Like most here on the forum, I’m cautiously optimistic about the IPT. I’m hoping for the best, but see reasons for grave concern. We all want to see this venture succeed, and I, personally, have every intention of supporting the IPT in numerous ways. Our posts show just how concerned most of us are about the promise, and yes, the problems, of the IPT, and yet, there are those among us who repeatedly dissuade us from sharing our thoughts with each other.
While quickly admitting that malicious attacks on the IPT not based on the facts are inappropriate, I must admit that the number of posts in which other posters are asked to stop posting negative things about the IPT bothers me a lot. If you have something nice to say about the IPT, say it. If you have something negative to say about the IPT, say it. If you have nothing to say, say nothing. This forum is an open exchange among pool enthusiasts and no developments having a potentially profound impact on pool are off limits around here.
There are numerous reasons that I find requests to lay low on the subject of the IPT objectionable. Here are a few of them:
1) An incredibly elite group of pool historians resides here on AZB
2) Many AZB members have, intend to, or are considering investing money in either chasing the IPT dream or assisting somebody else in doing so. All of them are entitled to, and most likely value, any guidance that AZB forum members have to offer.
3) Most of us have a stake in the success or failure of the IPT
4) Many posters are experienced businessmen capable of providing great insights
An Elite Group of Pool Historians Resides Here on AZB
Predictions about the implications and likely consequences of various IPT actions or policies by the members of this forum is not, as some dare suggest, mere speculation. On this forum, there are dozens, if not hundreds, who have experienced first hand the rise and fall of many a pool organization. They have seen the rise and fall of the PPPA, the PCA, the PBT and Camel Tour, and many other organizations. They know the signs, both good and bad, that tend to foretell a pool organization’s future. These posters are extremely qualified historians in these AZB parts, and I wonder whether a more knowledgeable group of pool historians exists anywhere. Anytime any of these posters attempts to derive meaning from the actions of the IPT, I am interested in what they have to say. Whether it is positive or negative, it is an informed opinion.
Many AZB Members Have, Intend to, or are Considering Investing or Spending
Whether it is as a sponsor, a player considering trying to qualify for the IPT Tour or for a single IPT event, a fan considering attending an event, or just somebody considering buying an IPT membership or IPT merchandise, many forum members have financial decisions to make, the advisability of which must, at least in part, be based on how they perceive the IPT organization. All such persons are served well by hearing all arguments for and against the IPT.
We’ve All Got a Stake in the Success or Failure of the IPT
As players, fans, pool industry members, poolroom proprietors, stake-horses, or potential investors in the sport, most of us have a stake in the success or failure of the IPT. Even most of those who don’t have a significant stake have a friend or relative for whom this is true.
Many Posters are Experienced Businessmen
Countless AZB posters are amply qualified to place IPT operational developments in a proper business perspective. Their insights make for great reading here on the forum.
In Conclusion
To sum, I think those that think they have a right to insist that others refrain from sharing their feelings, whatever they may be, about the IPT, are out of line. Post away, my forum friends, for I wish to read what you have to say about the IPT, whether it is positive or negative. Post with insight, not with malice, but post!
While quickly admitting that malicious attacks on the IPT not based on the facts are inappropriate, I must admit that the number of posts in which other posters are asked to stop posting negative things about the IPT bothers me a lot. If you have something nice to say about the IPT, say it. If you have something negative to say about the IPT, say it. If you have nothing to say, say nothing. This forum is an open exchange among pool enthusiasts and no developments having a potentially profound impact on pool are off limits around here.
There are numerous reasons that I find requests to lay low on the subject of the IPT objectionable. Here are a few of them:
1) An incredibly elite group of pool historians resides here on AZB
2) Many AZB members have, intend to, or are considering investing money in either chasing the IPT dream or assisting somebody else in doing so. All of them are entitled to, and most likely value, any guidance that AZB forum members have to offer.
3) Most of us have a stake in the success or failure of the IPT
4) Many posters are experienced businessmen capable of providing great insights
An Elite Group of Pool Historians Resides Here on AZB
Predictions about the implications and likely consequences of various IPT actions or policies by the members of this forum is not, as some dare suggest, mere speculation. On this forum, there are dozens, if not hundreds, who have experienced first hand the rise and fall of many a pool organization. They have seen the rise and fall of the PPPA, the PCA, the PBT and Camel Tour, and many other organizations. They know the signs, both good and bad, that tend to foretell a pool organization’s future. These posters are extremely qualified historians in these AZB parts, and I wonder whether a more knowledgeable group of pool historians exists anywhere. Anytime any of these posters attempts to derive meaning from the actions of the IPT, I am interested in what they have to say. Whether it is positive or negative, it is an informed opinion.
Many AZB Members Have, Intend to, or are Considering Investing or Spending
Whether it is as a sponsor, a player considering trying to qualify for the IPT Tour or for a single IPT event, a fan considering attending an event, or just somebody considering buying an IPT membership or IPT merchandise, many forum members have financial decisions to make, the advisability of which must, at least in part, be based on how they perceive the IPT organization. All such persons are served well by hearing all arguments for and against the IPT.
We’ve All Got a Stake in the Success or Failure of the IPT
As players, fans, pool industry members, poolroom proprietors, stake-horses, or potential investors in the sport, most of us have a stake in the success or failure of the IPT. Even most of those who don’t have a significant stake have a friend or relative for whom this is true.
Many Posters are Experienced Businessmen
Countless AZB posters are amply qualified to place IPT operational developments in a proper business perspective. Their insights make for great reading here on the forum.
In Conclusion
To sum, I think those that think they have a right to insist that others refrain from sharing their feelings, whatever they may be, about the IPT, are out of line. Post away, my forum friends, for I wish to read what you have to say about the IPT, whether it is positive or negative. Post with insight, not with malice, but post!
