Video interview with Jim Murnak about Pool America Sports

This is a video interview I did to try to explain the idea behind Pool America Sports.

Thanks,
Jim
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ju48ysC68
Jim, I am just finishing the video. I have to step out for a while, but I'll be back to post some thoughts. Very Nicely Done. I Like it!

Okay, I'm back.

I like the explanation of how you envision this project. Within the framework of the city teams, as you have drawn them, it does have ample room for development. I was particularly interested in the coaching aspect. This is a dynamic that many pro's only get at the Mosconi Cup. It requires the player to subdue their own decision making for self, in regards to the efforts of the team.

I also like multiple disciplined formats. One thing I would use to add a little drama to the games, is having the player roster set first, then a lottery type drawing for the game discipline. i.e. Jim vs. cajunfats is already set, then a blind draw for the game. This way, a pair of players may draw a game less suited to their strengths, which can foster team effort. It would balance out over time as others draw.

You have a very good idea. I believe it has the capacity to go well beyond any expectations. Keep up the great work.
 
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I think in theory the idea is great but it may just not be practical to have teams. As you say in the video, if everyone will pay $10 to watch you can make good money but getting them to do that is the hard part... you're absolutely right. Asking the customers to pay to watch pool is very tough. I've worked with TAR many times and see the numbers and it's very sad how few people will pay, even $1 to watch pool. If the stream is free, you could get thousands, but for $10, you may get 50-300 to watch two known pros play each other... if it's live and people are able to bet on it. Now, if you have teams, you have to split up that money X number of ways and the money starts to disappear. Just food for thought. I'll be at Amsterdam tonight and would be happy to talk.
 
Yes

I'll talk to you tonight.

Yes, it is up to the players. This isn't just a game to watch as I'm trying to explain.

Thanks,
Jim
 
Jim -- You, of course, are not the only one working toward a team/city-based future for pro pool. Any thoughts about your venture vs. Bonus Ball vs. Marty Herman's pro pool league idea (and any others). Can they all co-exist?
 
I think so

Jim -- You, of course, are not the only one working toward a team/city-based future for pro pool. Any thoughts about your venture vs. Bonus Ball vs. Marty Herman's pro pool league idea (and any others). Can they all co-exist?


I think they can. In fact those other guys seem to think that there is a lot more money in it than I do, because bonus ball is going to have to see some serious numbers to get their money back. Bonus Ball is an interesting idea and I hope it works for my sake. It is more about getting people to spend money where it helps them, rather then just throwing it away on other sports. I don't mean any disrespect for other sports, but pool players play pool and they spend their money on fights, or football, or basketball. I don't think they want to be basketball players. I think that if they have a place to spend money that can eventually be good for their future, it will be an easier sell for all of us.

As Cleary said, they don't want to spend money to watch two guys play. Probably because it stops there, with those two guys.

I hope Bonus Ball goes big, cause if it does, that will mean that players are changing their attitudes about what pool is. I won't make any judgement about Pool America against Bonus Ball, they are two different things.

Thanks,
Jim
 
Thanks for sharing this, Jim. Wishing you every success.

Your friend, Stu Mattana
 
I think it can work

I think in theory the idea is great but it may just not be practical to have teams. As you say in the video, if everyone will pay $10 to watch you can make good money but getting them to do that is the hard part... you're absolutely right. Asking the customers to pay to watch pool is very tough. I've worked with TAR many times and see the numbers and it's very sad how few people will pay, even $1 to watch pool. If the stream is free, you could get thousands, but for $10, you may get 50-300 to watch two known pros play each other... if it's live and people are able to bet on it. Now, if you have teams, you have to split up that money X number of ways and the money starts to disappear. Just food for thought. I'll be at Amsterdam tonight and would be happy to talk.

Andrew, I think we were a little closed minded when we were talking about this at the predator tour.
Jim I think it will be a test & tune sorta thing. I don't know how many fans the pro's will bring. Like I said maybe a test & tune.
Maybe starting off as new comers & adding pro's as you go along.
Maybe chargeing an admission to new players just wanting to play with the pro's & spreading the word to their
family & friends to watch them play. Anyway i'm excited just to see if (WE) can make this happen.
I can see a creative mind at work Good Luck!
 
good ideas

Andrew, I think we were a little closed minded when we were talking about this at the predator tour.
Jim I think it will be a test & tune sorta thing. I don't know how many fans the pro's will bring. Like I said maybe a test & tune.
Maybe starting off as new comers & adding pro's as you go along.
Maybe chargeing an admission to new players just wanting to play with the pro's & spreading the word to their
family & friends to watch them play. Anyway i'm excited just to see if (WE) can make this happen.
I can see a creative mind at work Good Luck!


Some good ideas.
Thanks,
Jim
 
Some good ideas.
Thanks,
Jim
Very interesting and I for one appreciate the transparency. I think since you have the vision and are actually doing it you should do it as you see it. Nothing wrong with taking advice if you think its a positive improvement. Good luck and hope it is a success.
 
Hey Jim,

Please feel free to post a link to the first match on my facebook page. I'm curious to learn of some of the ways you plan to market an event like this.
 
Thanks

Hey Jim,

Please feel free to post a link to the first match on my facebook page. I'm curious to learn of some of the ways you plan to market an event like this.

Thanks, I'm getting close to finnishing soon.

Jim
 
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