Some Stream Commentators Irk Me

[AtLarge]

Commentators would really benefit from bringing a sheet of paper into the booth with them. For each game write down simple stuff like whether it was a B&R, or a player made an error, or scratch on break. And the score.

Commentators have a lot on their minds and easily get distracted just by the need to fill air time talking. So they very often forget the score, or over estimate how many B&R's a player is on (they say "he's on a 4 pack" when he actually pushed out twice). If more than 2 commentators are in the booth, these mental errors go up 10x.

Right you are, Jeff. I've suggested the same previously.

At one of the recent events, one commentator said something like, "I think that was the first B&R of the match." The other commentator replied something like, "No, I think there was one earlier." It was actually the 5th one of the match.

A significant percentage of all stats-based statements made by commentators are wrong. The simple use of paper and pencil could prevent a good deal of that. Some commentators do try to take notes but still make a lot of errors. Just too many distractions, I guess.

 

[GideonF]

Right you are, Jeff. I've suggested the same previously.

At one of the recent events, one commentator said something like, "I think that was the first B&R of the match." The other commentator replied something like, "No, I think there was one earlier." It was actually the 5th one of the match.

A significant percentage of all stats-based statements made by commentators are wrong. The simple use of paper and pencil could prevent a good deal of that. Some commentators do try to take notes but still make a lot of errors. Just too many distractions, I guess.

I think that there are too many distractions, and part of the problem (as I've mentioned in previous threads) is that there are rarely defined a defined "colour/color" guy and a "play by play" guy. In professional sports broadcasts someone will tell you what is happening and someone else will analyze it or comment on it. The roles are not watertight compartments, because sometimes the play by play guy debates things with the colour guy, but they do have a role.

If both commentators are busy talking all the time it must be very hard for either of them to keep notes.

Obviously the stat keeping and having bios etc on the players is easier if you have a real production crew like Matchroom does or more control over the event. In fairness to someone like Upstate Al (who gets a lot of complaints), he is often a one-man show and doesn't know which players will be on the TV table until a few minutes before the match.

 

[Cornerman]

Right you are, Jeff. I've suggested the same previously.

At one of the recent events, one commentator said something like, "I think that was the first B&R of the match." The other commentator replied something like, "No, I think there was one earlier." It was actually the 5th one of the match.

A significant percentage of all stats-based statements made by commentators are wrong. The simple use of paper and pencil could prevent a good deal of that. Some commentators do try to take notes but still make a lot of errors. Just too many distractions, I guess.

Perfect point, but a little misdirected. And I don't mean that badly. If we're going to put out a professional product, then we need to put out a professional product. Stats are extremely important. In the other sports ,there is someone there whose job is to provide stats at a drop. And right now ,that just isnt' there in all the pool events.

Should it be? Absolutely, at some point. But the lack of stats or remembering stats isn't a "what irks me about commentators" thread, but rather a "what we need for a great pool production" thread.

Freddie <~~~ IMHO, of course

 

[Fast Lenny]

For me most of the time its a one man show and I do occasionally give a little commentary but I strongly believe less is more. Often its an open mic situation so someone will come and sit with me and they just want to BS so viewers will at times hear that. Other times I will have someone like George Teyechea who now does stuff for CSI, Scott Frost, or volunteers looking to get in there to try it out. If it is Scott or George we mix it up a bit.

My main focus is switching cameras, running commercials promoting the sponsors and keeping score/names updated on the screen along with any technical issues that might arise. It is very difficult multi tasking for 12-14 hours straight like that with little to no break other then using the restroom between sets or during a slow rack. I am eating lunch and dinner sitting in front of a computer screen plus I really enjoy playing and its a big tease to just watch. There is much that goes on behind the scenes people don't know about.

Keep in mind that my stream is and has been 100% free for viewers to watch since 2008 and is probably the longest running free stream out there. I am proud of it because I feel that free streams are growing the game and I have gotten new blood along with their money into it. The video archive I have is on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/fastlenny69 and you can see some of my work for the Diamond Pool Tour and some other events on the AZBtv Vimeo channel at https://vimeo.com/user18006874/videos .


A few weeks ago I met a guy who just moved to Phoenix and he was at the poolroom. He asked if I was Fast Lenny and I said yes I was, he told me how he got started into pool by watching my streams and videos on YouTube. This was a guy in his 40s so it was pretty cool and he was really grateful because he loves the game so much.

I often watch streams myself and if I don't like the commentary I mute it and put on some music just enjoying the visual of watching pool. I have heard the same old pool sayings and jokes more times then I care to. Each streamer has their own style and way of doing things. I think if you are taking peoples money via PPV then you need to give a product that has it all. Keep in mind though when you are watching a free stream you probably aren't going to be seeing a full on production usually.

 

[Fast Lenny]

Right you are, Jeff. I've suggested the same previously.

At one of the recent events, one commentator said something like, "I think that was the first B&R of the match." The other commentator replied something like, "No, I think there was one earlier." It was actually the 5th one of the match.

A significant percentage of all stats-based statements made by commentators are wrong. The simple use of paper and pencil could prevent a good deal of that. Some commentators do try to take notes but still make a lot of errors. Just too many distractions, I guess.

I appreciate the stats that you post on here. I rarely jot any notes down because I am so busy doing everything else behind the scenes. I did have someone do that here or there but like you said to many distractions that it became inaccurate.

 

[Fast Lenny]

I think that there are too many distractions, and part of the problem (as I've mentioned in previous threads) is that there are rarely defined a defined "colour/color" guy and a "play by play" guy. In professional sports broadcasts someone will tell you what is happening and someone else will analyze it or comment on it. The roles are not watertight compartments, because sometimes the play by play guy debates things with the colour guy, but they do have a role.

If both commentators are busy talking all the time it must be very hard for either of them to keep notes.

Obviously the stat keeping and having bios etc on the players is easier if you have a real production crew like Matchroom does or more control over the event. In fairness to someone like Upstate Al (who gets a lot of complaints), he is often a one-man show and doesn't know which players will be on the TV table until a few minutes before the match.

Streaming on the internet and a production like Kozoom or Matchroom are pretty far apart along with Accu-Stats. The rest of the streams including my own are good for the internet but not worth of TV. It is kind of like pirate radio with a cult following with a small tight nit subculture. Al does a great job for a one man show and I am sure everyone on this forum will agree he has shown them matches they have wanted to see and enjoyed.

 

[bdorman]

For example, overhand smashes and swinging volleys are absolutely routine for advanced players, so why does the commentator always make it sound like it's so difficult? Because they're speaking to the average player who might not find that particular shot so easy.


Freddie <~~~ my $.02

Granted, I've only been playing pool for a couple of years, but I've tried to learn as much as I can.

Now, I find out that in addition to aiming, english and jump shots...there are overhand smashes and swinging volleys? Wow, I've got a lot more to learn. Where does it end?



A couple of years ago I made up a Commentary Worksheet for one of the commentators (I forget which commentator). It was a very simple, organized way to keep track of the match. He liked it; not sure if he ever used it though.

If anyone wants a .pdf of it, send me a PM.

What bugs me most is when a one-pocket commentator(s) can't even bother to keep track of the ball-count. Paper and pencil solution.