IPT:n tulevaisuus
Valvojat: Johnny Boyh, Tube, Matti Jokela, Markku Ryytty, Tommi Lamminaho
-
Tommi Lamminaho
- Viestit: 3898
- Liittynyt: 20:04 27.10.2004
- Paikkakunta: Kirkkonummi
- Viesti:
-
Tommi Lamminaho
- Viestit: 3898
- Liittynyt: 20:04 27.10.2004
- Paikkakunta: Kirkkonummi
- Viesti:
No emmätiä, ymmärsinkö väärin että shekkejäkään ei näy, ei kuulu? Jotkut varmaan vähän kaipailee ja tarttee rahojaan. Varmasti jotkut biljardia pelaavat opiskelijat kaipais pariakytätonniaan sieltä.. Mä vaan veikkaan että monet kun on satsanneet taateleita tähän (karsijoita myöden), niin pieni harmitus taitaa olla olemassa. On mielestäni vaan todella surullista että KT taas kerran ostaa aikaa itselleen vaikka vasta viikko sitten hehkutti että maanantaina tapahtuu hienoja juttuja. Ihan kuin ei olisi tiennyt tilannetta jo silloin? Kamoon! Hyvä että miehellä riittää luottoa ja tukijoita, mutta onpa tämä vetänyt mattoa alta pois teiltä pelaajilta melkoisesti. Hienoja kisoja ovat varmasti olleet ja nyt tiedetään mitä se voisi olla, eli onhan tää jättänyt jotain meille kaikille.Markus kirjoitti:Tommi Lamminaho kirjoitti:Kiitos Hasse. Todella surullista mutta ennakoitua luettavaa. Jälleen kerran kuitenkin ostettiin lisää aikaa ja jätetään pelaajat ilmeisesti odottelemaan tulevaa.
Mummielesta siina ei niinkaan mitaan surullista ollut.
Ei siina ajan ostamisessa ole mitaan vaaraa, kunhan sina lisa-aikana vain tehdaan kovasti toita Tourin eteen.
Az:talla on kovaan aanee julistettu etta "ohi on - shekkeja ei tule - unohtakaa IPT", ja taisihan se 9-ballikin julistaa jotain tallaista meille jo taalla. Siina mielessa siis kaikki on plussaa..
Minua ei viivastykset haitanne, kunhan Tourin eteen vaan tehdaan kovasti toita..
Tietenkin toivon että saatte rahanne, mutta enpä tiedä toivonko teille enää turhia lupauksia tai samankaltaista odotusta palkintorahojen suhteen.
Toivottavasti siis edes shekit teille tulee, niin uskon edes vähän enemmän.
Tommi Lamminaho
Hallituksen jäsen SBiL, EPBF
Hallituksen jäsen SBiL, EPBF
-
Tommi Lamminaho
- Viestit: 3898
- Liittynyt: 20:04 27.10.2004
- Paikkakunta: Kirkkonummi
- Viesti:
-
Henry Grahn
- Viestit: 380
- Liittynyt: 17:27 27.10.2004
Huonolta näyttää IPT:n kannalta.
Jos KT todella hieroo yrityskauppaa niin se kyllä vie aikaa, mutta ostajankin kannalta olisi tärkeätä että asiasta siinä tapauksessa annettaisiin oikeata ja täsmällistä tietoa.
Jos tuotteen annetaan menettää uskottavuutensa ja maineensa, niin mitä sitten on jäljellä ostettavaksi? Ei mitään. Silloin on sekä halvempaa että järkevämpää perustaa uusi oma turnaus.
Tätä taustaa ajatellen on todennäköisempää että KT vain yrittää voittaa aikaa ja toivoo että riittävän moni vielä osallistuu karsintakisoihin jotta niin paljon rahaa virtaisi IPT:lle että se olisi vielä pelastettavissa.
Jos KT todella hieroo yrityskauppaa niin se kyllä vie aikaa, mutta ostajankin kannalta olisi tärkeätä että asiasta siinä tapauksessa annettaisiin oikeata ja täsmällistä tietoa.
