. I guess I could always do both? Any suggestions? Also I believe there are two groups of supporters. One group wants to flat out sponsor me, and others that want to stake me, so I need a good way of separating those funds so I don't get them mixed up.
Because the entry fee for the tournament is $1,000, after expenses I am probably looking at $1,700, which includes gas, tolls, hotel, and food. I never asked for help like this before, so I want to make sure that I do everything the right way, and respect the people that choose to support me. (I want to say thank you to pt109, Cardigan Kid, Lonestar_Jim, and all others for their support).
Thank You,
Mike
I have donated to several players on this forum in the past, and like was mentioned previously, I never received a thank-you. Two times, it was for $100.
Anyway, with that said, I would like to mention that John Schmidt came on this forum not so very long ago and asked members to stake him in the Open, and as most "regular" AzB readers know, he won it. John Schmidt won the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship being staked by members of this forum. Here's one story that had a very happy ending.
Anyway, with that said, I would like to mention that John Schmidt came on this forum not so very long ago and asked members to stake him in the Open, and as most "regular" AzB readers know, he won it. John Schmidt won the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship being staked by members of this forum. Here's one story that had a very happy ending.
I have donated to several players on this forum in the past, and like was mentioned previously, I never received a thank-you. Two times, it was for $100.
Anyway, with that said, I would like to mention that John Schmidt came on this forum not so very long ago and asked members to stake him in the Open, and as most "regular" AzB readers know, he won it. John Schmidt won the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship being staked by members of this forum. Here's one story that had a very happy ending.
That is an interesting part of the story that I never heard before, Jam.
I do remember John used to post on here quite a bit. I wish he would make appearances every now and then.
Happy Birthday, Mike. I hope it is a good day for you and your shots fall true and straight.
There are other sites too...this one looks very easy and can be set up for smart phones...
https://fundly.com/
I'm sure there is an option that if you don't meet your goal, the money just goes back to those who pledged money. Maybe more folks would pledge support if that was the plan.
Or, you can raise enough to alleviate the $1,700 price tag of going to the US Open. But like another said, 20 members at $20 a piece is not impossible (that's the entry fee right there).
It looks like that 7.9% is fairly standard across the board for fees from the sites and then there is the paypal % that we've all dealt with if you sold anything through them before - so just set your goal to be whatever % above the $1,700 needed.
whatever your decision, the clock is ticking and the faster you get the site up, the more time we have to shake the trees.
Good luck!
The OP has to also have some skin in this game or else what he is basically asking for is the equivalent of an unofficial corporate sponsor.
This is how you approach it......you have a budget......any loss of wages from missing work, if applicable, are on the OP (he can use vacation or sick leave).........let's just say the total expenditure was $2,000......it was earlier mentioned something like $1,700....heck make it $3,000....surely that must cover it.........a key question is how much is the OP putting into the pot, i.e., personal financial stake.
To expect that a bunch of noble Azers would come forth to make this a total financially free ride when the OP hasn't earned recognition yet as a top player is a little unrealistic......IMO.
So if his expenditure is $3,000 and he's saved $500....he needs $2500.......I know he could lie about how much he has but let's face it, if he comes back and posts $165......he's looking for a free meal........he should skip this year's event and start saving for next year's tournament and try this again if he needs financial help.
Frankly, I think the OP comes across as honest and sincere and so if he explains his expenses instead of just writing down category totals.......OP needs to better depict how the total of expenses are arrived at and then specify how much he needs vs the anticipated total amount to be expended, he'd have a better shot at arousing interest . The majority of folks aren't inclined to foot the entire bill for another person's pool escapade merely because that person writes they can't afford to pay for it. For all we know, the OP easily could pay for this and as I earlier wrote, this is a tough to sell but I think if the OP packaged this differently, he'd stand a much better chance.
Matt B.
p.s Mike......Happy Day of Birth To You.
This is how you approach it......you have a budget......any loss of wages from missing work, if applicable, are on the OP (he can use vacation or sick leave).........let's just say the total expenditure was $2,000......it was earlier mentioned something like $1,700....heck make it $3,000....surely that must cover it.........a key question is how much is the OP putting into the pot, i.e., personal financial stake.
To expect that a bunch of noble Azers would come forth to make this a total financially free ride when the OP hasn't earned recognition yet as a top player is a little unrealistic......IMO.
So if his expenditure is $3,000 and he's saved $500....he needs $2500.......I know he could lie about how much he has but let's face it, if he comes back and posts $165......he's looking for a free meal........he should skip this year's event and start saving for next year's tournament and try this again if he needs financial help.
Frankly, I think the OP comes across as honest and sincere and so if he explains his expenses instead of just writing down category totals.......OP needs to better depict how the total of expenses are arrived at and then specify how much he needs vs the anticipated total amount to be expended, he'd have a better shot at arousing interest . The majority of folks aren't inclined to foot the entire bill for another person's pool escapade merely because that person writes they can't afford to pay for it. For all we know, the OP easily could pay for this and as I earlier wrote, this is a tough to sell but I think if the OP packaged this differently, he'd stand a much better chance.
Matt B.
p.s Mike......Happy Day of Birth To You.
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Well said, sir.
If OP came to the table with a Go Find me account, and he added in $500 right from the start, with a financial goal stated like you said, this would be much more sell-able (if that's a word?).
It will also show how serious he is about making this happen.
