The future of pool

When we were doing ESPN tournaments there were 60,000,000+ in their "universe," and now there's 110,000,000+

For sports TV will always rule because of the social aspect. Sports-bars, bars, cafes and other businesses will always gather large crowds for sporting events.

Obviously you can now attach all other forms of media to the TV broadcasts synergistically. The marketing that can be done today is amazing, however, TV is and will always be the catalyst. 'The Game is the Teacher'

That's a great point, CJ. Espn alone has ballooned into Espn, Espn2, Espn classic, espn news, and now owned by Disney. The viewer numbers of today dwarf the numbers of the early nineties as you have posted.

And just think of all the content they need to fill those time lines. They carry the national spelling bee on espn now! So a resurgence in pool is due.

On a side note, about two weeks ago, espn classic had a "black widow marathon" and aired twenty four hours of billiards straight featuring Jeannette Lee from 1996 to present.

So that proves your point right there, espn still believes billiards has an audience, AND that the names and characters live longer than the tournament. So build up the names and personalities and people will show up to watch the tournaments.

The future looks bright.
 
Shelby Stelinga is a trip. But I like him.
And you're right. As I mentioned in another thread, a show can be made about just about any subject matter, and if it tells a good story, people will watch it. The proof of this already exists. And an emotional connection, whether conscious or subconscious, is the key to telling a good story.

I was watching some Olympic coverage during the winter games, and a sport came up that I had never heard of called " slalom downhill snowboarding" or something like that, and they were about to show the final medal run of the remaining contenders.

Without even thinking about it...I was already getting ready to change the channel, so I pulled up the channel menu and started looking for something else to watch. But while I was looking, I could still hear the olympic commentators, and they were going into a back story about one of these final contenders for the downhill slalom medal.

They told a story about an American kid, who had been on USA's Olympic team for this event, but during the qualifiers he could never seem to place above 5th, so they dropped him from the team like a hot potato.

The kid ends up moving to Russia, falling in love and marrying a Russian girl who happens to compete in the very same event for the Russian women's Olympic team.

He manages to get on the Russian Olympic team as well, he goes to the Olympics and qualifies himself for a medal, and its come to down to the final runs of the whole competition....

Here he is now competing against his former team mates, his former coach and his former country....will he make them all laugh ? Will he make them all eat their words?

I was GLUED to the tube.
And ten minutes prior I didn't even know what downhill slalom snowboarding was.

The kid busted open a can of whip ass and took the gold!
And
His New wife took a medal too!

The story is everything. And what's missing from pool media is the story. Who are these interesting characters and how did they get here? What does this match mean to them?

These are the compelling elements that can and should be shared.
But its also critical to the image of the product.

The story that one chooses to tell about pool will make a huge difference in how it is perceived by the masses. Highlight the respectable, and people will think it is. Highlight the shady, and people will think it is.

Great post! EXACTLY what drives media. And the pool world is nothing short on personal stories.
 
with a great TV show as a CATALYST the marketing is unlimited

Despite popular believe, it's not ESPN that "doesn't want pool," it's the producers of pool that have dropped the ball. ESPN wants entertaining programming and of course pocket billiards "can" be an awesome show.....however, the same basic rules have to be followed that have made other sports/games "ESPN worthy".

The good news is this is all changing and professional, qualified people are getting interested in the game.....not just the physical game, it's the characters and personalities that make the game (not vise versa).

It's been proven time and time again with a great TV show as a CATALYST the marketing {PR} and advertising is unlimited (with internet, print, social media etc) and can quickly catapult the game to tens of millions of people.

However, this won't be successful as it's been produced in the past, Pool Shows must be produced with the audience (not hard core pool fans) in mind and give them what they expect (match, pace, lead) and then we can change their perception and their "hearts and minds" will follow. This has been done in every major sport, the reason many can't see it is simply an example of how brilliant they have done their jobs. 'The Game is the Teacher'



That's a great point, CJ. Espn alone has ballooned into Espn, Espn2, Espn classic, espn news, and now owned by Disney. The viewer numbers of today dwarf the numbers of the early nineties as you have posted.

And just think of all the content they need to fill those time lines. They carry the national spelling bee on espn now! So a resurgence in pool is due.