Jos tuotteen annetaan menettää uskottavuutensa ja maineensa, niin mitä sitten on jäljellä ostettavaksi? Ei mitään. Silloin on sekä halvempaa että järkevämpää perustaa uusi oma turnaus.
Tätä taustaa ajatellen on todennäköisempää että KT vain yrittää voittaa aikaa ja toivoo että riittävän moni vielä osallistuu karsintakisoihin jotta niin paljon rahaa virtaisi IPT:lle että se olisi vielä pelastettavissa.
Tarkoitin tuolla sitä,kun AZ:lla kerrottiin että IPT irtisanoi henkilökuntansa (mitä kukaan ei käsittääkseni kiistänyt),ja loppuosa on sitten oma johtopäätös tuosta kaikesta.Markus kirjoitti:9Ball kirjoitti:No niin !
Kaikki jotka ei seuraa AZ:tan keskustelua päivittäin voi kertoa että käytännössä ohi on.
naks
Arvostelin hieman tuossa paria kaveri siita etta ymmartavat suhtselkeat lauseet ihan nurinkurisenkaukaahauetun vaarin, mutta nyt joudun 9-ball itse kysymaan etta mita tama lause tarkoittaa?
Danny Harriman ei vaikuta erityisen tyytyväiseltä.Markus kirjoitti: Oletko muuten ikina miettinyt, kun siella Az:lla ne "fanit" (eli kateelliset, ikina hiekkalaatikolle paasseet surkimukset) julistavat tuomiotaan ja lynkkaavat Kevinia, etta miksi pelaajat eivat nain tee? Jos IPT:n kaatuminen on kerta niin varmaa, (hetkellisesti melkeinpa niinkuin faktana esitetty), niin eihan meilla pelaajilla ole silloin mitaan menetettavaa, mehan voimme olla skeptisia ja pessimistisia ihan niinkuin tekin.
Hello out there
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is it possible that Brady Behrman and Kevin Treadough are kin to each other? Birds of a feather do seem to flock together, I have been officially screwed by both of them as far as I can tell. The American players don't seem to have that Unity as that of the Foreign players who tend to be less stand offish' and look out for one another, I wish I knew the answer to joining everyone together and creating a thriving pro tour where everyone receives the $ for which they worked hard in earning, practicing many hours a day for years, and fan particapation was massive. I do believe the intentions of KT were genuine and not all self centerd, however if you run your business by the seat of your pants you end up with a nasty crease (you no where.) I hear we may have to go to court now to get our $, I hope not cause I have been through that with the UPA and it is a no win proposition.
If I owe someone $ I will go and dig a ditch and work my ass off untill the debt is cleared, some people like Brady Behrman will just let it go and throw away your phone #. WHEN bRADY FINALLY ADMITTED THAT HE LIED ABOUT THE $ ORDERS he then said OK i do owe you $ just sit back drink a beer and take a chill pill and you'll get paid. I believe this is essentially what Kevin Treadough is now saying only he is much smoother about how he words it. If anyone knows what to do about the players forming some sort of Unity then feel free to PM me, I am beginning to realize that this was a fly by night tour that has crashed and landed.
Sincerely, Danny Harriman (1st place at Bob Jewett's 14.1 chalenge)
__________________
Danny Harriman ~ Pro Player
Plays exclusively with Jeff Olney Cues, made in Boone, Iowa!
NAKS, NAKS
-
Henry Grahn
- Viestit: 380
- Liittynyt: 17:27 27.10.2004
IPT on ilmoittanut päättäneensä että Renon palkintosumma $ 3.000.000 pienennetään $ 1.000.000:ksi ja että palkintorahat maksetaan pelaajille kolmessa erässä.
Syvällisempiä perusteluja tai maksuaikatauluja ei ole (ainakaan vielä) annettu.
Huippupelaajien ensireaktio on AzB:n mukaan ollut negatiivinen. He haluavat sen mitä on luvattu.
