Support your local pool room?

[RSB-Refugee]

There are, however, others in town that are at the upper levels of the tournament and league echelon that do not come in. We don't need them, just curious to see if this happens everywhere or what it is that we can do to encourage those players to come in.

It could be that they sense your above sentiments.

Tracy

 

[Eieio59]

It could be that they sense your above sentiments.

Tracy

Well, all I can do it continue to invite them to play, offer opportunities, etc... I have never done anything that I am aware of to make them feel unneeded or unwanted. The statement that you are pulling out of context is meant to emphasize that we have plenty of business without them. We do not depend on their support. We just are trying to figure out what it would take to get it.

Thanks anyway.

 

[Dhakala]

The solution is to give the good players exactly what they want. However that will most likely put you out of business because what the "better players" want and what your customers that are paying the bills want are likely to be completely different.

Exactly. When I win the Powerball lottery, I will devote the bulk of my fortune to a Temple of Zen Cueism.

The Temple will house 38 tables:

- four quadruple-shimmed Diamond Pros for money players, two in private rooms without windows, TVs, music, or any other distractions or escape routes ;

- one each billiard and snooker tables (the latter large enough to land a helicopter or host an Italian wedding upon);

- 16 standard Gold Crowns for hourly purists; and

- 16 Valley "Great 8" digital bill-ops for everyone else.

Next door, there will be a pro shop and cooperative cue forge populated by the finest local cuemakers, each of whom will have his own space and equipment, free of charge or rent. Apprenticeships will be available to worthy youth.

Each facility will be a minimum of 36,000 sq. ft.

Next door to the shop and forge will be a licensed daycare center for the fortunate prepubescent offspring of Enlightened parents, staffed by child development professionals with BCA Instructor certifications and filled with 2x4 pool tables.

The Temple will sponsor BCA, APA, and VNEA league teams, including junior and wheelchair leagues. All league players will receive shirts, cues, cases, and gloves bearing the symbols of Zen Cueism, gratis. The Temple will pay all dues, table fees, and travel expenses for its league members.

Nightly tournaments will include 8-ball, 9-ball, one-pocket, 14.1, rotation, snooker, and artistic exhibitions. Entry fees will be $10, and will be wavied for precocious apprentices. The Temple will match the pot. The winner of each tournament will play free of charge for 50 hours of his/her choosing.

If you come in and beat me in a race to ten (appointment required), you will play free of charge for the day. I will video-record your efforts for my private entertainment, the edification of apprentices, and possible commercial use.

If you are in a youth diversion or probation program, you will study Zen Cueism while cleaning tables and balls, re-tipping house cues, and performing other community service that develops marketable skills.

Televisions will feature only pool or fishing programs, live or recorded. Those who request wrestling, ultimate fighting, Jerry Springer, or "America's Funniest Videos" will be banished for one week to meditate upon Correct Thinking.

Music will be entirely under management's control. Speakers' volume will be adjustable individually. If you request rap, hip-hop, heavy metal, techno, industrial, Marilyn Manson, Insane Clown Posse, or the C&W abomination, "Don't Take The Girl," you will be banished from the Temple until you produce a diploma from an accredited college in music appreciation.

No alcohol will be served, and only food that comes in cellophane and fits in a microwave will be available in the playing room.

An enclosable, winter-heated patio will be provided for smokers. Indeed, lung Nazis will be turned away; everyone desiring entry will have to light up at the door to prove that he/she smokes. One cough and you're out.

But this will be a hobby, not a business.

 

[Dhakala]

"Woofed" at is repeatedly asking someone to gamble. Not letting them come in and do what they want, but keep harrassing them into gambling.

How does a room operator prevent woofing?

As to you not "getting" me...... our business is good with league players, lower rated weekly tournament players, business people, college kids and, oh... let's not forget about the abundance of poker players. As far as the "best" players in town. I believe that we have them, myself included. There are, however, others in town that are at the upper levels of the tournament and league echelon that do not come in. We don't need them, just curious to see if this happens everywhere or what it is that we can do to encourage those players to come in.

