UPA Got it right

[DaveK]

There isn't even ONE mention in the American print media about the Mosconi Cup. I believe this to be very telling about pool's status in the States. JAM

First, it does indeed sound like the UPA got it right.

As far as the above goes, I have been wondering about this general lack of print media. JAM, do you know if the Mosconi Cup organisers were sending out press releases to the media ? Do they have a PR firm doing anything in this area ?

Dave

 

[JAM]

...As far as the above goes, I have been wondering about this general lack of print media. JAM, do you know if the Mosconi Cup organisers were sending out press releases to the media? Do they have a PR firm doing anything in this area?

I don't know anything about that end of it. I think the omission of the Mosconi Cup in America broadcast media is awful.

JAM

 

[Wally in Cincy]

... do you know if the Mosconi Cup organisers were sending out press releases to the media ? Do they have a PR firm doing anything in this area ?

I would be absolutely shocked if they were not issuing press releases. Matchroom Sports is a top-notch organization. The problem is none of the papers in the US feel it is worth reporting.

 

[JAM]

I would be absolutely shocked if they were not issuing press releases. Matchroom Sports is a top-notch organization. The problem is none of the papers in the US feel it is worth reporting.

And that is because pool has no NAME-BRAND RECOGNITION. Why would the American media promote pool if there is no fan base?

And I agree wholeheartedly about Matchroom Sport. They continue to provide first-class pool events AND as well keep it equitable and fair, a level playing field to ALL PLAYERS.

JAM

 

[DaveK]

I don't know anything about that end of it. I think the omission of the Mosconi Cup in America broadcast media is awful.

JAM

My point was that it is the responsibility of the event promoter to promote the event, one tactic is issuing Press Releases. There can be no guarantee that any media will pick it up and run it, but for sure you will get no press if you don't.

Last year in Saskatoon Cliff Thorburn came through and did an exhibition. The hall sent a note to the various press in town, and it got some print. There were many people who showed up and paid for a ticket after reading about it. This is not really difficult to do, but for some reason I think that it doesn't always get done.

If the press is being inundated with releases on major tournament happenings and not putting them in the paper, then I agree with you JAM, they bad ! If they are not hearing of our endeavours, then how can they report on them (we bad !) ? Maybe our publisher / forum-sponsor can shed some light on this. Are pool promoters dealing with the press appropriately ?

Dave

 

[DaveK]

I would be absolutely shocked if they were not issuing press releases. Matchroom Sports is a top-notch organization. The problem is none of the papers in the US feel it is worth reporting.

Yes, from what I've seen, Matchroom Sports does a fine job, and being negligent in issuing press releases would not be consistent.

Dave

 

[JAM]

My point was that it is the responsibility of the event promoter to promote the event, one tactic is issuing Press Releases. There can be no guarantee that any media will pick it up and run it, but for sure you will get no press if you don't....

It falls on deaf ears. To them, pool is not a sport.

Last year in Saskatoon Cliff Thorburn came through and did an exhibition....

Funny you should mention him. My neighbor is Canadian, and when I mentioned pool to her, she immediatley said his name. Canadian media must be kinder to pool than the American media.

JAM

 

[Tom In Cincy]

<snipped>I think if you look at the players who have played on the UPA this year, there are a lot of new ones well known road players, they are now trying to become pro's because it's just too tough on the road.
These are the guys if they stick together that will bring the game forward , they are the new breed of player. The difference now is they need to hustle in different ways, which is promoting themselves and the game of pool to get sponsors.
Its still a hustle just not a bad one.

I hope this sheds a little light on things,
Tony Crosby

I thought that the only thing the PROS had to do was to "Show UP"? Now they are expected to 'hustle' in different ways? go out and GET sponsers?

Do you remember why the UPA was formed? The players (Charlie Williams in particular) got together at the US Open (the year of the 9/11 tragedy) when it was announced that because of the very low turnout, travel restrictions and gate attendance, that the payouts were going to be cut back.
The US Open lost a lot of money that year and the players did also.
So far, the UPA has run (or rather Dragon productions in conjunction with the UPA members) some so-so tournaments.

But, nothing like the US Open's class and tradition.

This is so confusing

The pros can't even draw NEW fans, let alone NEW sponsers.

 

[yobagua]

When you choose to become a PRO you are then becoming a business entity yourself. An independent contractor. A pizza maker who opens up his own pizzeria just doesnt come in an make pizza. He must publicize, get out word of mouth, book parties, get creative brochures, hire entertainment, do the plumbing and electrical work, etc, etc besides improving his product. Only the initiative of a hungry entrepeneur will survive. The likes of Jeannette Lee, Grady Mathews, Jimmy Rempe, Mike Sigel, Nick Varner set fine examples. Mosconi did it. I saw him open more pool rooms and super markets than anyone. Of course like any specialist you have to have a management team behind you. Which I think is why Charlie Williams gave up the reins to Dragon Prods. while still holding interest in it.
With the talent pool as it is any one can knock you out of a tournament. You have to have more than just pool playing skills. Or you will be left behind. I see Kid Delicious is now coming out with tapes and is teaching. GOOD FOR HIM! If Minnesota Fats was still around you can bet he'd gladly become a spokesman for Jenny Craig to change his nom-de-plume as Minnesota Slim.

