This month’s Pool Synergy is about being thankful. For me, I’m thankful for all the help, guidance and support I’ve received over the last 2 years of really trying to focus on and learn this game. More specifically, I’m amazed by that help because I received it all from people whom I have never met in person! Here some people and stories that I am thankful for:
First, I have to thank Samm Vidal Claramunt (Diep) for initially inviting me to join Pool Synergy after she found my little blog in it’s infancy. Through her reaching out to include me, I’ve met some great people and learned an incredible amount about everything relating to pool. She is so kind, enthusiastic and eager to help out however she can. Thanks Samm!
Shortly after Samm’s introduction, I met Mike Fieldhammer. He is an instructor, pool advocate and billiards supplies salesman. When he read that I was in the market for a new break cue, he sent me an email with some amazing choices, options and procedures involving customer service that I would not frequently get from a local brick store. As much as I want to support locally owned business, his friendliness and determination to stand behind his product is 2nd to none. So, after I finally decided on a break cue configuration, I contacted him with the details, he served it up right away and when something went awry, he had it taken care of so quickly I barely had time to notice there was anything wrong in the first place. Thanks Mike!
Also through the Pool Synergy network, I met this month’s host, akaTrigger, through the Pool Synergy emails and discussion board. Of course, I took notice of her celebrity status over on the AZBForums as well. She was an early follower of my blog (back when I was still on Blogger.com even) and we exchanged many comments on our posts. She is so encouraging and supportive, and over the last 2 years I’ve witnessed her put so much of herself into pool, her blog, her friends, her family, it’s really refreshing to know that people who are genuinely “good hearts” actually do exist. She really is an inspiring person and I’m happy to have met her (virtually). Thanks Melinda!
Through the AZBForums, I’ve met quite a wide array of characters, most of them are all good stories. 😉 For example, when Jim Murnak was releasing his Dressing Up Nes video I critiqued his website’s checkout procedure. He contacted me and thanked me for my feedback, and threw in some free schwag as well! Thanks Jim!
Another great person I met online is Mark Cantrill. He has put together several exhibitions around the country with some of the biggest names in the business. Specifically, he was bringing Johnny Archer and Nick Varner to my town! So, when I offered to help flyer the town to try and drum up some interest, he was very thankful. As it turns out, I actually did end up meeting him in person when he was able to bring the event here. He was such a great host and entertainer. Here’s some evidence. Specifically, the 1:23 mark. Which of course, allowed us all to see just how great of an impromptu story teller Johnny Archer is! Thanks Mark!
However, the first person I met in real life was Gail Glazebrook. We met through the Pool Synergy network as well. As it turns out, she has family in my neck of the woods and would be in town for a weekend. She contacted me and we set up some time to get together. She was also doing a small exhibition with Tony Robles at a local pool room. She is such a sweetheart, and Tony could not be more of a nice guy! I hope to get out to the east coast some day just to get to hang out with those 2 again. Thanks Gail!
There are so many people I’ve met on AZB that have sent me little tidbits of info, guidance, help, encouragement in private messages or just by offering their opinion in a thread that I couldn’t possibly name them all here. To all of AZBF – Thanks!
And while this doesn’t fall under the e-friends category, strictly, (though we did meet, initially, online years ago) I have to say that I’m incredibly thankful for my girlfriend and best friend, Michelle. She has been very supportive in my pool playing, always encouraging me to push harder, practice more and listening to me vent about a game she really doesn’t know very well; but always with an attentive spirit and always has valuable advice to offer.
That’s it for me for this month. Please make sure you click the logo above and hit up all our authors this month! Until next time, happy shooting!