Should there be an INSTRUCTION SECTION?

[SpiderWebComm]

I was just curious to know what everyone else thinks about creating a dedicated INSTRUCTION SECTION?

My thought isn't to hamper instruction - it's to help it grow. In addition, it keeps the structure of azb more organized and content easier to find. This concept may be retarded - so I thought I'd ask.

 

[Blackjack]

I was just curious to know what everyone else thinks about creating a dedicated INSTRUCTION SECTION...

Dave

I understand your frustration with this. I would be all for an instructor forum that was set up like the "ask the pros section" that is currently collecting dust. There are some of us that are here in this forum to help and assist others to play this game at higher level. There are some people that never seem to improve, and that is not uncommon either - I see that at the pool hall every day.

I enjoy posting in the main forum and in the straight pool forum. The straight pool forum (IMO) is the most informative forum that we have (instructional-wise) and though it doesn't generate a lot of traffic - what is posted there is well worth the extra clicks it takes to get there. Its a no BS forum and it serves the purpose it was designed for.

The problem with an "instructor forum" would be that most topics have already been covered. New members need to utilize the search feature ... and quite honestly I could care less about some of the Main Forum topics that have been covered ad nauseum already, such as those that ask who your favorite player is - or what your opinion about a certain cuemaker is - or what shaft is your favorite. I personally don't give a $hit about any of that.

Though we have a certain forum member that asks a lot of questions, it is obvious that the knowledge that is being provided to him is not alleviating the problems that he has with his game. Even though that seems obvious, I will not stop responding to his questions. There are a lot of unregistered lurkers that read this forum, and perhaps one of my responses will help them, or somebody else indirectly.

In a nutshell, I'm for it, provided that "Instructors" are the people providing the answers - sort of like the rule is in room owner section. Half the problem I see is that when someone asks a question, they are provided with 40 different answers from 40 different points of view accompanied with subtopics and hijacks ... its a mess right now. Go read the "Champions" thread I started yesterday. Its now off topic and addressing something else entirely - but that's life in the forums.

 

[SpiderWebComm]

Dave

I understand your frustration with this. I would be all for an instructor forum that was set up like the "ask the pros section" that is currently collecting dust. There are some of us that are here in this forum to help and assist others to play this game at higher level. There are some people that never seem to improve, and that is not uncommon either - I see that at the pool hall every day.

I enjoy posting in the main forum and in the straight pool forum. The straight pool forum (IMO) is the most informative forum that we have (instructional-wise) and though it doesn't generate a lot of traffic - what is posted there is well worth the extra clicks it takes to get there. Its a no BS forum and it serves the purpose it was designed for.

The problem with an "instructor forum" would be that most topics have already been covered. New members need to utilize the search feature ... and quite honestly I could care less about some of the Main Forum topics that have been covered ad nauseum already, such as those that ask who your favorite player is - or what your opinion about a certain cuemaker is - or what shaft is your favorite. I personally don't give a $hit about any of that.

Though we have a certain forum member that asks a lot of questions, it is obvious that the knowledge that is being provided to him is not alleviating the problems that he has with his game. Even though that seems obvious, I will not stop responding to his questions. There are a lot of unregistered lurkers that read this forum, and perhaps one of my responses will help them, or somebody else indirectly.

In a nutshell, I'm for it, provided that "Instructors" are the people providing the answers - sort of like the rule is in room owner section. Half the problem I see is that when someone asks a question, they are provided with 40 different answers from 40 different points of view accompanied with subtopics and hijacks ... its a mess right now. Go read the "Champions" thread I started yesterday. Its now off topic and addressing something else entirely - but that's life in the forums.

Very well said. The root of my frustration is exactly what you just mentioned. It's not the instruction - it's the fact there are constant re-posts from the same, uhm, certain persons, that are so frustrating to read it makes me have a panic attack. The best lesson some people can take are the ones that teach you to break your cue in half and learn how to knit a sweater--- or something else unrelated. So in fact, my point in moving the instruction elsewhere is to, uhm, move certain posts elsewhere.

Man, I hope that makes sense... I guess I'm nostalgic.... I loved AZB a lot more the way it was a few months ago.

