drivermaker
Banned
I don't think there's a player in any sport, especially pool, that has the support of 100% of the fan base. Some have greater backing than others, so what is it about an individual player that creates interest or disinterest?
Is it looks...playing ability...weight or shape of their body...charisma or lack thereof...friendliness...showmanship...money winnings...tournament wins...money player hustler reputation...style of play...or something else?
There are some threads now and in the past where forum members (fans) have voiced their pleasure and displeasure toward various players very strongly. It's quite apparent that Buddha isn't very much of a fan of Jeanette Lee while others think she's the greatest. I don't think anybody has a more divided fan base than Earl. For the most part, Charlie Williams is viewed as this wretched little Napoleanic ogre, however, that seems to be changing over time especially since he played a major role in the winning of the Mosconi Cup. Keith has come under fire here on AZ at times, but was treated like dirt on RSB a year or two ago. And the list goes on and on.
Why? What makes or breaks you as a fan from one player to the next? We've had the opportunity to meet some of the players, but for the most part it's only a perception that we glean from either the written word, heresay, or some TV time. Yet, those same individuals garner either a like or dislike from a similar fan base. What is it which causes that?
A few weeks back, I got the distinct impression that Gremlin wasn't a fan of Jennifer Barretta when some words went back and forth between them. What caused that on his part? What would make the Gremlin, lover of all WPBA members come down on her? I watched her play on TV this past week and was quite impressed with her focus, determination, and playing skills to knock off Karen Corr after taking up the game only 5 short years ago, and she's definitely some of the best eye candy material in the game. She also handles herself professionally and with class in interviews, although some have taken offense at her FHM and Billiard's Digest picture shoots.
But sometimes it's the little things that they do or don't do. Personally, I'm not a fan either and here's why. Since no pictures are offered on her website for purchase and it's ill prepared for those requests, a number of months back I asked her for an action shot playing at the table. Wait a minute...let me retrace my steps...I didn't ask for a picture, I offered to be the FIRST to BUY one and start a new business venture for herself that didn't exist. A number of other women players already have that option going on their website. I kinda got the promise and seemingly the runaround along with an ignore job, so my feelings are, why should I BEG someone to take my money and put it in their pocket if they don't want to, along with building a fan base. Right now, I couldn't care either way whether she develops saddle bags and her ass gets as wide as a sequoia tree, she wins the US Open, or was on a pay-per-view Miss Nude pool tournament. I'm a fan gone forever.
On the flip side of that, I'm a big fan of Allison Fisher and Ralf Souquet for their attentiveness and promptness to a request. A few years ago I took a shot in the dark and emailed a question to Allison about her tip size (yes, that's the correct spelling) and why she chose it. Within 1 hour of sending it out, she replied back in complete detail. I couldn't believe it and was totally impressed. I did the same with Ralf Souquet except I asked what all of his specs were on his cue. He reponded back in such finite detail with EVERYTHING, that it had me almost stunned. At a later date, I had a chance to speak with him at a tournament and he was the most cordial, non-assuming, individual that you'd ever want to meet. He gave his full attention while we were speaking to each other and wasn't looking around the room for something else or a reason to escape as many will based on their star celebrity status. He was a true professional and gentleman.
That's where Arnold Palmer had it right and NOBODY in sports had a greater fan base and love than Arnie did. He always made eye contact, signed autographs, posed for pictures, chatted, and made everyone feel important.
There are others that I have a hard time supporting as a fan, one of which has to do with nothing else other than their style of play. I know Danny Basavich is a great guy and well liked by everyone, but unless he's playing under the 30 second time limit, I can't take it and go nuts. It just drives me up a wall and I can't get past it. Helena Thornfeldt is another one for the same reason. If she didn't have the shot clock running, a nine ball match could last an entire day.
So what is it that makes or breaks YOU as a fan?
Is it looks...playing ability...weight or shape of their body...charisma or lack thereof...friendliness...showmanship...money winnings...tournament wins...money player hustler reputation...style of play...or something else?
There are some threads now and in the past where forum members (fans) have voiced their pleasure and displeasure toward various players very strongly. It's quite apparent that Buddha isn't very much of a fan of Jeanette Lee while others think she's the greatest. I don't think anybody has a more divided fan base than Earl. For the most part, Charlie Williams is viewed as this wretched little Napoleanic ogre, however, that seems to be changing over time especially since he played a major role in the winning of the Mosconi Cup. Keith has come under fire here on AZ at times, but was treated like dirt on RSB a year or two ago. And the list goes on and on.
Why? What makes or breaks you as a fan from one player to the next? We've had the opportunity to meet some of the players, but for the most part it's only a perception that we glean from either the written word, heresay, or some TV time. Yet, those same individuals garner either a like or dislike from a similar fan base. What is it which causes that?
A few weeks back, I got the distinct impression that Gremlin wasn't a fan of Jennifer Barretta when some words went back and forth between them. What caused that on his part? What would make the Gremlin, lover of all WPBA members come down on her? I watched her play on TV this past week and was quite impressed with her focus, determination, and playing skills to knock off Karen Corr after taking up the game only 5 short years ago, and she's definitely some of the best eye candy material in the game. She also handles herself professionally and with class in interviews, although some have taken offense at her FHM and Billiard's Digest picture shoots.
But sometimes it's the little things that they do or don't do. Personally, I'm not a fan either and here's why. Since no pictures are offered on her website for purchase and it's ill prepared for those requests, a number of months back I asked her for an action shot playing at the table. Wait a minute...let me retrace my steps...I didn't ask for a picture, I offered to be the FIRST to BUY one and start a new business venture for herself that didn't exist. A number of other women players already have that option going on their website. I kinda got the promise and seemingly the runaround along with an ignore job, so my feelings are, why should I BEG someone to take my money and put it in their pocket if they don't want to, along with building a fan base. Right now, I couldn't care either way whether she develops saddle bags and her ass gets as wide as a sequoia tree, she wins the US Open, or was on a pay-per-view Miss Nude pool tournament. I'm a fan gone forever.
On the flip side of that, I'm a big fan of Allison Fisher and Ralf Souquet for their attentiveness and promptness to a request. A few years ago I took a shot in the dark and emailed a question to Allison about her tip size (yes, that's the correct spelling) and why she chose it. Within 1 hour of sending it out, she replied back in complete detail. I couldn't believe it and was totally impressed. I did the same with Ralf Souquet except I asked what all of his specs were on his cue. He reponded back in such finite detail with EVERYTHING, that it had me almost stunned. At a later date, I had a chance to speak with him at a tournament and he was the most cordial, non-assuming, individual that you'd ever want to meet. He gave his full attention while we were speaking to each other and wasn't looking around the room for something else or a reason to escape as many will based on their star celebrity status. He was a true professional and gentleman.
That's where Arnold Palmer had it right and NOBODY in sports had a greater fan base and love than Arnie did. He always made eye contact, signed autographs, posed for pictures, chatted, and made everyone feel important.
There are others that I have a hard time supporting as a fan, one of which has to do with nothing else other than their style of play. I know Danny Basavich is a great guy and well liked by everyone, but unless he's playing under the 30 second time limit, I can't take it and go nuts. It just drives me up a wall and I can't get past it. Helena Thornfeldt is another one for the same reason. If she didn't have the shot clock running, a nine ball match could last an entire day.
So what is it that makes or breaks YOU as a fan?
Anyway, I think you got it...fans flock after the folks that have the best personality...the friendliest...the most approachable...those kinds of things. 
Gooooooooo JENN!!