Plain and simple, they make a simple game look so hard, and then the jack-off commentators who never play pool make it sound like they make the game look so easy. If they wanna make us sit there and watch this for so long then how about some more ass shots there my good camera man? I think they implemented a shot clock just for them. Heaven forbid they were given the time to think about every damn shot. Oh the consequences, they could turn a 9-ball match into a reality series.
What I hate about televised WPBA
- Thread starter Buddha Jones
- Start date
THE CROWD. They clap after every shot no matter how easy it is. They even clap when a player makes a ball and snookers themselves....most of the crowd has no clue. Now go to the U.S.OPEN, most of the crowd can put 3 and 4 packs together. Very knowledgable crowd.
EL'nino said:
How is this different than any other sport? There are a lot of people that spectate basketball that know nothing about the game. I know many people that watch football that have never put on pads.
I like the fact that there are none pool players that are watching and that there is at least some pool on TV.
Same here. Awful, awful crowd. Are these fools being cued to clap?EL'nino said:
I'd go nuts if I were there watching with them. I swear I'd stand up and question them, " are you gonna freakin' applaud on every shot other than a pushout?".
Well, I enjoy watching them play....for several reasons. I understand all the balah about ESPN Pool, but:
1. They are better players than me
2. It is pool, and ESPN pool is better than basketball, or no pool at all
3. It is better than "Trick Shot Magic"
4. The women are certainly nicer to look at .....
5. What else is on TV other than the Weather Channel that is worth watching
mike
1. They are better players than me
2. It is pool, and ESPN pool is better than basketball, or no pool at all
3. It is better than "Trick Shot Magic"
4. The women are certainly nicer to look at .....
5. What else is on TV other than the Weather Channel that is worth watching
mike
Joseph Cues said:Same here. Awful, awful crowd. Are these fools being cued to clap?
I'd go nuts if I were there watching with them. I swear I'd stand up and question them, " are you gonna freakin' applaud on every shot other than a pushout?".
Actualy they are being cued to clap. I have been to a few WPBA tournaments and this is what happens. They are trying to make it more exciting for TV. Is it a good thing? It is annoying to someone that is knowledgeable, but this is what they do.
Great. I thought the canned laughs on the Love Boat was really bad.T411 said:
I saw one time, Lee played safe but the object ball was open. The people still applauded. ESPN's dumber than I thought.
David Bray
Registered
Wpba On Espn
When women are playing on TV first of all the tables have buckets for pockets, a blind monkey could make balls on those tables. Second it's always Karen Corr and Alison Fisher, it's boring after the many many times they play each other not to mention you'll see the same tourny from last week three times again this week. However the thing that make me sick to my stomach with the WPBA is when I saw Karen Corr v. Ga Young Kim for the 6th time in a month in the same final match missing very simple shots that were dogged by both players. ESPN views billiards as a filler between their bowling and world's strongest women shows and it's B.S.! To draw a larger crowd to pool on TV we need high-caliber players playing their hearts out and leaving it all on the table and showing what pool really is. Even when there is only WPBA events shown, I'll not even bother to watch it anymore. I find watching a couple of amatures play in my poolroom than that. But that's my opinion.
When women are playing on TV first of all the tables have buckets for pockets, a blind monkey could make balls on those tables. Second it's always Karen Corr and Alison Fisher, it's boring after the many many times they play each other not to mention you'll see the same tourny from last week three times again this week. However the thing that make me sick to my stomach with the WPBA is when I saw Karen Corr v. Ga Young Kim for the 6th time in a month in the same final match missing very simple shots that were dogged by both players. ESPN views billiards as a filler between their bowling and world's strongest women shows and it's B.S.! To draw a larger crowd to pool on TV we need high-caliber players playing their hearts out and leaving it all on the table and showing what pool really is. Even when there is only WPBA events shown, I'll not even bother to watch it anymore. I find watching a couple of amatures play in my poolroom than that. But that's my opinion.
Well they have espn classic...maybe someone should start a Pool Classics, that shows constant older feature matches of all sorts...one-pocket, straight pool, 9ball, 7ball, banks, snooker. Then they could have slotted 4 hour segments for a 14.1 match between good players that takes a while.
Personally I would love to see a snooker player shooting a maximum on the 12x6 snooker table, would be pretty amazing.
Joseph Cues said:Same here. Awful, awful crowd. Are these fools being cued to clap?
I'd go nuts if I were there watching with them. I swear I'd stand up and question them, " are you gonna freakin' applaud on every shot other than a pushout?".
I agree as well. Why patronize these women? It must be extra embarassing for someone like Allison or Karen when they get a near "standing O" for even horrible shots. They need to strighten out both the fans and espn.
