The More We Tell The Less We Will Sell
- Thread starter Toughcues
- Start date
Wow! So are you a dealer, or a cue builder, or both? 
I, along with many others here, have a keen interest in the various techniques used in crafting a quality cue. As cuemakers are willing to share; my appreciation for just what exactly it is that they do, increases.
At this point in my life, I have no intention of trying to build cues, and even if I did, I certainly feel I have enough integrity to not 'steal' the info shared here. I would like to believe that there are many, many others here who feel the same way.
I, personally, feel that the market is quite congested currently, and that combined with a recession, is what is impacting cue sales, particularly from newer cuemakers on the scene. We are dealing with not only an influx of newer makers' cues...but existing cues that have been around for well over 20+ years, that are still changing hands. We are quickly approaching super-saturation of the market as a whole.
The bottom line is this...the bar has been set for a higher quality cue fairly immediately from newer makers in order to compete. The luxury to learn the craft in a comfortable manner is gone.
Cuemakers sharing info with JohnQ is not the problem here. The problem here is, (and I do not see it as a problem myself), is that in order to survive, the absolute quality is going to have to be there. The cream will rise to the top, and that is what is going to sell...whether there be 100 cuemakers or 1000 cuemakers on the scene.
Lisa
I, along with many others here, have a keen interest in the various techniques used in crafting a quality cue. As cuemakers are willing to share; my appreciation for just what exactly it is that they do, increases.
At this point in my life, I have no intention of trying to build cues, and even if I did, I certainly feel I have enough integrity to not 'steal' the info shared here. I would like to believe that there are many, many others here who feel the same way.
I, personally, feel that the market is quite congested currently, and that combined with a recession, is what is impacting cue sales, particularly from newer cuemakers on the scene. We are dealing with not only an influx of newer makers' cues...but existing cues that have been around for well over 20+ years, that are still changing hands. We are quickly approaching super-saturation of the market as a whole.
The bottom line is this...the bar has been set for a higher quality cue fairly immediately from newer makers in order to compete. The luxury to learn the craft in a comfortable manner is gone.
Cuemakers sharing info with JohnQ is not the problem here. The problem here is, (and I do not see it as a problem myself), is that in order to survive, the absolute quality is going to have to be there. The cream will rise to the top, and that is what is going to sell...whether there be 100 cuemakers or 1000 cuemakers on the scene.
Lisa
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The value of the masters cues will always stay up there,the new guys are struggling to find a place and their prices are quite reasonable for some of the work they are providing.I think its good for the consumer right now if they are in the market for a cue,the good sellers are still moving cues perhaps not at the prices they use to. 
Toughcues said:
Well, you've found us out. I just knew it would happen sooner or later. What we've actually been doing is telling everyone just how easy cue building is so they'd jump right in. Now, they're going to need machinery and lots of it. Machine tool sales help spur the economy. We're just doing our part. I own stock in JET myself. That and a birdseye maple plantation.
This makes about as much sense as you're making.
No offense but this is a CMs community where the sharing of ideas and concepts is commonplace. There's nothing being laid out here that you couldn't find elsewhere on the net. Freedom of information is where it's at. The only secret that's being really well kept here is why we keep doing what we do. For the past twenty years I could have been working for some engineering firm somewhere, making a 5 or 6 figure salary but I wound up here instead. Go figure. This life ain't for everybody.
It takes quite a commitment to put your ass out on front street and try and make a living in this game. Financially, socially and every other kind of way, there's sacrifices to be made. Besides that, your game goes to hell because you don't have time to play anymore.
I used to be concerned as you are, about the influx of all the wannabes and what it's doing to the business. Then I realized, the pond will only hold so much water, cream always rises to the top and what will be, will be. Peace Brother, KJ
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Toughcues,
Let's say every physician decided NOT to share their surgical procedures, and you're next for an operation. You probably wouldn't be singing the same song.
I'm a teacher and I've always shared my materials and personal experiences when someone has asked for help. I also have worked with others that are not as open, and they really aren't the kind of individuals I choose to hang out with.
I'm glad AZbilliards has an area where questions can be asked and knowledgeable responses are given.
JMHO,
John
Let's say every physician decided NOT to share their surgical procedures, and you're next for an operation. You probably wouldn't be singing the same song.
I'm a teacher and I've always shared my materials and personal experiences when someone has asked for help. I also have worked with others that are not as open, and they really aren't the kind of individuals I choose to hang out with.
I'm glad AZbilliards has an area where questions can be asked and knowledgeable responses are given.
JMHO,
John
There are secrets worth keeping and there are overrated secrets too.renegadej said:
Good karma is never a bad thing.
Thread posted by Toughcues
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=74733
So you post as a newbie seeking information on here and then turn around and suggest that cuemakers not share with others!!!!!!! Should they share with you???
There's a wealth of information and help here from some really great people and I for one am thankful to all of them.
Heck, I may even be able to help someone here occasionally and I'd be most happy to do so. I guess no one ever helped you out!!!!!!!
"Thanks to all the wonderful cuemakers who do offer the wisdom of there experience here."
Thanks, Ray
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=74733
So you post as a newbie seeking information on here and then turn around and suggest that cuemakers not share with others!!!!!!! Should they share with you???
There's a wealth of information and help here from some really great people and I for one am thankful to all of them.
Heck, I may even be able to help someone here occasionally and I'd be most happy to do so. I guess no one ever helped you out!!!!!!!