Ulkopuolisen (kuten minun) on mahdotonta ottaa kantaa siihen onko "tarjous" hyvä tai huono.
- Pelaajilla pitäisi tietenkin olla oikeus siihen mitä on luvattu, mutta ellei IPT:llä ole rahaa niin voiko sen saada oikeusteitse KT:ltä? Mahdotonta sanoa kun ei tunne näiden juriidista tai taloudellista asemaa.
- Jos $ 1.000.000 todella maksetaan niin onhan sekin paljon rahaa. (KT:n taustat tietäen pitäisi ehkä JOS kirjoitta isoilla kirjaimmilla). Ja JOS sillä taataan että IPT voi jatkua, niin eiköhän se olisi pelaajien edun mukaista?
Luulen että KT:n olisi nyt pakko, kaiken vetkuttelun ja väärän informaation jälkeen, pelata avoimin kortein mikäli haluaa saada pelaajien myötätunnot puolelleen ja heidät hyväksymään alennetut palkintorahat. Tilikirjat auki, niin nähdään mistä rahaa on tullut ja mihin sitä on mennyt, sekä millä taloudellisilla reunaehdoilla IPT voisi jatkua.
Syvällisempiä perusteluja tai maksuaikatauluja ei ole (ainakaan vielä) annettu.
Huippupelaajien ensireaktio on AzB:n mukaan ollut negatiivinen. He haluavat sen mitä on luvattu.
Ulkopuolisen (kuten minun) on mahdotonta ottaa kantaa siihen onko "tarjous" hyvä tai huono.
- Pelaajilla pitäisi tietenkin olla oikeus siihen mitä on luvattu, mutta ellei IPT:llä ole rahaa niin voiko sen saada oikeusteitse KT:ltä? Mahdotonta sanoa kun ei tunne näiden juriidista tai taloudellista asemaa.
- Jos $ 1.000.000 todella maksetaan niin onhan sekin paljon rahaa. (KT:n taustat tietäen pitäisi ehkä JOS kirjoitta isoilla kirjaimmilla). Ja JOS sillä taataan että IPT voi jatkua, niin eiköhän se olisi pelaajien edun mukaista?
Luulen että KT:n olisi nyt pakko, kaiken vetkuttelun ja väärän informaation jälkeen, pelata avoimin kortein mikäli haluaa saada pelaajien myötätunnot puolelleen ja heidät hyväksymään alennetut palkintorahat. Tilikirjat auki, niin nähdään mistä rahaa on tullut ja mihin sitä on mennyt, sekä millä taloudellisilla reunaehdoilla IPT voisi jatkua.
Mun ajatuksia tästä tarjouksesta:
-Jos pelaaja päättää ottaa tarjouksen vastaan, hän samalla luopuu oikeudestaan aikaisempaan ilmoitettuun palkintosummaan eli mahdollisuus nostaa syyte tms. putoaa pois.
-Palkinnot pudotetaan kolmasosaan ja nekin maksetaan kolmessa erässä ? 1. suoritus olisi siis yhdeksäsosa alkuperäisestä, eikä muille osille ole annettu aikataulua. Kuulostaa vähintäänkin epäilyttävältä kun mikään ei takaa, ettei erien 2. ja 3. maksupäivät veny vastaavaasti tulevaisuuteen jolloin olisi mahdollista saada taas uusi "tarjous" jossa summaa pudotetaan uudestaan. Palkintosummia on jo leikattu, miksei niitä voisi leikata uudestaan ?
-En ole IPT pelaaja, mutta kyllä sitä monelle tuo tarjous houkuttelee, varsinkin kun mahdollisen "chapter 11" -tapauksessa rahat jäävät saamatta, mutta pelaajien pitäisi pitää yhtä ja tehdä yhteinen vaatimus palkintorahojen saamisesta, eikä lähteä tällaisiin henk.koht. alennusmyynteihin mukaan, kaivaa vaan kuoppaa omien jalkojen alta tai Apulannan Toni Virtasen sanoin: "kusee omiin muroihinsa, mutta joskus nekin murot on syötävä".
