Newly Titled: Whicker's Bickers

[meganium45]

Keith, wouldn't that be akin to the Oklahomans thanking BDS for running great events in his area?

Oklahoma is not under the iron hand of Cook, it is the fiefdom of Birch.

All of us close to the game can appreciate the work and efforts of the Cook family....

M45

 

[Lawman]

Vince: I understand Okla. is under MPB for more localized things, but since Cook is running the regional (and didnt he co-run it w/ Birch last year?), that is what I meant by thanks. Having judged at regionals, I know quite alot of what goes on to prepare and run these things. All PTOs who run regionals, states, etc should be thanked and appreciated for bringing OP to their areas, and then some when u look at how far some PTOs go to run tourneys, like you Vince in Nashville (I remember TN states 2004) and Jeff all over NC and SC, among others!

Keith

 

[Rocketman]

To be clear, I don't blame Vince for having his Regionals in St. Louis, I just wish it was not so far away. And I would have gone to it and played had Jeff not asked me to work for him.
Player base should have nothing to do with it, having it at the space center along with the 10th annv. will no doubt draw some new players that like pokemon and will attend the space center but do not play. And the fact that Houston has a big player base and the Cooks do a good job and have not run a regionals yet most likely helped. Will it be moved to Dallas next year, maybe, but with all the whining maybe PUI figures it's not worth it. Especially if the Houstoians put on a good show like I know they will.
But it is about selling cards to new customers. Good idea.

 

[unknown]

Vince: I understand Okla. is under MPB for more localized things, but since Cook is running the regional (and didnt he co-run it w/ Birch last year?), that is what I meant by thanks. Having judged at regionals, I know quite alot of what goes on to prepare and run these things. All PTOs who run regionals, states, etc should be thanked and appreciated for bringing OP to their areas, and then some when u look at how far some PTOs go to run tourneys, like you Vince in Nashville (I remember TN states 2004) and Jeff all over NC and SC, among others!

Keith

Team Cook had nothing to do with running the event, Mike was just the head judge of ten and under.

 

[Whicker]

And now my opponents are resorting to both flaming and claiming false things. And there are still people out there that think that I'm losing. What is wrong with people today?

 

[Spotter]

And there are still people out there that think that I'm losing.

Quite simply, there is nothing to "win" or "lose" here. I think everyone here understands and concedes your point that, yes, in terms of providing the most central location for this event, Arlington wins hands down over Houston. However, that is not the sole basis upon which this decision was made. Whether or not it should be/should have been is an entirely different point, and ultimately it loses out to. . .

Money. It's what makes the world go 'round. At the core, the Pokémon TCG is about money. If it doesn't make money, Nintendo shuts it down. And if you don't grasp that concept, all else is moot (not mute, as many people would mistakenly say).

What you have here is a serendipitous confluence of events that leads to an opportunity that just can't be passed up. (1) Pokémon Regional Championships, happening at around the same time as (2) Pokémon 10th anniversary celebration, which is being presented at (3) Space Center Houston. This is a marketing coup. Not only are you staging the event at what is arguably the heaviest Pokémon player population center in the regoin (which, as you have pointed out, and many have conceded, cannot be sufficiently proven until AFTER the event, but can be logically projected based on (a)league/CC participation and (b)proximity to other Pokémon population centers (DFW, SA)), but it is also being held as well at a tourist capital-D Destination that appeals to the target demographic of Pokémon.

I'm not too thrilled with the idea of going to Houston, either, and it's three hours closer for me than you, so I certainly understand where you're coming from. But I think if you look beyond your personal immediate concerns, you can see how the game can really benefit from this.

Cheers,
S.

 

[HornetsBasketballFan]

wow...Houston is lucky...they have a bad Baseball team that gets lucky...Yao Ming..And now they have Regionals...

Gosh, LUCKY!

 

[Whicker]

I think everyone here understands and concedes your point that, yes, in terms of providing the most central location for this event, Arlington wins hands down over Houston.

So therefore... I... win?

Anyway, what some people in the top need to realize is if you take care of the players, that will ultimately also help with sales (hence, money). Essentially neglecting an entire player base from one of the most competetive-level tournies isn't exactly the best plan of action to gain money. I still have yet to see how this NASA thing will bring in NEW PLAYERS to STAY. And, if it does, how that outweighs the player base of an entire state.

 

[Cyrus]

You have yet to see how NASA would bring in new players? "Pokemon Day" was just a little local thing, yet it was able to turn the Shenadoah (spelling?) Gym Challenge into the biggest qualifier outside of nationals for that whole year! New players and old players resurfacing all went and made that event GIANT. I see NASA's worth being exponentially greater than Pokemon Day's, because people immediately think that NASA=education and if Pokemon=NASA, then Pokemon=education. The attendance for this regional is looking VERY good, I can tell you that. =)

As for winning, I think that Shane hit it on the head: there is no winning or losing when we're discussing, trying to find common ground.

 

[Whicker]

I think you missed my TO STAY part of it. As far as registered players go, the people from Pokemon Day last year did NOT stay with the game.

 

[ryanvergel]

I don't like the regional in OKC or Houston, not because I'm a DFW local, but for the last time, Arlington BEST represents the OFFICIAL region, more than any other area, because only three states make up the Southern Plains on POP's map. I've outlined this once before, and I'll say it again: this regional isn't for Mississippi, Tennessee, or Louisiana. It, by name, is supposed to do the best job of representing as much of the region as possible, and when two states out of three get little to no representation at that regional, then it's time for at least a name change.