On a side note, about two weeks ago, espn classic had a "black widow marathon" and aired twenty four hours of billiards straight featuring Jeannette Lee from 1996 to present.

So that proves your point right there, espn still believes billiards has an audience, AND that the names and characters live longer than the tournament. So build up the names and personalities and people will show up to watch the tournaments.

The future looks bright.
 
For Real?

The other day I heard an advertisement for a show on cable,(I forgot which network). The show was a reality show about having random families being "selected" for having their fantasy tree-house built in their backyard. ARE THEY SERIOUS ?!? :eek::rolleyes:
People would rather watch this than a challenge match in pool (as its own reality series).
Its no wonder I don't watch TV anymore, I'm sure not missing anything ! :p
 
One is for a documentary on pool and the other one is a reality show regarding the "action side" of professional pool. It appears the game of pool is cycling up and going to be in the public spotlight again.

I know people in the industry are getting ready to prosper. My prediction is a 50% increase in over-all product sales within the next 3 years. 'The Game is the Teacher'


Please don't be that naive. Don't be that guy.

Signing don't mean squadoosh. In LA you can't swing a dead cat without hitting someone who has "just signed" to do something or other. Doesn't mean it will ever go into production, much less see the light of day.

Lou Figueroa
 
Please don't be that naive. Don't be that guy.

Signing don't mean squadoosh. In LA you can't swing a dead cat without hitting someone who has "just signed" to do something or other. Doesn't mean it will ever go into production, much less see the light of day.

Lou Figueroa

In LA, even that dead cat has signed a deal as a movie extra, or prop. ;)

And they all believe they're "on the up and up" to being stars someday.

-Sean
 
One is for a documentary on pool and the other one is a reality show regarding the "action side" of professional pool. It appears the game of pool is cycling up and going to be in the public spotlight again.

I know people in the industry are getting ready to prosper. My prediction is a 50% increase in over-all product sales within the next 3 years. 'The Game is the Teacher'
Can't wait for this!

That's a great point, CJ. Espn alone has ballooned into Espn, Espn2, Espn classic, espn news, and now owned by Disney. The viewer numbers of today dwarf the numbers of the early nineties as you have posted.

And just think of all the content they need to fill those time lines. They carry the national spelling bee on espn now! So a resurgence in pool is due.

On a side note, about two weeks ago, espn classic had a "black widow marathon" and aired twenty four hours of billiards straight featuring Jeannette Lee from 1996 to present.

So that proves your point right there, espn still believes billiards has an audience, AND that the names and characters live longer than the tournament. So build up the names and personalities and people will show up to watch the tournaments.

The future looks bright.
BW Marathon? Damn missed that. Will search that one.

Despite popular believe, it's not ESPN that "doesn't want pool," it's the producers of pool that have dropped the ball. ESPN wants entertaining programming and of course pocket billiards "can" be an awesome show.....however, the same basic rules have to be followed that have made other sports/games "ESPN worthy".

The good news is this is all changing and professional, qualified people are getting interested in the game.....not just the physical game, it's the characters and personalities that make the game (not vise versa).

It's been proven time and time again with a great TV show as a CATALYST the marketing {PR} and advertising is unlimited (with internet, print, social media etc) and can quickly catapult the game to tens of millions of people.

However, this won't be successful as it's been produced in the past, Pool Shows must be produced with the audience (not hard core pool fans) in mind and give them what they expect (match, pace, lead) and then we can change their perception and their "hearts and minds" will follow. This has been done in every major sport, the reason many can't see it is simply an example of how brilliant they have done their jobs. 'The Game is the Teacher'
Sounds like we are in for great times ahead!
As for the "characters" that is definitely true. Many people hate on Earl. But go see him live and you'll see where the stands are PACKED relative to the other players.
I've sat front row many times and he engages with the crowd all the time. And I'm not talking about just when he goes off a little lol. Earl vs. Alex Pagulayan was one I won't forget. Both were great and talkative.
With a tour full of Earl's (minus some of the tantrums) we would be in great shape.
Jeanette Lee is very good with the fans during matches. Vivian Villarreal also.
Just saying that the normal "church like" atmosphere doesn't cut it for most people.
I like watching them all regardless but definitely prefer a little banter, and emotion.
You mention pace too. Even though he's quiet I think SVB's type pace and J. Shaw's too would translate well to new viewers.
Earl has got character and pace for sure!
*****I think if many here in the U.S. could see the upcoming Mosconi Cup in Blackpool we could get everyone HOOKED! That venue, the rowdy crowds. I for one can't wait. I believe a lot of casual fans would be shocked to see that and pleasantly surprised!!
 