-IPT Tourin pitäisi vaihtaa nimeksi IOU Tour.
Mä oon ollu vieläkin optimistinen tän IPT:n kanssa, mutta alkaa näyttää huonolta.
-Jos pelaaja päättää ottaa tarjouksen vastaan, hän samalla luopuu oikeudestaan aikaisempaan ilmoitettuun palkintosummaan eli mahdollisuus nostaa syyte tms. putoaa pois.
-Palkinnot pudotetaan kolmasosaan ja nekin maksetaan kolmessa erässä ? 1. suoritus olisi siis yhdeksäsosa alkuperäisestä, eikä muille osille ole annettu aikataulua. Kuulostaa vähintäänkin epäilyttävältä kun mikään ei takaa, ettei erien 2. ja 3. maksupäivät veny vastaavaasti tulevaisuuteen jolloin olisi mahdollista saada taas uusi "tarjous" jossa summaa pudotetaan uudestaan. Palkintosummia on jo leikattu, miksei niitä voisi leikata uudestaan ?
-En ole IPT pelaaja, mutta kyllä sitä monelle tuo tarjous houkuttelee, varsinkin kun mahdollisen "chapter 11" -tapauksessa rahat jäävät saamatta, mutta pelaajien pitäisi pitää yhtä ja tehdä yhteinen vaatimus palkintorahojen saamisesta, eikä lähteä tällaisiin henk.koht. alennusmyynteihin mukaan, kaivaa vaan kuoppaa omien jalkojen alta tai Apulannan Toni Virtasen sanoin: "kusee omiin muroihinsa, mutta joskus nekin murot on syötävä".
-IPT Tourin pitäisi vaihtaa nimeksi IOU Tour.
Mä oon ollu vieläkin optimistinen tän IPT:n kanssa, mutta alkaa näyttää huonolta.
Mikko Jäntti
Kevinin uusin
11/7 Letter from IPT
Dear IPT Players:
In my last e-mail I told you to pop the champagne. This may have been a
little premature; for that I sincerely apologize. First, I want to clarify
the most important issue. You all will be paid 100 percent of the $3
million prize fund from the World Tournament. You will be paid 100 percent,
in full.
As you are aware, President Bush has signed a new law making online gaming
in America illegal. Online gaming was an integral part of the IPT business
model. Over one year ago I met with representatives at HoCasino.com and
structured a strategy that would combine online gaming with our pool website
and televised pool matches. This business "trade secret" was the magic
ingredient that produced a viable, profitable business model and revenue
stream that would make the IPT a profitable ongoing business enterprise.
The unforeseen, surprise, and sudden outlawing of online gaming in America
dramatically and instantly reduced the IPT's 2006 sponsorship revenue and
additional funding sources by over 80 percent. This totally unforeseen and
unfortunate development has caused a temporary shortfall in IPT revenues.
This has forced us to delay your prize money from the last tournament. Even
with the funding that we have received in the last week, a major shortfall
still exists. Even with this shortfall, it is still the IPT's intention to
pay all players, in full, 100 percent of the prize money promised. We are
organizing additional funding sources now to get you paid in full as soon as
possible. For the future, we have commitments, based on the IPO of Ho
Interactive, of $25 million from institutional investors after the first of
the year.
The funding and sponsorship money that was promised to us was reduced to
only 20 percent of what was originally committed. Other sponsors and
funding sources are being organized now.
Again, I want to make perfectly clear that all players will be paid 100
percent, in full. At this time, due to these funding shortfalls, the IPT
cannot immediately pay all of the prize money. What we are committed to do
is pay all players a portion of the prize money due each week, starting this
week, until you are paid in full. I appreciate your displeasure with not
receiving 100 percent of the money immediately. However, please know that
no one is more disappointed than me.