"Thanks to all the wonderful cuemakers who do offer the wisdom of there experience here."
Thanks, Ray
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To quote Black Boar's website....
Much of the information for building cues is already available. Whether here, in books, or now on DVD, it's out there.
I think new cue makers, myself included, have to be in for the long haul. We aren't going to become respected as one of top cue makers in the country over night. It takes time. Scruggs, Mottey, Tascarella, Herceck, etc didn't become huge successes over night. It takes a lifetime of work. It takes being very consistent at a very high level for at least a decade.
Much of the information for building cues is already available. Whether here, in books, or now on DVD, it's out there.
I think new cue makers, myself included, have to be in for the long haul. We aren't going to become respected as one of top cue makers in the country over night. It takes time. Scruggs, Mottey, Tascarella, Herceck, etc didn't become huge successes over night. It takes a lifetime of work. It takes being very consistent at a very high level for at least a decade.
i just saw this new cue ad
one hour cues
cues in about one hour!!!
one hour cues
cues in about one hour!!!
I can walk a guy through every step of building a cue, him using my materials & machinery with my hands-on advice & guidance. He'll get a cue built with my materials & my machines & my knowledge but it still will not be near as good as if I had built it myself. There will be things he cannot perform proficiently because he has not near enough experience. Once he leaves my shop & begins on his own, he'll be tremendously lesser than he was with me walking him through it. I know all of this because I have experienced it a few times over. Freinds & family always want to build their own cue so they come out for a visit & find out the truth. Cuemaking takes skill & talent & an ass load of heart. You'll fail & fail & fail some more but if you have enough heart combined with talent, then you might aquire the correct skill level required to build sale worthy quality. It can't be taught & can't be shared. Only a few will make it, no matter who knows what.
If I cannot walk a guy through building a cue & him learn enough to become a cuemaker, then how exactly is he going to pick up on anything I share in words with another accomplished cuemaker? Even with books, videos & personal instruction available so commonly, we still only have a handful of cuemakers who get paid what they are worth. There may be a lot more of us than ever before, but still only a few of us are making it happen. You can lead a horse to water but can't make him drink.
On another note, I have never met a builder who pioneered everything. They all had help somewhere. Somebody shared. Somebody learned. The art evolved. I see no end in sight. Just go with it & try to stay on board.
If I cannot walk a guy through building a cue & him learn enough to become a cuemaker, then how exactly is he going to pick up on anything I share in words with another accomplished cuemaker? Even with books, videos & personal instruction available so commonly, we still only have a handful of cuemakers who get paid what they are worth. There may be a lot more of us than ever before, but still only a few of us are making it happen. You can lead a horse to water but can't make him drink.
On another note, I have never met a builder who pioneered everything. They all had help somewhere. Somebody shared. Somebody learned. The art evolved. I see no end in sight. Just go with it & try to stay on board.
ridewiththewind said:Wow! So are you a dealer, or a cue builder, or both?
I, along with many others here, have a keen interest in the various techniques used in crafting a quality cue. As cuemakers are willing to share; my appreciation for just what exactly it is that they do, increases.
At this point in my life, I have no intention of trying to build cues, and even if I did, I certainly feel I have enough integrity to not 'steal' the info shared here. I would like to believe that there are many, many others here who feel the same way.
I, personally, feel that the market is quite congested currently, and that combined with a recession, is what is impacting cue sales, particularly from newer cuemakers on the scene. We are dealing with not only an influx of newer makers' cues...but existing cues that have been around for well over 20+ years, that are still changing hands. We are quickly approaching super-saturation of the market as a whole.
The bottom line is this...the bar has been set for a higher quality cue fairly immediately from newer makers in order to compete. The luxury to learn the craft in a comfortable manner is gone.
Cuemakers sharing info with JohnQ is not the problem here. The problem here is, (and I do not see it as a problem myself), is that in order to survive, the absolute quality is going to have to be there. The cream will rise to the top, and that is what is going to sell...whether there be 100 cuemakers or 1000 cuemakers on the scene.
Lisa
well articulated, Lisa....positive rep for you.
buying a set of tools does not make one an auto mechanic. reading these forums and buying videos and cd's does not make one a cuemaker. each can be accomplished with a lot of 'oopses' or pay a 'master' to show you how to do it properly; less 'oopses' and a marketable product will come sooner.
I know a darned fine cuemaker, he's only made two cues. both shoot the lights out over any production cue that I've had in my hands. at 68, he might not make many more cues.
,,,,,,,,,,,j
Rybord said:
sounds like a troll in the making ?
or one reincarnated under a new name ? 
This thread should be subtitled, "The better you SPELL, the more you will sell."
Get hooked on phonics!
Get hooked on phonics!
I think there's a tendency for newbies to AZ, to believe that they are going to offer some profound insight or change the status-quo and thereby make cue building a better profession. Hell, I've done it. There are several of my first posts that I now wish I had never put to type. But I've decided that I'm not going to go back & edit or delete them. Instead, I'm going to leave them up in original form as a reminder to myself to not let 'the mouth out-run the brain'.
Let's be tolerable of one another because we all make mistakes. KJ
Let's be tolerable of one another because we all make mistakes. KJ
There is a cue repairman in every county now adays. I remember when I started, you were lucky to find a guy that could do a half way decient tip. That is why I got involved in the first place. I just wanted quality cue work with out driving 4 hours one way to get it.