You have damned everything that a room owner could want, but you want more - badly enough to be preoccupied with how to get it during the early hours of a Saturday morning. That is the tragedy of Midas.

Fortunately, all comedy is tragedy that happens to someone else!

Could be, I guess that they are too poor, too scared or told not to, I don't know. Just looking for ideas.....

How about enjoying what you have?

 

[Eieio59]

Awe shucks Tammie, you do remember me!

Yes, I do...... And, BTW, where are you???? Heard you moved to Chicago again.....

Missing you! You understand what I mean, don't you? You realize who all I'm talking about.....it's really just confusing to me.

You've heard about all that's going on here, huh? Big shake-up in the "video" business, you know. That has everybody looking over their shoulder now too.

Your old team isn't going to play this session, either. Don't know what's up with that, except that YOU aren't there to play with them!!!!!

While you are there in Chicago.... do you mind strolling over to the IPT office and picking up a little "present" for me????

Fill me in on what you are up to these days.....

Tammie

 

[Dhakala]

Man, do you just hate me, or what?? I'm just asking for ideas here and all you want to do is bash me!

No, Tammie, I want you to be happy. You're the one who's beating herself up over what little she doesn't have.

There is only one other player here that does not come in to our room that can come close to laying claim to a title like "local legend". Yes, he is a great player.... and yes, it is confusing as to why he doesn't come in and support us more

You're kidding, right? You're not actually making yourself unhappy over the absence of one person from your establishment, are you?!

 

[Eieio59]

You know, one of my favorite sayings is "Mean People Suck". I can't help but put you into that category. I am not unhappy as you imply. I don't understand, however, if you have nothing constructive to add to the conversation, then why even respond? I am quite content in my life but was simply curious if pool really is dying away in respect to the local pool room. I am not "beating myself up" as you say. It just happens to be that I am always looking for ways to improve my business, my game and my life. I think I have figured out how to improve my life, though....... just ignore you! (Just kidding!)

Tammie

 

[Snapshot9]

To get ...

Well, all I can do it continue to invite them to play, offer opportunities, etc... I have never done anything that I am aware of to make them feel unneeded or unwanted. The statement that you are pulling out of context is meant to emphasize that we have plenty of business without them. We do not depend on their support. We just are trying to figure out what it would take to get it.

Thanks anyway.

in there is one word Tammie, Money. How you do that is up to you. A good unhandicapped tournament that pays well which means good money added by the room. Better playes when hearing about money floating around a room, $200-500 sets going on, will start to show up then.

Shooters here had a 3 ball tournament for awhile every night at 10:30 pm, with the Ace pot building up to over $7,000 before it was hit. When it got to over $2,000, the better players were showing up every night to play. The tournament also was paying good every night because there were 20-32 players playing every night. Plus many more people were interested in seeing all the best players compete against each other.

Part of the problem could be the 'atmosphere' that the room gives off, and it is not conducive to better players or money players. They want their own area, partly secluded if possible, where they can play without
a bunch of noise and interruptions. Most of these guys are 'at work' when they play, not just out to have a good time.

We have a room here that is a good room, 11 tables, 1 full, rest bar tables, and the owner adds 100% to her tournaments, and even to weekly tournaments when there are at least 8 players, and it has the
hardest time getting people to show up for their tournaments. The owner is a real sweetheart of a gal, but her problem - The room is located on the East side, just 7 minutes east of the other 2 popular rooms, and people frown on just driving those 7 more minutes East, go figure.

 

[Dhakala]

You know, one of my favorite sayings is "Mean People Suck".

And mean people are those who don't support your obsessions?

I am not unhappy as you imply.

I don't imply it; it's apparent from your own words.

I don't understand, however, if you have nothing constructive to add to the conversation, then why even respond?

What could possibly be more constructive than, "Be happy with the bountiful blessings you have?"

I am quite content in my life but was simply curious if pool really is dying away in respect to the local pool room.

Why does the absence of a handful of players from your pool room - or is it just one player? - inspire in you suspicion that pool is "dying away" anywhere?

It just happens to be that I am always looking for ways to improve my business, my game and my life.