The fact is the idiots in tv underestimate you and I to be interested in a simple but difficult game. They want numbers and to do that they think they have to appeal to the lowest common denominator. They have no life experience much less one in the pool hall and think everyone in this country is stupid. Thats why they tit and ass your pool game and wind up using celebrity cheerleaders. Look at snooker in England or Billiards in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The people there know the game. They take an avid interest in it. That is why there are thousands of billiard halls in Turkey alone. Catch BBC's coverage about snooker where they do exciting entertainment news about the stars but regularly talk about technique, strategy, and excellence in the game. Isnt it a wonder why people are watching network tv less and tuning in to HBO's Sopranos or six feet under. ESPN underestimates you and thats why you hate it. But these pea brains dont have one creative idea or bone in their body. I have never seen so much excitement than in the recent billiard club networks telecast of the Derby. The banks, one pocket, and 9 ball finals was the best that tv can ever hope for.
I wasn't downing the way the women play (some of them play really well) it's the fans who drive me nuts. The fans are at times qued as to when to clap, but not after every shot (even the bad shots) The WPBA has a great thing going and I'm certainly not trying to knock that, I wish them all the best..... BUT THOSE FANS DRIVE ME NUTS. If you've never been to the U.S.OPEN do yourself a favor and go (NOW THAT'S POOL)
I agree.. but the only reason why I watch the WPBA... is in the left corner of my post. I couldn't care if they could run two balls, if they dressed like that! 
Are you guys for real? That is TV and everyone does it. Face it guys, you are just jealous that it is not you on TV. And this has been going on since the 40's. Since they are still doing it I would say that it works.
Would you guys be surprised to find out that all shows are edited? That sex does sell. And people are paid big money, really big money, to direct, choreograph the shows.
I suggest that if they really upset you then don't watch them and just buy videos from Accu-stats.
In the mean time I will continue enjoying them. The Ga Young Kim vs Vivian and Karen matches were a delight.
And for the fans being prompted to cheer - just shows that you never attended a men's match either - because they are prompted also.
Jake
Would you guys be surprised to find out that all shows are edited? That sex does sell. And people are paid big money, really big money, to direct, choreograph the shows.
I suggest that if they really upset you then don't watch them and just buy videos from Accu-stats.
In the mean time I will continue enjoying them. The Ga Young Kim vs Vivian and Karen matches were a delight.
And for the fans being prompted to cheer - just shows that you never attended a men's match either - because they are prompted also.
Jake
jjinfla said:
I hate being on TV. Even if I didn't why would want to be on that. I couldn't stand the commentators. Just because they're still doing it, doesn't mean i enjoy it. I don't care if sex sells or if they edit it. I still get sick of watching it. If I could afford to I would go to every pro tournament in the US but alas I can't. Likewise I would by every accustat's tape ever made. I'm stuck watching the same WPBA match 5 times in a row. Or maybe it's a different match but with the same 2 players, using the Sardo with huge ass pockets. I swear if someone yelled into the corner pocket it would echo. I swear to god they're bigger than the fat chick I lost my virginity to.
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Buddha Jones said:
actually, i think the commentators try to make the game look HARD. they'll analyze an easy shot and make it look like the hardest shot in the world.
it's that way for both men and women. the analyst will talk about how difficult a shot is, when, in fact, you and i know that the PROS should make that shot 99.999% of the time.
T411 said:
I went to the first day of the Mosconi Cup in LV last December and experienced the cueing to clap and the walk down the ramp like prize fighters. The pregame interview like the WWF except that pool players aren't as scripted as those in the WWF - they are more sincere in their comments. I felt that so much was contrived and that the players were so manipulated that I lost interest for the lack of sincerity on the part of the announcers and commentators. Eventually the Pros will become actors and abide by scripted comments to promote the art but that would be counter to the honesty of a lot of pool players that are free thinkers like Earl.
This response is MY opinion only and I don't speak for the room mentioned. ESPN came to Tampa to film the Wheelchair Tournament with a Scotch Doubles final including Earl Strickland and Johnny Archer.