Name means nothing.
Great lakes regionals represent states that aren't bordering a great lake =\

Regionals support closer states.

Main Points:
-Houston would support the majority of players
-Houston would help bring a LOT of players, and definitely help raise sales/publicity/bring in new players to the game
-This isn't a game or contest, there is no "winning". I've shown this is NOT a debate, it's a discussion

Conclusion:
Arlington would help facilitate some Oklahoma players, but Houston would better accomadate the majority of players and bring in a large number of new players and add to publicity.

I think the decision for Houston is a lot better. Those who don't show because of the distance to Houston is probably comparable(probably even less) to those who wouldn't go if it wasn't in Houston. Add to that the fact that Houston/Pokemon Anniv. will bring in new players, and it's clear that Houston will yield more players, accomadate more players, get new players... it's clearly the best choice.

 

[Lawman]

So therefore... I... win?

Anyway, what some people in the top need to realize is if you take care of the players, that will ultimately also help with sales (hence, money). Essentially neglecting an entire player base from one of the most competetive-level tournies isn't exactly the best plan of action to gain money. I still have yet to see how this NASA thing will bring in NEW PLAYERS to STAY. And, if it does, how that outweighs the player base of an entire state.

The only "winner" is Houston and the players that attend what will be a great event!!

Keith

 

[Cyrus]

Name means nothing.
Great lakes regionals represent states that aren't bordering a great lake =\

The name isn't even imporant. What is important is the fact that the Southern Plains regional is labeled directly by POP to be the regional for Kansas/Texas/Oklahoma. Whicker's point is that Arlington and the DFW area in general are the superior choice, because it best represents the REGION. If they do not want to represent the region, then one of two things needs to be done:

-Change the states listed that are represented on the POP site, or don't outline the regions at all.
-Make a central location so that the region is best represented.

It's simple: either the regional location should represent the region, or there should be no clear-cut definition of the region to begin with.

As for Whicker, long-term, with all of these giant Pokemon events going down, don't you think it's been picking up a few potential long term players? They don't even have to be registered in POP to be long-term, because if they purchase the product, then the goal has been achieved.

 

[Lawman]

Patriarch: By your analogy, the MS Valley regional should always be in Memphis (most certalized location in 6 states). But, this year, Vince decided to hold it in St Louis, adding many more hours of driving for over half the region! Is there a 200+ post long thread by players griping about that selection?? NO. We dealt with it. Vince is the PTO, he gets to choose the location. He is from St Loius, MO is in the region...guess what...HIS choice! Am I upset with him? No. We probably couldnt make it even if it was in Memphis bc we will go to a neighboring Regional (which is closer to us anyways) and I will be judging again for Jeff there.

Keith

Edit: PS Patriarch....Ididnt mean to lump you in with the "gripers". Should have broken up my post a little bit. Likewise, I only mention the MS Regional location bc it doesnt "conform" to the central location aspect. I am not upset with the location itself for many reasons. Vince does a heckuva great job and his peeps deserve a regional in their backyard (when possible).

 

[Cyrus]

Lawman, your regional is your issue, and if you don't like the location, then you should speak out on it (although you technicaly have right here). I wouldn't even say that players (plural) are griping, including myself. Last thing Iliterally griped about were translations not being allowed for a period of time in late 2004. :tongue:

Your example of your own regional is even more proof that either venue location should best represent the full region, or there should be no definition of a region at all.

P.S.: Please keep in mind that I have not once "griped" about the location in this post; just posted various "for's" and "against's' for Whicker/Jordan's points. I love the location, and if I win this tournament, then victory's that much sweeter.

 

[Lawman]

Patriarch: You are right when you say they (POP) shouldnt put specific regions out there bc then "arguments" "debates" "gripes" "complaints", etc crop up when some feel left out or neglected. Give the many great PTOs out there the tourneys and let them select great venues. They know where they need to go and will be fair IMHO on the placement. Most players who play and travel will go to one near them anyway.

Keith

 

[Whicker]

But that's the whole thing, POP DOES in fact put out specific states in a region. And as long as those are SPECIFICALLY outlined, I believe the PTO should do everything possible to accommodate the region. If they do in fact ever take away the specifics of a region, then maybe I'll shut up.

Ryanvergel's conclusion was terrible. Address my anaylsis and maybe you'll get somewhere.

 

[Rew]

1) Whicker's Bickers-lol (I Love That Name) Tee Hee :tongue:
2) You guys have such long posts...
3) Whicker-Please find a state, other than Texas, that may be closer than Norman to Houston and go play there. I'm looking out of my window and I can see the steam coming from your ears from here. I don't know how far it is from Norman to Colorado Springs, but it can't be that far right. If there isn't a place closer than come to Houston with a friend...
4) Shane-Your posts are too long no one really has the patients to read them and I'm surprised how you type them with Cameron messing with you. LOL
5) Why do you hate this game Jordan?

 

[Spotter]

4) Shane-Your posts are too long no one really has the patients to read them

Well, I don't really think doctors are my target audience. So thus, I'm not. . .er. . .what? Are you sure? Oh. I've just been told I misunderstood your 'patients' comment. My bad.

and I'm surprised how you type them with Cameron messing with you. LOL

Please. I live with that all week. How do you think I manage to put up with the ruckus level at JJK on Sundays?

Cheers,
S.

 

[Rocketman]

wwwwwwaaaaaahhhhhhh
This is why the sooners got whupped by LSU!
wah