The elimination of desire is the way to Nirvana, which is the perfection of one's life.

 

[RSB-Refugee]

I have never done anything that I am aware of to make them feel unneeded or unwanted. The statement that you are pulling out of context is meant to emphasize that we have plenty of business without them. We do not depend on their support. We just are trying to figure out what it would take to get it.

Thanks anyway.

I thought your statement, seemed uncharachteristic. I never met you, but you have always seemed, pleasant enough on here. It seems, the players you are talking about, fall somewhere between banger and great. They may feel like they do not fit in with either crowd. Maybe if a couple of them do come in, you could ask them to play some scotch doubles, pairing each with one of the greater players. If I had that kind of opprotunity, I'd be back for more.

Tracy

 

[cheesemouse]

Tammie,

You maybe are doing a better job than you think. The service industry is very fickle and then to add the mentality of the pool hall/pool player into the mix makes it more difficult. I use to run four restaurant/bars at once. We started out small and followed the dollar. In following the dollar the pool tables were pushed out the door. The Cheers TV sitcom comes to mind, the song that has the line "where everybody knows your name".....it is a slow process but if you focus on your paying customers (ie>know there names) and enjoy the fact that you have a poolroom that is paying the bills it may makes your hours spent promoting the game more rewarding. Don't worry about the ones that will not float your boat....just a thought.....the owners foot steps are the best fertilizer for any business.....

 

[Eieio59]

Snapshot.... I used to really enjoy going to Wichita. Have always had a great time there in both Shooters and Rumors. Don't think I ever visited Sidepockets, though. One of the tournaments that I enjoyed most was the Scotch Doubles event at Shooters.... was really a fun time. I still have a jacket that I won from there and every time I wear it (dang thing must be 15 years old!) I still think about that place. Is Terry still around? I used to see him every now and then at tournaments, but haven't seen him in a while. Be sure to tell him hello for me! Somewhere there in Wichita... I don't remember if it was Shooters or Rumors, there is a characteur(sp?) portrait of me! It was just too cool. I really liked the guy that did those paintings as he was tremendously talented and had done portraits of many players there. I remember both places being very "pool" oriented. Great tournaments, leagues, etc..... that had a place for all the players to play, good and bad.

I think that is where I first saw Gabe....when he really was a "babe"!!!! It's really great to see him doing so well and I try to follow him through the brackets at all of the events. Wichita should be proud!

Tammie

 

[jay helfert]

And mean people are those who don't support your obsessions?



I don't imply it; it's apparent from your own words.



What could possibly be more constructive than, "Be happy with the bountiful blessings you have?"



Why does the absence of a handful of players from your pool room - or is it just one player? - inspire in you suspicion that pool is "dying away" anywhere?



The elimination of desire is the way to Nirvana, which is the perfection of one's life.

I never thought I would say something like this on here.
"Dracula" or whatever you call yourself, you are an arrogant, self righteous a*******!

 

[sixpack]

OK, now I think I see what you're complaining about.

Tammie: "Mr. Local Legend, I want you to be in my pool hall during hours that I specify and do what I want you to do."

Mr. L: "Sounds like a job, Tammie. What's it pay?"

Tammie: "You expect a guarantee?! Where I originally came from... Louisiana , it was just expected that players would support the local pool room... even if you didn't 'hang' in the poolroom all of the time, you at least came in on special occassions or to practice or something!!!"

Mr. L: "Sure, Tammie, I will. I promise! (I think I'll avoid this person like the plague.)"

What's wrong with you? You don't sound much like 'the zen cueist" or whatever.

Tammy is asking a sincere question. She deserves better than this.

BTW - what two pool rooms in Denver do you frequent?

RC

 

[Dhakala]

I never thought I would say something like this on here.
"Dracula" or whatever you call yourself, you are an arrogant, self righteous a*****!

And you are in violation of the forum rules, as I have reported to Mr. Wilson.

 

[Eieio59]

Thank you, Jay and Sixpack!

"Mean People Suck"..... that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Tammie

 

[Dhakala]

What's wrong with you? You don't sound much like 'the zen cueist" or whatever.