They announced a certain 'start filming time' and Planet 9-Ball hosted a one dollar entry tournament with a payout of $200, $100 and $50 to insure 'warm bodies' in the house to fill the seats and bleachers. As the start time neared,the tournament was put on hold to fill all the seats. ESPN had trouble with their cables and there was a two hour delay. People went back to the tournament and as they were illuminated, many went out the door. They kept calling everyone to come get ready and then, another delay. They took shots of the big Planet 9-Ball sign out in front as promised, but didn't show it. They took shots of the large Planet 9-Ball lighted sign over the bar, whose colored lights keep changing colors, but didn't show it. They kept taking shots and closeups of Planet 9-Ball's owner and wife, but didn't use them or identify them. They kept taking shots of me in my referee shirt (I was the TD all week until filming day), but didn't identify me, either (but, that was expected). They had microphones on all four players and kept encouraging them to 'talk it up', which they did, but they didn't show it. By the time they actually stared filming, less than half of the original crowd had stuck around to watch these big name players. They cued and encouraged the crowd to applaud at every break shot, the winning shot and all shots in between. After each game, there was a 'break' in the action. The race to seven which was won 7-4 took hours to complete and was way too long for 11 games. There were awards and drawings and auctions interspersed, which slowed things down even more. This event turned out to be an all day, time consuming affair. It's difficult to sit for hour after hour on wooden bleachers or padded chairs with delay after delay and feign enthusiasm. When all was said and done and the event finally aired on ESPN, the whole shebang was edited down to about 38 minutes of pool and many shots of sponsor's banners and introductions of representatives of APA, Olhausen, etc. You have to be sure to showcase Ewa and Mitch, Steve Tipton, the Sardo rack, the Olhausen table, Championship cloth, Cuetec cues, etc.,etc.. The spectators aren't clueless and don't clap at every shot until they are cued to do so, repeatedly. Was it all worth the time and effort ? I don't know. But, from a spectator's perspective, I found it all a little too drawn out. I don't speak for the room, but I was dissappointed. There's a lot of work setting up a room to meet ESPN's guidelines and everything must meet with their approval. Afterall, until recently, they've been the only game in town. But, times are changing and there are now new venues for pool pool fans to watch their favorite players. Maybe ESPN will take pool more seriously and stop using it as a filler. I certainly hope that this is the case. The pool matches on the Sunshine Network and BCN are being loudly touted by players and fans around central Florida and of course there's always the EXCELLENT Accu-Stat coverage (which is uncut and un-noticeably edited, with GREAT commentary).. imo..... Doug W.
They announced a certain 'start filming time' and Planet 9-Ball hosted a one dollar entry tournament with a payout of $200, $100 and $50 to insure 'warm bodies' in the house to fill the seats and bleachers. As the start time neared,the tournament was put on hold to fill all the seats. ESPN had trouble with their cables and there was a two hour delay. People went back to the tournament and as they were illuminated, many went out the door. They kept calling everyone to come get ready and then, another delay. They took shots of the big Planet 9-Ball sign out in front as promised, but didn't show it. They took shots of the large Planet 9-Ball lighted sign over the bar, whose colored lights keep changing colors, but didn't show it. They kept taking shots and closeups of Planet 9-Ball's owner and wife, but didn't use them or identify them. They kept taking shots of me in my referee shirt (I was the TD all week until filming day), but didn't identify me, either (but, that was expected). They had microphones on all four players and kept encouraging them to 'talk it up', which they did, but they didn't show it. By the time they actually stared filming, less than half of the original crowd had stuck around to watch these big name players. They cued and encouraged the crowd to applaud at every break shot, the winning shot and all shots in between. After each game, there was a 'break' in the action. The race to seven which was won 7-4 took hours to complete and was way too long for 11 games. There were awards and drawings and auctions interspersed, which slowed things down even more. This event turned out to be an all day, time consuming affair. It's difficult to sit for hour after hour on wooden bleachers or padded chairs with delay after delay and feign enthusiasm. When all was said and done and the event finally aired on ESPN, the whole shebang was edited down to about 38 minutes of pool and many shots of sponsor's banners and introductions of representatives of APA, Olhausen, etc. You have to be sure to showcase Ewa and Mitch, Steve Tipton, the Sardo rack, the Olhausen table, Championship cloth, Cuetec cues, etc.,etc.. The spectators aren't clueless and don't clap at every shot until they are cued to do so, repeatedly. Was it all worth the time and effort ? I don't know. But, from a spectator's perspective, I found it all a little too drawn out. I don't speak for the room, but I was dissappointed. There's a lot of work setting up a room to meet ESPN's guidelines and everything must meet with their approval. Afterall, until recently, they've been the only game in town. But, times are changing and there are now new venues for pool pool fans to watch their favorite players. Maybe ESPN will take pool more seriously and stop using it as a filler. I certainly hope that this is the case. The pool matches on the Sunshine Network and BCN are being loudly touted by players and fans around central Florida and of course there's always the EXCELLENT Accu-Stat coverage (which is uncut and un-noticeably edited, with GREAT commentary).. imo..... Doug W.
Actually Jake I do work in TV. Some of the shows Ive worked on are Will & Grace, JAG, Star Trek Enterprise, NYPD Blue, Judging Amy, etc to name a few. I do know tv and what you are getting from ESPN is crap. There is good tv and bad. Its not jealousy . I think TV could be better and we should demand it to be. It is the right of the people according to the Federal Communications Commission to serve the needs of the people. We have a right to demand better TV! You shouldnt try to stand in the way of good fans who want better pool with your lame analysis. If you want to go back in time there was great tv with all the live tv. Some of the great works like Marty and Requiem for a Heavyweight came from that time. You had people like Rod Serling and Desi Arnaz doing some great things for the public. Why cant we ask ESPN to do the sme. The pool community has stood up and done its part. The stuff from the Derby was mesmerizing on the internet and should be a guidline for tv. And not a bit of T&A in it. Dont you think ESPN needs an overhaul in terms of our game?
jjinfla said: