Darren S. said:
So what promoter are now donating their time for the sake of the sport? Yea right. Promoters aren't going to announce how much money they make. If everyone in the industry started bragging or even sharing how much they made then the players would be outraged. People aren't in pool to lose money. I don't care who you are.
Well, now you are of the opinion that promoters are making money these days. I can think of a couple, Allen Hopkins being one of them. I can think of six major events in this year of 2003 that suffered from lack of attendance, where vendors claimed to have not made one dime, and the entry fees and hotel/travel expense for week-long events prevented some pool players from participation. And it is these folks that the UPA wants to charge $1,500 for a goodwill offering of player attendance, these money-making independent tournament promoters.
Again, I believe the UPA should be reaching outside of this cash-poor pool public to promote its organization. Don't step on the very people who keep pool alive for the rest of us.
Originally posted by Darren S.
Also, you keep reffering to Charlie running the show. This just shows that you have a personal problem with him, because the UPA has a board of voting members. Read articles out on the UPA and talk a little with their rep and you will find that Charlie doesn't run the show. When charlie is no longer president will you still make the same claim?
Charlie Williams built the UPA engine and turned the key. As far as a pool player, I would place him in the upper echelon of the current lot. But these legally binding UPA contracts, as currently written, are ridiculous, with the sole aim of benefitting only the UPA and not the pool player.
Tell me where to read articles about the UPA. I have perused the UPA website trying to gain answers on numerous occasions. I have attempted to contact the UPA, but to no avail. I have talked to UPA reps as well as UPA members, current and un-renewed UPA members, non-UPA members, independent promoters, vendors, pool media, industry execs, manufacturers, inventors, cue-stick repairmen, Hall of Famers, and the rail, and to be quite honest with you, most of them are just as much in the dark as I am. I would be interested, though, in learning more about the UPA in an effort understands its mission. Lead the way, Voice of the UPA.
I feel sorry for the poor gentleman who has to step into Charlie's shoes. Hopefully, it will be someone who has integrity, business sense, and is a seasoned person who is capable of looking out for the interests of the pool players as well as the UPA machine.
ManlyShot