 

[LAMas]

As my friend Buttermilk used to say, "that you are lucky to be unlucky to not be good at pool". It is near impossible to be fiscally solvent pursueing a carrier at pool. Last I remember, you need to make money at some point in order to write off the losses. The losses include food and lodging while working away from home, entry fees, equipment and the cumulative cost of table time.

There are no scholerships or low interest educational loans to help defray the cost of this education. Though I had to pay for every dime of my daughter's college education I would have been reluctant to pay for my son's had he wanted to take up pool. There are some up and coming shooters that are sponsered by their parents - but few successfully.

The better shooters are those that have time to invest in practice, touring and those that are not distracted by 8-5 jobs. Some may get free table time from a friendly pool hall or a stake from a real friend - but year after year? You got to love it enough to endure the slim pickins.

Times were better when Camel cigs sponsored tournaments and put up good money but then Califonia banned smoking in pool halls and bars. There used to be newspaper ads and TV spots before for upcoming tournaments. Times they are a changing what with Simonis Cloth, shimmed pockets, Pro-Express, alternate breaks, rack your own and Sardo racks etc. arguably for the better but the money is still real slow.

 

[deadstroke32]

Hey, it really doesn't matter if the Yankees get paid or not. The fans pay. In fact, some of these tickets are more expensive than some of the best seats at Yankee stadium and Derek Jeter isn't about to show up at the sandlot to play catch with me every other Saturday. The fact is, pool barely has a product right now. They can't even get their most loyal fans to show up half the time. Besides, I've played a chunk of these guys. You think I'm going to want to PAY to see them forfeit a match? If they can't finish what they start, they deserve what they get. I'll save my money for baseball.


Jude M. Rosenstock

Hay jude how did we get from pool to baseball ? I know u r a big yankees fan but lets talk about pool .I think i know u .we met in aug 04 at masters .i coming to NY at the end of Jan ,Look for a tournment or 2 .when i come to town..Also tell Chris im coming for him .........
And please be in stroke .Deastroke '''<<<------- u'll need to be

 

[poolmouse]

Yeah, that just makes me sick. Some of these tickets are rather expensive (World Summit ranged from $25-$70). What they fail to realize is that this is not JUST a tournament. It's a production with the purpose of entertaining people. If the Yankees walked off the field because they were trailing in a game, I would immediately go to the store and purchase a Red Sox cap and start saying things like, "I'm gonna go get a drink at the bah".


Jude M. Rosenstock

I think the defaultie should be allowed to beat the hell out of the defaulter. Think of how popular that would be!

PoolMouse

 

[pro9dg]

Yes, from what I've seen, Matchroom Sports does a fine job, and being negligent in issuing press releases would not be consistent.

Dave

Matchroom Sport has a dedicated Press Officer, the one and only Luke Riches. His output is voluminous and goes to every imaginable media outlet. But if newspapers, magazines, local media etc do not consider it newsworthy there is little more that can be done. But we must keep on banging at the door.

 

[JAM]

Matchroom Sport has a dedicated Press Officer, the one and only Luke Riches. His output is voluminous and goes to every imaginable media outlet. But if newspapers, magazines, local media etc do not consider it newsworthy there is little more that can be done. But we must keep on banging at the door.

About 4 years ago, the Capital City Classic was held in New Carrollton, Maryland: One-pocket and 9-ball. I contacted every local media in the metropolitan D.C. area by phone and left messages, by letter AND e-mail with the details, listing some of the world-class players in attendance. Nobody in the broadcast media was interested, and I only received one e-mail back from WUSA-Channel 9 stating they were sorry they missed it.

In Portland, Maine, at the $25,000-added Joss Tour Season Finale (won by Kid Delicious), it was a first-class venue with some of the most recognizeable players in attendance. However, the seats never did seem to fill up in the gallery. Genie Man and I were both commenting on what a shame it was there weren't more people to witness pool at its best.

Pool will gain notoriety when the fan base is increased. To date, the American sports broadcast folks seem to think fans would rather watch souped-up lawn mower races, hot dog-eating contests, and fat firemen sliding up and down greasy poles instead of professional pocket billiard players in competition.

Build it and they will come? Not in the USA when it comes to professional pool.

JAM

 

[chefjeff]

About 4 years ago, the Capital City Classic was held in New Carrollton, Maryland: One-pocket and 9-ball. I contacted every local media in the metropolitan D.C. area by phone and left messages, by letter AND e-mail with the details, listing some of the world-class players in attendance. Nobody in the broadcast media was interested, and I only received one e-mail back from WUSA-Channel 9 stating they were sorry they missed it.