This situation was created by the congressional legislation outlawing online
gaming. It was completely unforeseen, unavoidable, and came as a complete
surprise to everyone. Partypoker and other publicly traded online gaming
companies lost 70% of their value in one day because of this surprise law.
Investors, including myself, lost over $15 billion in combined valuation
following the signing of this new legislation. Nobody in the online gaming
community or international investor community saw this coming. Because of
it, our investors, sponsors, and funding sources temporarily put the IPT on
hold. We are handling this situation and are doing everything we can to
correct it. Based on this new U.S. law, the IPT's business model is
currently being revised to deal with this substantial change.
Many of you may wonder why I do not personally put the money in the IPT to
pay the players. I have already personally invested over $10 million to
date into the IPT. The IPT must operate as a profitable, independent
corporation to achieve long-term success. Remember, I have the most to lose
if the IPT is not successful. In business, unforeseen circumstances can
dramatically change the viability of an enterprise. Hotel owners in New
Orleans had to dramatically alter their businesses when hurricane Katrina
wiped out their hotels. People who were promised rooms did not receive
them. The hotel owner lost money. Everyone was adversely affected by the
unforeseen hurricane. When an airline is not profitable, it closes down.
Passengers who paid for tickets lost all their money due to the business
failure. The stockholders and owners of the airline lost the most. When
companies fail to achieve profitability they file bankruptcy. All of the
creditors do not get paid. Customers lose, vendors lose, employees lose,
and stockholders lose. These things happen in business all the time.
Business owners do not personally fund companies whose business models are
adversely affected by changing market conditions, new legislation, or
natural disasters. Donald Trump bankrupts companies instead of personally
putting cash into those enterprises. The wealthiest people in the world do
not continually fund businesses out of their personal assets. They have a
lot more money than I do, yet they still don't personally fund business
ventures. To date, I have personally invested more money into the IPT than
any successful business person would ever consider. I took the risk and
invested the money when nobody else in or out of the industry even
considered putting up a dollar. I did it because of my sincere love of the
game, my personal friendships with several players, and my total belief that
a professional pool tour can be an enormous success.
Due to the new U.S. law, the IPT's business model and operating structure
will change. I have $10 million invested in this business and I have every
intention and desire to deal with this situation and make the IPT a
long-term viable business and tour. I have the most to lose. You, as
players, should have a strong desire for the IPT to succeed. If the IPT
continues and succeeds, all of you will financially benefit. If the IPT no
longer exists, we all lose. As players, you should consider being
understanding and supportive of this tour. It is in your personal best
interest to do whatever you can so that the tour deals with this business
model change and continues year after year.
I want to answer directly several questions. Will there be another
tournament? The answer is absolutely yes! Most importantly, every player
will have been paid 100 percent, in full, before the next tournament. Will
there be a 2007 season? The answer is absolutely yes. We are working with
venues and dates now. We hope to announce the tournaments for 2007 very
shortly. Is the Ho Interactive merger completed? No. We are still
finalizing documents for the Ho Interactive acquisition. The delay has been
caused by a dramatic restating of our pro forma and business plan based on
the new U.S. legislation. It still appears to be a deal that will happen.
However, our backup plan is to do an independent IPO of the IPT regardless
of whether HoCasino.com is involved.
Our television coverage on VS in primetime is expanding. Our European Euro
Sport TV coverage is also expanding. We will be announcing further
television broadcasting deals for IPT tournaments. Our broadcasting
partners are excited and committed to the IPT for the 2007 season and
beyond. The IPT continues to achieve more television broadcasting than any
billiard tour in history. We continue to generate never before seen ratings
for billiards. With massive TV coverage world-wide, and strong ratings, we
are attracting major sponsors for the 2007 tour and beyond. Fortune 500
companies look at TV distribution and ratings. We have achieved
unprecedented success in both of these areas. Major sponsors budget a year
in advance for sponsorship initiatives. I will have great pleasure
silencing critics when we announce unprecedented major corporate sponsorship
for the 2007 season.