You mean, I don't sound like your expectations of a Zen Cueist or whatever. Expectations are delusions about the future. Try to accept the present as it is.

Tammy is asking a sincere question. She deserves better than this.

Tammie's question is, "How can I get even more than the many blessings that I already have?" as far as I can tell. I have given her the appropriate answer: stop trying.

BTW - what two pool rooms in Denver do you frequent?

Tarantula Billiard Cafe' and the Famous Door II.



RC[/QUOTE]

 

[Pushout]

Thinking that the "Ignore" feature would work well in this case.

 

[sixpack]

Where I originally came from... Louisiana , it was just expected that players would support the local pool room. Not only could you expect action there, but also great practice, opportunity for league and tournament play and, most importantly, sort of a "home town - got your back" mentality. On a recent visit back home, I was reminded of this several times.....once by an old friend who was playing in a tournament at the pool room. Now, this old friend actually owned the competing pool room and has $$ to spare, if you know what I mean. When asked about his coming out and playing in the tournament, he simply stated that you "have to support your local pool room". I found that to be profound. Kinda hit me and made me realize that this is what is wrong with where I live now, in Muncie, Indiana. We have a pool room there, but the "players" don't support it. Of course, every now and then, when we have a special event they may (or not) show up. More often than not, they don't. They don't come in to practice, play leagues or even match up. Nothing. It's like they are content to just play in the bars and have no interest in supporting the local room and/or playing better players.

My question is this: Is this something that is just happening here or is pool just completely dead everywhere? Have the players quit supporting their rooms? What is it like in your area? I have found if you don't guarantee them something, then they just avoid you like the plaque.

Tammie Jones

Tammie,

I used to live in places where the pool halls were supported almost around the clock by the top players, sweaters and rising stars who liked to mix it up. That was Denver in the early-mid 1990's and Wichita in the late 1990's.

In Denver, you could play a different bar table tournament every night of the week and not go back to the same bar for a month. After the bar tourneys, we'd usually end up back at the pool hall that we frequented, the Billiard Institute. Every night until past closing, there would be action. All the road players would be there sooner or later. And they'd get played. We also hung out regularly at Tournaments in Commerce City. Each place had both Big Tables and Bar Tables. The owners had tournaments constantly. There were always at least two weekly tournaments which led to bigger weekend tournaments either monthly or bi-weekly.

A number of my friends worked there, I knew no matter when I went, I would know several people. It was comfortable and easy for me to be there. I could always find action if I looking for it or just grab a beer and hang out.

In Wichita, Scott has already given the layout, but I would say it's very similar. One thing about shooters though, is that if there's 8 players in the room, they'll have a tournament. Then when there are enough, they'll have another. I've been there when they had 3 or 4 mini-tournaments going at the same time.

The room I play at now, does good business, though not as good as any of the above mentioned...but many have gone out of business here (S.F. Bay area). I think the reason they are doing well is:
cheap pool during the day - $3/hour before 3. This brings in a lot of the old timers who play one-pocket. Now everybody knows that it is the place to be for 1p action. Once players come in for that, then there is a weekly tournament (which I don't like the format of much) and a very strong in-house league. I think we have 32 teams of 4-5 players each. League players get practice time at a discount.

A full bar and good music make it attractive to bangers in the evenings.

One other thing in Denver and Wichita was that there was a handicap system for tournaments. The good players complained like heck about it, but it really brought out more weak players AND got them used to competing so they were willing to match up more. I think overall it increased action at the pool halls.

If I ever get to Muncie, I'd like to visit your room.

Cheers,
RC

 

[sixpack]

You mean, I don't sound like your expectations of a Zen Cueist or whatever. Expectations are delusions about the future. Try to accept the present as it is.

Tammie's question is, "How can I get even more than the many blessings that I already have?" as far as I can tell. I have given her the appropriate answer: stop trying.

Tarantula Billiard Cafe' and the Famous Door II.

Your answer, however you rationalize it, was unhelpful and condescending. If you are so out of touch that you can't see that, then YOU need to work on accepting reality a little.

Cheers,
RC