KT had zero to do with killing pool... He set up a tour the UIGEA came along messed him up and so goes the tour...
I wasn't following pro pool back then. What's the UIGEA and what's that part of the story? thanks.
KT had zero to do with killing pool... He set up a tour the UIGEA came along messed him up and so goes the tour...
Everything dies baby thats a fact, but everything that dies some day comes back.
-Grey Ghost
I don't know why some would view professional pool players in that way. To me, it is just like pro football or baseball players. I think if it were viewed the way other sports were, maybe it would have a chance. I know many think it is not an exciting spectator sport, but if competitions were held at beautiful venues like that picture, I'm sure it would be much more exciting. Although I don't watch American football much, the excitement level would not be the same if it was played an an ordinary park instead of a stadium. It all needs something to get the crowd going and makes it profitable. Maybe the IPT's goal was something like this, I don't know. I don't mind it how it is now; in fact, I really like how simple it is. However, nowadays, in order to attract an audience (and big company sponsors) other than people who are already billiard players, I think there has to be a little more... 'something'. Other popular sports get big funds from companies that invest in them such as insurance and big fast food chains. The only sponsors I see for billiards are cue companies and the like, all tied to the actual sport in some way or another. I'm not sure how 'outside' investors would change the sport though... and I will admit I'm not sure if I would personally like it if it changed too much...Pool is dying a slow and ugly death in the United States, but it ain't because of the IPT or Kevin Trudeau. Pool is cruel to its own in America. If the American pool culture thinks pros are "scum of the earth" or "bums with no jobs," as stated numerous times on this very pool forum, it speaks for itself why pool can't get one tire out of the sand. :frown:
The Starship stage the IPT afforded the players for the TV matches was beautiful. I'll never forget it, and I'm glad I got the opportunity to experience it.
A more appropriate title should read, "Why the concept of the classic hustler is dying." Pool is not dead. Pool is not dying.
I wasn't following pro pool back then. What's the UIGEA and what's that part of the story? thanks.
Believe me, it all depends on what part of the country you are in. That's why I wrote my first post as I did.
Pool is not dying because the hustler or rather con artist can not make a living cheating people out of their money by hiding their true skill level?
I think not. It is the thinking that the pool world needs hustlers or the "pros" to grow pool.
There is so much more to pool than hustling, than always having to play for money. Pool will never get the respect it deserves until this idea of hustling is what playing pool is all about.
OK, I googled "UIGEA" and found this article on Wikipedia.
Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006
I can surmise the rest.
thanks
As you suggest, pool is dying because it cannot, and seemingly doesn't see any particular reason to, escape its negative image.
Tell a non-pool player that you're a serious pool player and their first instinct will be to ask whether you are a hustler.
"... the local poolroom — once a civic institution — has almost vanished."
From: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/24/opinion/24wertheim.html
In my opinion…. People still look at you funny when you mention Pool Hall. It has always been seen as a sport for low lives and seedy people. It is sad that most people see it that way. I’ve meet many standup outstanding people over the years, thanks to pool.
Okay, but I've also met some of the seediest and low life forms I've ever known.
The game became unfriendly to children and that to me is the death of the game. I remember having a hard time when I was 14 -15 trying to get into pool halls to play or practice. Forget marketing to kids and encouraging them, it actively dissuades children and builds blockades to keep children out.
There aren't any youth pool organizations that encourage juniors and teach life lessons for parents to put their kids in.
If you are expected to start at the age of 18 or 21 and become very good you are likely not going to be spending those years continuing your education or getting a career started. It isn't setup as a collegiate game/sport and just doesn't do anything to promote a good productive lifestyle if the game doesn't workout or after your career is over.
No billiards scholarships, no youth outreach and a lack of access to the game for youths, it's not really any wonder that the game hasn't flourished.