the sub culture thread got me thinking.

[pt109]

I felt too young in the pool hall playing sometimes. Most of the players in leagues are the middle-aged to semi-retired demographic. I didn't mind hanging around with older people. I did have problems with the older people that revealed their psychological problems during a match.

That's why many of us are hooked to playimg pool.
This game reveals ourselves to our selves.
We get to call ourselves idiots and morons(hopefull humorously).
And then you have a day when it all works.
I call it a sanity window(sanity can be defined as the ability to
cope with your enviroment).
On these days instead of trying to impose your will on the cue,the balls
and the game, you become humble enough to SUBMIT and do what you
have to do.
You become an efficient instrument and get a little glimpse of your place
in the universe.
...maybe the next day you can't do anything right again and you're
thinking of breaking your cue 'cause the damn thing deserves it but
deep down you know you will get there again...

 

[Apocalypse2017]

What we need is:

• 8-10 Teams of players, Matches Mosconi Cup Style, But the entire match between 2 teams needs to take under 3 hours. Have multiple tables, Multiple cameras, commentators that are players and can relate to the Public, Teams need sponsors, TV broadcasts need to be LIVE. Games have to relate to the public, Sorry to say, but probably Bar Box games or a Mixture. There has to be some drama thrown in, Stat's given to the Viewers, etc. etc.
• Or, we need a Reality Show with some hustlers/players either on the Road or in some sort of challenge/vote off type show.
• Or, Pool will just remain the same and people will continue to hope it takes off Mainstream, but I highly doubt that will happen in my lifetime.

The fact is that pool is just not that interesting for non-players UNLESS people get to know the players. Consistentcy is the key.

Out and about with Kelly Fisher fans will come up to here because they recognize her from ESPN. 10 years ago I was at a Camel Tour event in Denver and we were having breakfast at a diner across the street which also had a pool table in it. We mentioned to the bangers that there was a professional event happening across the street and one of them said is that "Asian chick" going to be in it? My neighbor also only wanted Jeanette Lee's autograpgh. THe event was a men's event and eventual winner Allen Hopkins was seated in the booth beside us and those people would not have known him from a bum on the corner.

I don't buy the idea that pool needs to get more exciting during the play. You don't see people sharking the athletes in the olympics, nor in snooker, or gymnastics. Pool just needs to find an identity and stick to it and then let the public get to know the players. And even then it will still be marginal in today's world because it's just not THAT interesting to most people. You can't make them like pool. Golf is also just not that interesting to a lot of people but they know the players they get into the stories.

Waht pool needs more than anything is a consistent tour that's on tv every month and not chopped into Rice Crispy sized pieces. THEN it has a chance.

Oh and pool does need a road trip reality show as well. I think people could get into the subculture and that might spark some more pool playing. Celebrate the glitz and the grit that is pool.

I agree... mulitiple camera angles of many games at once can keep the peoples interest. Some PLEASE make a reality show about pool! Joe Rogan is the key!