(snip)
JAM

Good job, JAM. We aren't really responsible for the results; but we are responsible for the efforts.

If I were an owner of a hall or a pro player or promoter, I'd wine and dine every city councilman, real estate person, media star---every shaker and mover in the community. And I'd figure out how to get them each to a hall to play, whether it'd be in a corporate event or just one on one. Or, I'd take the table to them and their meetings for a show of some kind.

As an example, Scott Lee is coming to Des Moines this month and he told me he's doing an exhibition for Iowa Realty (the biggest around). These people sell houses and guess what goes in these new, giant structures? Pool tables.

I think it is the "little" things like this, REPEATEDLY EXPOSED, that will make people look at pool more seriously whenever a big event is close by. It's not enough to just notify them of an event; they are human and must want to know about it before they will attend and enjoy.

Marketing is a PROCESS, not an event. Things like what JAM did and what Scott is doing, if continued, eventually add up to something valuable.

imho,

Jeff Livingston, marketeer

 

[JAM]

...Marketing is a PROCESS, not an event....

When I first got into business, I decided to attempt a direct-mail advertising campaign in the regional area. I spent numerous days self-designing a postcard detailing the full range of services with contact info. I sent over 1,000 of these little gems to addresses obtained from a mailing list of selected prospective clients. Didn't work. Most people just toss that kind of advertising in the trash can. The key is knowing WHO, WHAT, and WHERE to target. I could have saved a lot of time I had known WHO to get my advertisment to.

In these times, even if the message gets to the correct person, it still falls on deaf ears because of the lack of interest in pocket billiards in the States. Therein lies the problem.

BTW, I noticed on one of the ESPN events that it was produced by Mitch and Ewa Laurence. It is gratifying to know that two people think enough of this industry to embark on such an endeavor in times when pool sits at the bottom of the totem pole. It is disheartening to read so many critical opinions about the style of commentary, on the one hand, and then reap the benefits of their hard work and financial investment to the sport, our sport. The two of them should be applauded, congratulated for getting pool on TV, and maybe a little appreciation is due (IMO).

Again, if the professional players AND/OR an exciting pool platform are able to lure in a larger viewing audience, I believe television is the best medium to do so. When mainstream America begins to show an interest in pool, the sponsors will follow. The professional pool organizations will have a product to sell. The players will be playing for decent payouts. And hopefully, pool in the United States will live happily ever after.

JAM [I can dream a little, can't I?]

 

[vapoolplayer]

When I first got into business, I decided to attempt a direct-mail advertising campaign in the regional area. I spent numerous days self-designing a postcard detailing the full range of services with contact info. I sent over 1,000 of these little gems to addresses obtained from a mailing list of selected prospective clients. Didn't work. Most people just toss that kind of advertising in the trash can. The key is knowing WHO, WHAT, and WHERE to target. I could have saved a lot of time I had known WHO to get my advertisment to.

In these times, even if the message gets to the correct person, it still falls on deaf ears because of the lack of interest in pocket billiards in the States. Therein lies the problem.

BTW, I noticed on one of the ESPN events that it was produced by Mitch and Ewa Laurence. It is gratifying to know that two people think enough of this industry to embark on such an endeavor in times when pool sits at the bottom of the totem pole. It is disheartening to read so many critical opinions about the style of commentary, on the one hand, and then reap the benefits of their hard work and financial investment to the sport, our sport. The two of them should be applauded, congratulated for getting pool on TV, and maybe a little appreciation is due (IMO).

Again, if the professional players AND/OR an exciting pool platform are able to lure in a larger viewing audience, I believe television is the best medium to do so. When mainstream America begins to show an interest in pool, the sponsors will follow. The professional pool organizations will have a product to sell. The players will be playing for decent payouts. And hopefully, pool in the United States will live happily ever after.

JAM [I can dream a little, can't I?]

well hopefully the fact that espn/espn2 is showing pool like 20 days out of the month(and for a few hours, not just one) is a good sign. it would be hard to believe that they need that much filler time.

has anyone emailed and asked espn about the rating for pool? i'd be curious as to what kind of trend is going on.

thanks

 

[Wally in Cincy]

has anyone emailed and asked espn about the rating for pool? i'd be curious as to what kind of trend is going on.

thanks

I have read that pool on ESPN normally gets between 200,000 and 500,000 viewers. The highest rated are the trick shot shows.

 

[vapoolplayer]

I have read that pool on ESPN normally gets between 200,000 and 500,000 viewers. The highest rated are the trick shot shows.

well damn, to be honest, the trick shot magic ones are the ones i can't stand to watch........just not my cup of tea.

 

[Danny Harriman]

The upa got it wrong

And your right about one thing obviously, you did not know my reasons for forfeiting the match for right before my match I had a big ugly UPa rep.(if you will) in my face threatening to kick me off the tour if I did'nt (loan him some money) or pay my sanctioning fee which is a major joke and a huge black eye for the upa.