I'm guessing the value of $30 to you is substantially different than it is to me. If it makes you feel any better, the only place I'd record this is at home which would mean doing it on a 9' Diamond with tight pockets. For all practical purposes, I've been playing for 2 years. Unfortunately, the knowledge I've soaked up here, watching the professionals play on streaming and the lessons I've had from Scott Lee, Stan and Stevie is substantially greater than my ability to play at this point. My shot making ability is quite superior to my CB control and even recognizing some of the obvious routes I need to take to make things easier. So I will run 3 to 7 balls but somewhere along the way will invariably get out of line and eventually leave myself in a near impossible situation. I have no delusions about where I stack up at this point in time. And I also don't see the value or benefit of putting ones self out on the internet.
The good news, to me at least, is I continue to improve. I am now beating people regularly who ran over me and took me for granted 6 months to a year ago. I am competing reasonably well in APA Masters League with the best league players in the area. I realize in the big scheme of things, this doesn't amount for much. However, I am very happy with how far I've come in a relatively short period of time. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, I own and run a successful construction/restoration company with permanent facilities in 3 states. I simply cannot dedicate as much time to pool as I would like but it is what it is. Here's what's most important to me. I love pool and enjoy playing in the various leagues and in some local tournaments. Having been at the table with such great players as John Brumback, Stevie Moore and Stan Shuffett, I have no delusions of grandeur about reaching anywhere close to their level given my age and time constraints. However, I am enjoying the heck out of learning and improving. If I'm not beating the ghost in 9 ball half the time or so in a year or two, I admit I will be a bit disappointed. I will not be devastated though, I do not measure my success or happiness by my pool skills.
So 8pack, if it somehow makes you feel superior by your attempts at ridiculing my pool skills, I'm happy to have contributed to your well being. I have had an incredibly blessed life and feel fortunate beyond belief to also had the good fortune with pool to have come in contact with so many super people and get lessons from some really great instructors. I may well fall short of where I'd like to get to but you shouldn't be surprised either if I invite you to pony up a few thousand dollars and put your money where your mouth is in a couple of years. Age isn't in my favor so I'm not going to make any rash predictions.
The choice is yours.