Please remember that when I launched the IPT we were met with massive
negativity and skepticism. I was criticized for every decision I made by
players, so-called fans, billiard organizations, and competitors. The IPT
plan was the most ambitious and risky business endeavor in billiards
history. I have my own personal money at risk. I have been attacked
personally and repeatedly even though we have, in fact, achieved great
things. Remember, we have paid out over $3 1/2 million in prize money
directly to the players. We have put on world-class tournaments sparing no
expense, providing the best accommodations for spectators and players. We
have paid over $1 million providing free food to players. For the first
time in billiards history we have secured primetime television coverage in
America with a major broadcast partner. For the first time in history, pool
is being broadcast live in primetime in Europe. For the first time ever,
pool is achieving spectacular ratings on television. Major sponsors are
coming onboard.
Yes, not having the players paid from the last tournament is more than
disappointing. Yes, having to cancel a planned tournament is disappointing.
Yes, having to reschedule several tournaments is disappointing. I admit
that our 2006 tournament schedule was overly optimistic and overly
ambitious. If I were to do it all over again, I would have had only one
tournament this year and built the business slower. Creating such high
expectations based on the commitments I received from funding sources and
sponsors was a mistake.
Overall I believe that the positives dramatically outweigh the negatives.
Mistakes were made. I am sure more mistakes will be made. I believe we all
should focus on the positives and the achievements we have made so far, and
focus on the future as we deal with this challenging temporary situation
caused by the new U.S. legislation.
I wish I could call each and every player personally, but time commitments
make this impossible. I would like to personally thank the overwhelming
majority of players who have e-mailed me and left messages offering their
support, understanding, and patience. To the players who have been vocally
negative, I would like to say I appreciate and understand your frustration
and disappointment. I would ask for your understanding and patience. At
this point it would be easy for me to shut down the IPT and have it become
another failed sports business venture like the USFL, XFL, or the dozens of
other attempted sports leagues that have failed. This would be the easy
thing to do. However, my whole life I have received great pleasure in
silencing critics and proving people wrong. To all the nay-sayers I would
simply say, "You will eat your words."
Remember, all players will be receiving checks this week and each week
thereafter until paid in full. There will be a robust 2007 season and
beyond. If you want to play in these tournaments I encourage you to do so.
If you choose not to play in IPT events, that will be your choice. I am
taking the IPT to the very top and whoever wants to come along with me is
welcome!
Remember, the dogs may bark but the caravan moves on!
Very truly yours,
Kevin Trudeau, Founder
International Pool Tour
__________________
Dear IPT Players:
In my last e-mail I told you to pop the champagne. This may have been a
little premature; for that I sincerely apologize. First, I want to clarify
the most important issue. You all will be paid 100 percent of the $3
million prize fund from the World Tournament. You will be paid 100 percent,
in full.
As you are aware, President Bush has signed a new law making online gaming
in America illegal. Online gaming was an integral part of the IPT business
model. Over one year ago I met with representatives at HoCasino.com and
structured a strategy that would combine online gaming with our pool website
and televised pool matches. This business "trade secret" was the magic
ingredient that produced a viable, profitable business model and revenue
stream that would make the IPT a profitable ongoing business enterprise.
The unforeseen, surprise, and sudden outlawing of online gaming in America
dramatically and instantly reduced the IPT's 2006 sponsorship revenue and
additional funding sources by over 80 percent. This totally unforeseen and
unfortunate development has caused a temporary shortfall in IPT revenues.
This has forced us to delay your prize money from the last tournament. Even
with the funding that we have received in the last week, a major shortfall
still exists. Even with this shortfall, it is still the IPT's intention to
pay all players, in full, 100 percent of the prize money promised. We are
organizing additional funding sources now to get you paid in full as soon as
possible. For the future, we have commitments, based on the IPO of Ho
Interactive, of $25 million from institutional investors after the first of
the year.
The funding and sponsorship money that was promised to us was reduced to
only 20 percent of what was originally committed. Other sponsors and
funding sources are being organized now.