20 x 20 =400-entry is 1k
oops, I meant $50. Math never was my strong suit :sorry:
Maybe that's why my diamond number kicking system is always off :grin:
Frankie Hernandez said on FB , he's a good horse and really takes his time. LOL that cracked me up
Good points
I will call a spade a spade. OP has to be transparent and accountable .Anything less comes across as scammy.
-OP has to break down his expenses to come to $1700. Entry is $1K so what makes up rest. Item how much for gas, food etc.
- refund policy ( sponsors to be refunded if target is not reached )
-Gofundme (or similar crowdfunding) . Paypal is not even an option because there is no tracking and less accountability. With Gofundme , everyone knows whether target is reached and it will not exceed the target. Paying extra 5% fee is worth it better for both sides .
-acknowledgement of sponsors here like wearing t-shirt with Azbers on it or something. Post field report here after event would be nice
It is like going for IPO. You want public funds you better lay out proper policies and be transparent and accountable
If OP does not want scrutiny and accountability , then raise funds privately or sell some pool related stuff or flip burgers . Or just save for next year.
Check it out. You can read more about John Schmidt's request for a backer at the Open and then the happy ending when he won it. It's one of the great stories on AzBilliards forum that has a happy ending --> http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=41567
Do your homework.
2013 49th $500
2012 49th $1000
2010 33rd $1000
2009 49th $850
Good one Cleary.Some people just like running their f'ing yak! Haaaaa
I guess he can cash
Hello all, thank you for the birthday wishes.
As requested I am doing the breakdown for expenses. So everyone can see clearly where the funds are going to.
October 24-30 Dates (Players meeting begins October 24th)
US Open Entry $1000
Sheraton Hotel ($89.00 a day plus tax) 100 x 7 = $700
Gas and Toll from NYC to Chesapeake Virginia (estimation would be 3 full needed) $60 per full tank = $180 + Estimated Tolls ($80) = $260
Food for 7 days estimated at $40 a day = $280
$1000 + $700 + $ 260 + $280 = $2240
If I have a roommate or someone to travel with to split hotel and gas, the breakdown would be $1000 + $350 + $130 + $280 = $1760
GoFundMe will take 7.6% of all funds therefore they are taking away $133.76, therefore I would now have to raise $1900 to reach my original goal of $1760.
I hope this is okay, and clear enough. I will look into starting a GoFundMe account.
Thank You. God Bless.
As requested I am doing the breakdown for expenses. So everyone can see clearly where the funds are going to.
October 24-30 Dates (Players meeting begins October 24th)
US Open Entry $1000
Sheraton Hotel ($89.00 a day plus tax) 100 x 7 = $700
Gas and Toll from NYC to Chesapeake Virginia (estimation would be 3 full needed) $60 per full tank = $180 + Estimated Tolls ($80) = $260
Food for 7 days estimated at $40 a day = $280
$1000 + $700 + $ 260 + $280 = $2240
If I have a roommate or someone to travel with to split hotel and gas, the breakdown would be $1000 + $350 + $130 + $280 = $1760
GoFundMe will take 7.6% of all funds therefore they are taking away $133.76, therefore I would now have to raise $1900 to reach my original goal of $1760.
I hope this is okay, and clear enough. I will look into starting a GoFundMe account.
Thank You. God Bless.
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That's a good point.
I can understand about O.P asking for help to be part of the US open and i'm sure generous people w some spare cash will be more than willing to help with registration fees which btw is a pretty large amount.
What puzzles me is that the Op is asking for people to foot the bill for his hotel and food, personally i find it a little too much and it certainly come across as taking advantage.
If playing pool is your passion ,yeah go for it but do so within your financial means.
If people are willing to help me with the fees, i'll be really grateful amd nd scrimp n save every last cent o pay for my wn lodging and food ?
Perhaps o.p wld like to explain his point ?
Anyway , saw your video Mike and i must say you are a careful player which is good as many players tend to get caught up in a momentum and make careless mistake like me lol
But playing WAY TOO SLOW certainly kills the beauty of this game, its the first time witnessing Earl conceding the rack with 5balls on the table tells me alot and for a player to ponder and go for a oilet break subsequently is just a little too much for me and painful to handle lol.
Good luck anyway Mike, i hope you find your sponsor n wish you success in the open
To me, the entry fee is the total cost of the trip.....That's a good point.
I can understand about O.P asking for help to be part of the US open and i'm sure generous people w some spare cash will be more than willing to help with registration fees which btw is a pretty large amount.
What puzzles me is that the Op is asking for people to foot the bill for his hotel and food, personally i find it a little too much and it certainly come across as taking advantage.
If playing pool is your passion ,yeah go for it but do so within your financial means.
If people are willing to help me with the fees, i'll be really grateful amd nd scrimp n save every last cent o pay for my wn lodging and food ?
Perhaps o.p wld like to explain his point ?
Anyway , saw your video Mike and i must say you are a careful player which is good as many players tend to get caught up in a momentum and make careless mistake like me lol
But playing WAY TOO SLOW certainly kills the beauty of this game, its the first time witnessing Earl conceding the rack with 5balls on the table tells me alot and for a player to ponder and go for a oilet break subsequently is just a little too much for me and painful to handle lol.
Good luck anyway Mike, i hope you find your sponsor n wish you success in the open
....gotta eat, sleep, and get there.
Your idea of cashing and mind are different. Pretty sure no profit was made in any do those years. I know the guy and know he is not a bad player but definitely below what it would take to make a serious cash.