Relax, businesses don't disclose this information, not because they are spiteful towards you or anyone else.....it's kept proprietary to keep the "haters" from going ballistic and potentially committing an AOPBT (act of pool business terrorism) ......we don't want "home pool land security" to get involved. ;) 'The Game is the Teacher'

dont-try-to-win-over-the-haters-you-are-not-the-jackass-whisperer.jpg






CJ,

Are you referring to me as hater? I like to think myself a realist. I did ask you who was forming these kinds of companies and how I could support them did I not?

I don't see that you've provided an answer.
 
No, I've not seen you write anything that would classify you as a "hater"

No, I've not seen you write anything that would classify you as a "hater"......they do exist though, just not on azbilliards.

That's why I started my response with "relax"....the "haters" innuendo came up about why businesses keep information proprietary.....there are those in this world that like to see businesses fail, not just in the "pool world," in most of the world. 'The Game is the Teacher'


Relax, businesses don't disclose this information, not because they are spiteful towards you or anyone else.....it's kept proprietary to keep the "haters" from going ballistic and potentially committing an AOPBT (act of pool business terrorism) ......we don't want "home pool land security" to get involved. ;) 'The Game is the Teacher'

dont-try-to-win-over-the-haters-you-are-not-the-jackass-whisperer.jpg







CJ,

Are you referring to me as hater? I like to think myself a realist. I did ask you who was forming these kinds of companies and how I could support them did I not?

I don't see that you've provided an answer.
 
sorry you feel that way


Please don't be that naive. Don't be that guy.

Signing don't mean squadoosh. In LA you can't swing a dead cat without hitting someone who has "just signed" to do something or other. Doesn't mean it will ever go into production, much less see the light of day.

Lou Figueroa
 
emotions drive people to react a certain way, and then {and only then} invest time

You are on the right track, and there's much more. It's not about the tour, or even the game until there's an emotional attachment....people make decisions emotionally, not logically. There's a science to this process and the "pool world" has chosen to do the opposite of what the "sports world" has done to become successful..... the results verify what can happen to entire sport or game if it doesn't keep up with the times.

You can see it everyday in your everyday life and even on this forum.....emotions drive people to react a predictable way, then {and only then} invest time, money and input.




Sounds like we are in for great times ahead!
As for the "characters" that is definitely true. Many people hate on Earl. But go see him live and you'll see where the stands are PACKED relative to the other players.
I've sat front row many times and he engages with the crowd all the time. And I'm not talking about just when he goes off a little lol. Earl vs. Alex Pagulayan was one I won't forget. Both were great and talkative.
With a tour full of Earl's (minus some of the tantrums) we would be in great shape.
Jeanette Lee is very good with the fans during matches. Vivian Villarreal also.
Just saying that the normal "church like" atmosphere doesn't cut it for most people.
I like watching them all regardless but definitely prefer a little banter, and emotion.
You mention pace too. Even though he's quiet I think SVB's type pace and J. Shaw's too would translate well to new viewers.
Earl has got character and pace for sure!
*****I think if many here in the U.S. could see the upcoming Mosconi Cup in Blackpool we could get everyone HOOKED! That venue, the rowdy crowds. I for one can't wait. I believe a lot of casual fans would be shocked to see that and pleasantly surprised!!

[/QUOTE]
 
lol. CJ, look at me.

Lou Figueroa
no, really look at me
(with apologies to
Elmore Leonard)

Ha! Classic movie. But CJ is hardly Chili Palmer shopping a script. And he is hardly brand new to the billiards industry. So comparing him to the rest of la la land over there is a stretch.

