Okay, Mia told me that I came across as hostile, harsh and intolerant. It was not my intent, so I’m sorry about that. I have also apologized to Steve, and now I apologize to Jimmy. I didn’t mean to come across like that, but I can see how it is taken that way.
Now, in response to Jimmy:
First of all, Jimmy, my earlier post wasn’t directed entirely at you.
I thought you said something about struggling store owners, but what you actually said was something about “the struggles of store owners”. I understood your point, but still stand behind what I said about thinking outside the box. I’m sure you can come up with ways to fill in that lag time you speak of, and keep the players occupied and interested. What I don’t understand is how a store or storeowner would have a lot of lag time anyway, considering all the other events (non-Pokémon) going on. I mean, unlike most of the independent PTOs, store owners host a wide variety of games like Magic, Yugioh, Warhammer, etc. And, if the other games have busy calendars, I just don’t see how that would leave room for more Pokémon events. In fact, this is precisely one of my big beefs with the few stores around Houston. The other “big” games like Magic and Yugioh get first dibs on the calendar. Pokémon events get to choose from whatever dates are left. We’ve even had tournaments in stores that didn’t carry Pokémon product, because the storeowners didn’t want to start selling Pokémon. I think you (Jimmy) have a different perspective because you are a Pokémon player. Most store owners are not as passionate about the game as you are, so your point of view may not necessarily be in line with other storeowners.
Does it sound like a have a beef with some store owners? It should, because I do. Some stores (not all) make no effort to make their stores family friendly. Some stores carry a lot of material that may be considered offensive by some. The stores won’t go to any trouble at all for Pokemon. Even the restrooms at some of these places are just plain gross. Some stores are dirty and smelly. How do I convince moms and their families to return to the store for another event? Stores need to realize that Pokémon is a kid’s game, and that means they have to cater to mom and dad as well. This appears to be a tall order with some of these stores, who seem to prefer the older teens/young adult crowd.
Keep the free tournaments. The reasoning is simple. More people will play, if they don’t have to pay. Start charging and see attendance drop. What I referred to as being GREEDY are those who are complaining about the prizes. Some people will always want more – no matter what. And the ones that are saying they don’t mind paying to play are clearly those who think they might stand a chance at winning something. So, what does that mean? Those who know they don’t stand a chance won’t want to pay… and really, they shouldn’t have to. We want everyone to pay an entry fee, so that the few players who win can get more? Now, that’s crazy! Yes, I know that there are more than just a few players who win, but in the big scheme of things, it’s really just a very small number. There’s nothing wrong with the prizes. If people want to pay to win additional prizes, I think TOs can work that out themselves, right? It shouldn’t be an across the board PUI official thing.
We’re dealing with the same greediness right now, as players are asking why the prizes are so small for Battle Roads, and why aren’t there prizes for everyone like Regionals… and just all kinds of “we want more” messages.
Of course there’s a HUGE difference between Regionals and Battle Roads. I don’t think I said anything to the contrary. I was just pointing out that PUI listens, and that they gave us more events by adding another Battle Roads series after Regionals.
Speaking of Regionals, and seeing that we both agree that Regionals are BIG and important events, I don’t see the logic in “monthly Regionals” that you said Yugioh has. How can such a big event be held monthly? It just doesn’t make sense… Well, actually, I might see the logic in it now. The obvious thing here is that Yugioh’s “Regionals” are nothing more than just “monthly tournaments”. I suppose the intent could have been to fool players and organizers into thinking that they are participating in a BIG, prestigious event. “I know, let’s give our players monthly tournaments and let’s call them “Regionals” to make them sound more special”…. LOL..
I don’t really have a problem with the ratings and rankings. I don’t think it’s perfect. In fact, I believe it is flawed, but I don’t think it is unfair. I’m sure PUI is doing whatever it can to improve it. Although it does not affect me directly, it does affect Austin (my son), and if you asked him or Mia, they would tell you they don’t like the ratings system either. But, they aren’t complaining.
Last year, Austin won Regionals. Of course it would have been nice if he had won a trip + invite to Worlds, but that didn’t happen. Fortunately, he made it through the grinder. This year, he didn’t win Regionals, but he came in third. In fact this season, he had a really good and consistent showing all season, but he ran into some obstacles a couple of times, and those cost him some major points.. He’s not exactly sitting pretty in the rankings right now. It’s very possible that he won’t get an invite at all. Last year, after winning Regionals, he had lost enough points at Nationals to put him just under the rankings cutoff for the World invites. So of course, all this stuff about prizes and trips being awarded, and rating points, etc, affects me. Again, it’s not perfect, I’m just saying it’s fair. And knowing PUI, if they find way to improve it, they will. Still, I’m sure there’ll be lots of complaints that whatever PUI does will not be good enough for some.
The part about becoming a TO or doing more to help increase events was directed at those who constantly whine about not having more events to go to -- not at you. It’s obvious that part doesn’t apply to you. Why would I suggest that you become a TO when you already are?
Do you think that maybe, PUI sees the World Championship as an event were the Nationals winners from all over compete for the World Championships? It does make sense doesn’t it? Whether it’s what we would like or not, it makes a lot of sense.
I think we just got spoiled when the prizes were so much more, and it was so much easier to get into Worlds. But that sort of thing happens with a new program. PUI resources were allocated in such a way to place a greater importance in developing local (US) players first (which is why there was such an imbalance in the prize structure). When that was accomplished and as the POP program began to take shape in the US, more resources were directed to international OP. This resulted in the US players feeling like they had so much taken away from them. In reality, while some of the prizes were taken away, PUI is doing more for the players in the form of more local events.
Yes, I’m a simple man… with a simple mind. I just don’t understand why players can’t just enjoy this game for what it is.
And to the guy, who doesn’t want scholarships for prizes: Hey man, I’ll make you a promise right now. If you win a scholarship, come and look for me. I’ll gladly trade you boxes of cards for your scholarship.
See y'all at Nationals.