Again, I want to make perfectly clear that all players will be paid 100
percent, in full. At this time, due to these funding shortfalls, the IPT
cannot immediately pay all of the prize money. What we are committed to do
is pay all players a portion of the prize money due each week, starting this
week, until you are paid in full. I appreciate your displeasure with not
receiving 100 percent of the money immediately. However, please know that
no one is more disappointed than me.
This situation was created by the congressional legislation outlawing online
gaming. It was completely unforeseen, unavoidable, and came as a complete
surprise to everyone. Partypoker and other publicly traded online gaming
companies lost 70% of their value in one day because of this surprise law.
Investors, including myself, lost over $15 billion in combined valuation
following the signing of this new legislation. Nobody in the online gaming
community or international investor community saw this coming. Because of
it, our investors, sponsors, and funding sources temporarily put the IPT on
hold. We are handling this situation and are doing everything we can to
correct it. Based on this new U.S. law, the IPT's business model is
currently being revised to deal with this substantial change.
Many of you may wonder why I do not personally put the money in the IPT to
pay the players. I have already personally invested over $10 million to
date into the IPT. The IPT must operate as a profitable, independent
corporation to achieve long-term success. Remember, I have the most to lose
if the IPT is not successful. In business, unforeseen circumstances can
dramatically change the viability of an enterprise. Hotel owners in New
Orleans had to dramatically alter their businesses when hurricane Katrina
wiped out their hotels. People who were promised rooms did not receive
them. The hotel owner lost money. Everyone was adversely affected by the
unforeseen hurricane. When an airline is not profitable, it closes down.
Passengers who paid for tickets lost all their money due to the business
failure. The stockholders and owners of the airline lost the most. When
companies fail to achieve profitability they file bankruptcy. All of the
creditors do not get paid. Customers lose, vendors lose, employees lose,
and stockholders lose. These things happen in business all the time.
Business owners do not personally fund companies whose business models are
adversely affected by changing market conditions, new legislation, or
natural disasters. Donald Trump bankrupts companies instead of personally
putting cash into those enterprises. The wealthiest people in the world do
not continually fund businesses out of their personal assets. They have a
lot more money than I do, yet they still don't personally fund business
ventures. To date, I have personally invested more money into the IPT than
any successful business person would ever consider. I took the risk and
invested the money when nobody else in or out of the industry even
considered putting up a dollar. I did it because of my sincere love of the
game, my personal friendships with several players, and my total belief that
a professional pool tour can be an enormous success.
Due to the new U.S. law, the IPT's business model and operating structure
will change. I have $10 million invested in this business and I have every
intention and desire to deal with this situation and make the IPT a
long-term viable business and tour. I have the most to lose. You, as
players, should have a strong desire for the IPT to succeed. If the IPT
continues and succeeds, all of you will financially benefit. If the IPT no
longer exists, we all lose. As players, you should consider being
understanding and supportive of this tour. It is in your personal best
interest to do whatever you can so that the tour deals with this business
model change and continues year after year.
I want to answer directly several questions. Will there be another
tournament? The answer is absolutely yes! Most importantly, every player
will have been paid 100 percent, in full, before the next tournament. Will
there be a 2007 season? The answer is absolutely yes. We are working with
venues and dates now. We hope to announce the tournaments for 2007 very
shortly. Is the Ho Interactive merger completed? No. We are still
finalizing documents for the Ho Interactive acquisition. The delay has been
caused by a dramatic restating of our pro forma and business plan based on
the new U.S. legislation. It still appears to be a deal that will happen.
However, our backup plan is to do an independent IPO of the IPT regardless
of whether HoCasino.com is involved.