A professional word class player behind a movement to gain exposure to the world of pocket billiards is great. And in the era of ESPN 30 for 30 documentaries, that type of niche sports content is in demand. It's only a matter of time.
 
Emotion

I will agree that Emotion drives the marketplace.

The emotion that I would like to see is when players begin to want and even demand that a portion of their weekly league fees go to support professional pool.

I think the infusion of that kind of cash into pro pool would be a serious game changer and I also believe the pool league industry would benefit as well.

Players who don't play pool leagues might see that playing pool leagues were a way to advance through the ranks.

Now that's what I would like to see.
 
at this stage in my life it's apparent that there is nothing "bad".

It's ok, some people show love in unusual ways...some by stalking, some by criticising, some by even banter on a billiards forum. I try to see the positive in people, places and things, and at this stage in my life it's apparent that there is nothing "bad".

Be that as it may.......

The reality - pool is ready!!!

Whether it's myself or someone else trying to help the situation doesn't really matter. What matter is "someone" is recognizing the opportunity to be of assistance to the game......the game is awesome, although it still doesn't have the means to represent it's self.

Pool, like any other sport or game requires real people to make the difference.....we all have the ability to help the cause and the GAME appreciates every one that tries......I truly believe the payoff will be very beneficial, even if it's just personal satisfaction resulting from charity work......which is the best PR avenue for pool's immediate future.

When I was touring as a professional we did exhibitions, and made appearances to benefit Cancer, Youth Foundations, AIDS, Education, Wounded Warriors type charities and many more.....I've probably done 10 or more in Los Angeles alone with Jay Helfert, The Bicycle Club and The Hollywood Athletic Club.



Ha! Classic movie. But CJ is hardly Chili Palmer shopping a script. And he is hardly brand new to the billiards industry. So comparing him to the rest of la la land over there is a stretch.

A professional word class player behind a movement to gain exposure to the world of pocket billiards is great. And in the era of ESPN 30 for 30 documentaries, that type of niche sports content is in demand. It's only a matter of time.
 
the "American Way" with hard work, discipline principles, creativity & strong desire

There's only a dead end expecting alimony from amateur leagues. They were "in bed" with professional pool at the beginning - that day is long past and the "love affair" is gone.
alimony-main.jpg


Pool will succeed the "American Way" with an effective business plan, hard work, discipline, creativity and a strong desire to succeed where & when others have failed.



I will agree that Emotion drives the marketplace.

The emotion that I would like to see is when players begin to want and even demand that a portion of their weekly league fees go to support professional pool.

I think the infusion of that kind of cash into pro pool would be a serious game changer and I also believe the pool league industry would benefit as well.

Players who don't play pool leagues might see that playing pool leagues were a way to advance through the ranks.

Now that's what I would like to see.
 
I do think that the OP was thinking of a way to get cue sports into the hands of schools and children though out the country. Not on TV, not in league, not to make all a professional pool player but introduce this great sport we love to the next generation. I could care less if pool is on TV, which it will be in the future I am sure because it is a great game and I am sure CJ could tell me how much money people spend on billiards in america, but I 'real eyes' that there is a disconnect from the youth of today from the game. TV is not the future of billiards, the next generation is, and developing and teaching them would go a long way to ensure we have a future at all.
 
"Joe Camel" was one of the most popular children's characters

TV greatly influences the younger generation, that's why they don't allow cigarette commercials anymore.....at one time "Joe Camel" was one of the most popular children's characters, almost as well known as Micky Mouse.

TV is not only the future of billiards, it's been the past, present and future of every major sport. Pool is not the exception, it's the "sample example" of a game/sport that's been "out of sight, out of mind" because of it's absence from ESPN and other major networks.
mH8e1Cwef-cPI-D4rcVCcdg.jpg



I do think that the OP was thinking of a way to get cue sports into the hands of schools and children though out the country. Not on TV, not in league, not to make all a professional pool player but introduce this great sport we love to the next generation. I could care less if pool is on TV, which it will be in the future I am sure because it is a great game and I am sure CJ could tell me how much money people spend on billiards in america, but I 'real eyes' that there is a disconnect from the youth of today from the game. TV is not the future of billiards, the next generation is, and developing and teaching them would go a long way to ensure we have a future at all.
 
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