 

[jdr]

I also understand your frustration with some of the posts, but I don't think adding a separate section for instruction would be the best way to go. I read your other posts about the things that interest you and should be in the main forum. And Blackjack listed things he didn't give a shit about being posted. And there are things in the Main Forum where I'm like WTF?? But I think if you start creating too many different subforums, you start to lose a lot.

And there's always a question about should it go in the Main Forum or instructor section? (i.e. you mentioned previously about the BHE, but should Walt's post about One Pocket strategies also been put in the Main Forum or in instruction. Similarly, SJM's post about the Soquet - Fu match?) If we are limiting it to very basic questions like "How to draw?", I don't think the Main Forum is being too inundated with those types questions. (i.e. many of DCP's posts are about lighting, etc.) For example, I think today, there has only been 1 or 2 posted about instruction...

In the end, I think the best solution is for ppl to title their posts more clearly and accurately. Then we can just skip the post if it's about how to draw or how to aim... No need to be bitter about it unless it becomes a major problem...

 

[DrCue'sProtege]

Though we have a certain forum member that asks a lot of questions, it is obvious that the knowledge that is being provided to him is not alleviating the problems that he has with his game. Even though that seems obvious, I will not stop responding to his questions. There are a lot of unregistered lurkers that read this forum, and perhaps one of my responses will help them, or somebody else indirectly.

hmmmmm?
1) i have repeatedly said i use the advice offered here.
2) i dont think i repeat the very SAME question - other than the problems with the long, straight in draw shot.
3) i have gotten several PMs from people thanking me for posting shots/diagrams/questions, etc, and to keep doing so.
4) i'd say my game has benefited from the knowledge acquired here. not sure why its obvious that it hasnt benefited me?
5) when i taught school, i would tell my students there are no stupid questions.
6) when i taught school, i encouraged my students to ask about something that had already been covered if they havent quite grasped the concept yet.

as far as not stopping responding to my questions........i guess i must be a PR genius!

DCP

p.s. i voted for the Instructor Section. and i also think that people who hijack threads are detrimental to AZB Forums.

 

[DrCue'sProtege]

I don't think the Main Forum is being too inundated with those types questions. (i.e. many of DCP's posts are about lighting, etc.)

not sure what you mean here? as far as i can tell i have only started one thread about what people think regarding my lighting situation.

DCP

 

[SpiderWebComm]

hmmmmm?
1) i have repeatedly said i use the advice offered here.
2) i dont think i repeat the very SAME question - other than the problems with the long, straight in draw shot.
3) i have gotten several PMs from people thanking me for posting shots/diagrams/questions, etc, and to keep doing so.
4) i'd say my game has benefited from the knowledge acquired here. not sure why its obvious that it hasnt benefited me?
5) when i taught school, i would tell my students there are no stupid questions.
6) when i taught school, i encouraged my students to ask about something that had already been covered if they havent quite grasped the concept yet.

as far as not stopping responding to my questions........i guess i must be a PR genius!

DCP

p.s. i voted for the Instructor Section. and i also think that people who hijack threads are detrimental to AZB Forums.

You're right. Like what Mr. Hand says on South Park: "There are no stupid questions, just stupid people."

Because I truly care about you mastering the long draw shot... I'm going to give you the answer you've been looking for. In exchange for this knowledge, return the favor and stop posting retarded crap like "should you have pillow talk with some sexy chick." I know there are a lot of others who feel the same way and are scared to say something. If you post questions about actual instruction questions - fine, but you should REALLY be emailing Scott Lee-- your paid instructor. Otherwise you get conflicting info that does not help you get better.

Now for the answer you've been waiting for.... the long draw solution.

Go to joetucker.net and buy his 3rd eye trainer. Practice ONE NIGHT with it and report back. Anyone who can't draw accurately with that fork attached to your cue must, and should, quit the game forever and ever. Just practice 1 tip of low with that thing - and use the long-fork to ensure you're not steering.

Your welcome.

Let there now be peace.

 

[JoeW]

There is an instructional section off the main page for newbies. Looks like it gets better all the time.

This is the general discussion area and it is like going to a pool hall. You read all kinds of stuff from all kinds of people. How to draw well? Should Jenette be banned? and stories about the past. The nuances from table lighting to hitting too soon or too late are all fair game.

We would not tell someone to "take it outside" if they asked a question so why do it with regard to learning questions? Many points of view are fun and interesting. Leave it like it is and skip what you don't like.

I think that some sort of archivists would be nice. You know some people who collected, edited and placed in a library all the good stories, ideas, and suggestions for improvement so that they would be easy to find. This may happen some day as people get interested in creating a library of great topics.

 

[DrCue'sProtege]

i thought this thread would garner alot more interest than what it has, so i guess i will do some bumping here.

DCP

p.s. sorry if my doing so infuriates anyone

 

[sjm]

There is an instructional section off the main page for newbies. Looks like it gets better all the time.

I'd suggest that it's useful for players of all levels.

 

[Flex]

Though we have a certain forum member that asks a lot of questions, it is obvious that the knowledge that is being provided to him is not alleviating the problems that he has with his game. Even though that seems obvious, I will not stop responding to his questions. There are a lot of unregistered lurkers that read this forum, and perhaps one of my responses will help them, or somebody else indirectly.

Blackjack, rest assured I learn a lot from your posts, and appreciate the answers and insight you provide. Your stuff definitely helps my game.

Flex

 

[Flex]

Very well said. The root of my frustration is exactly what you just mentioned. It's not the instruction - it's the fact there are constant re-posts from the same, uhm, certain persons, that are so frustrating to read it makes me have a panic attack. The best lesson some people can take are the ones that teach you to break your cue in half and learn how to knit a sweater--- or something else unrelated. So in fact, my point in moving the instruction elsewhere is to, uhm, move certain posts elsewhere.

Man, I hope that makes sense... I guess I'm nostalgic.... I loved AZB a lot more the way it was a few months ago.

Spider, with all due respect, if you're having panic attacks from reading posts from a specific poster, why don't you just put him on "ignore"? I know the feeling that sometimes comes from one or other poster that grates like fingernails on a chalkboard.

Panic attacks are no joking matter. Use the ignore button; you'll be glad you did.

Flex

 

[JimS]

I click on "new" posts everytime I come here so it doesn't really matter to me where instructional questions and answers are. I see all the threads anyway.

 

[CreeDo]

Definitely keep instruction in the main section. To lots of people, that IS the main reason to find and register for pool forums. Just not you. The road stories are a nice bonus and an entertaining read... but I can't see moving all the practical info out of the 'main' forum. To me, the main forum IS whatever has useful practical info.

Besides, you've already admitted this is a reaction to one poster... you don't make a whole new forum just to isolate one poster you don't like. It just has a 'get in the back of the bus' flavor that I don't agree with.

Imagine if we DID handle things that way... we'd have forums like "Russ Chewning Gets In Your Face" "DCP's Spam Rampage" "Jamie McWhorter Woofs Until Your Eyes Bleed"

 

[PKM]

You're just going to inflate DCP's ego even more with this request. He already thinks his lesson was the most important event in the history of pool.

 

[3andstop]

I'd like to see stats or player level posted next to the posters names. Don't ask me how or what levels could be established, I just think it would be interesting to better understand the perspective of the poster. Maybe the Hopkins challenge results

I know everyone could lie about their ability level, but, in the interest of helping others and learning new things, I think most folks would be honest.

Maybe thats some sort of happy medium?

 

[Flex]

I'd like to see stats or player level posted next to the posters names. Don't ask me how or what levels could be established, I just think it would be interesting to better understand the perspective of the poster. Maybe the Hopkins challenge results

I know everyone could lie about their ability level, but, in the interest of helping others and learning new things, I think most folks would be honest.

Maybe thats some sort of happy medium?

Sounds like a way to kill someone's action...

 

[3andstop]

Oh brother ....

 

[olauzon]

yea, but it needs to be devided in sections such as "p.s.r", "breaks", "how to aim", "elbow high/low/in/out" etc, and AZ also need sections for "shaft maintenance" and "what tip is best" too.

all the choices here on main on what to read just drives me nutz. can't wait to sit in the lobby and tinker bout it.

 

[Flex]

yea, but it needs to be devided in sections such as "p.s.r", "breaks", "how to aim", "elbow high/low/in/out" etc, and AZ also need sections for "shaft maintenance" and "what tip is best" too.

all the choices here on main on what to read just drives me nutz. can't wait to sit in the lobby and tinker bout it.

What's "p.s.r"?