Our television coverage on VS in primetime is expanding. Our European Euro
Sport TV coverage is also expanding. We will be announcing further
television broadcasting deals for IPT tournaments. Our broadcasting
partners are excited and committed to the IPT for the 2007 season and
beyond. The IPT continues to achieve more television broadcasting than any
billiard tour in history. We continue to generate never before seen ratings
for billiards. With massive TV coverage world-wide, and strong ratings, we
are attracting major sponsors for the 2007 tour and beyond. Fortune 500
companies look at TV distribution and ratings. We have achieved
unprecedented success in both of these areas. Major sponsors budget a year
in advance for sponsorship initiatives. I will have great pleasure
silencing critics when we announce unprecedented major corporate sponsorship
for the 2007 season.
Please remember that when I launched the IPT we were met with massive
negativity and skepticism. I was criticized for every decision I made by
players, so-called fans, billiard organizations, and competitors. The IPT
plan was the most ambitious and risky business endeavor in billiards
history. I have my own personal money at risk. I have been attacked
personally and repeatedly even though we have, in fact, achieved great
things. Remember, we have paid out over $3 1/2 million in prize money
directly to the players. We have put on world-class tournaments sparing no
expense, providing the best accommodations for spectators and players. We
have paid over $1 million providing free food to players. For the first
time in billiards history we have secured primetime television coverage in
America with a major broadcast partner. For the first time in history, pool
is being broadcast live in primetime in Europe. For the first time ever,
pool is achieving spectacular ratings on television. Major sponsors are
coming onboard.
Yes, not having the players paid from the last tournament is more than
disappointing. Yes, having to cancel a planned tournament is disappointing.
Yes, having to reschedule several tournaments is disappointing. I admit
that our 2006 tournament schedule was overly optimistic and overly
ambitious. If I were to do it all over again, I would have had only one
tournament this year and built the business slower. Creating such high
expectations based on the commitments I received from funding sources and
sponsors was a mistake.
Overall I believe that the positives dramatically outweigh the negatives.
Mistakes were made. I am sure more mistakes will be made. I believe we all
should focus on the positives and the achievements we have made so far, and
focus on the future as we deal with this challenging temporary situation
caused by the new U.S. legislation.
I wish I could call each and every player personally, but time commitments
make this impossible. I would like to personally thank the overwhelming
majority of players who have e-mailed me and left messages offering their
support, understanding, and patience. To the players who have been vocally
negative, I would like to say I appreciate and understand your frustration
and disappointment. I would ask for your understanding and patience. At
this point it would be easy for me to shut down the IPT and have it become
another failed sports business venture like the USFL, XFL, or the dozens of
other attempted sports leagues that have failed. This would be the easy
thing to do. However, my whole life I have received great pleasure in
silencing critics and proving people wrong. To all the nay-sayers I would
simply say, "You will eat your words."
Remember, all players will be receiving checks this week and each week
thereafter until paid in full. There will be a robust 2007 season and
beyond. If you want to play in these tournaments I encourage you to do so.
If you choose not to play in IPT events, that will be your choice. I am
taking the IPT to the very top and whoever wants to come along with me is
welcome!
Remember, the dogs may bark but the caravan moves on!
Very truly yours,
Kevin Trudeau, Founder
International Pool Tour
__________________
-
Tommi Lamminaho
- Viestit: 3898
- Liittynyt: 20:04 27.10.2004
- Paikkakunta: Kirkkonummi
- Viesti:
Uskomatonta p*skaa, nyt meni viimeinenkin usko IPT:hen. Tämä on omalta osaltaan myös ammattipelaajien nöyryyttämistä kun he ovat saatu osallistumaan tähän huijaukseen...vai miten sen sanoisi...hohhoijaa.Veikko Hannula kirjoitti:Nov. 10, 2006
Dear IPT player,
Once again the IPT would like to apologize for this delay in your prize payments for the World Open. We are working diligently to rectify the situation and appreciate your continued support and understanding during this temporary problem.
You will notice that the amount of your check is 11% of the total of what you won in the World Open. In a few weeks, on December 8, 2006, we will send at least another 11% and yet another installment of at least 11% on January 8, 2007. What that means is that by Jan. 8, 2007 a minimum of 33% of your prize money will have been paid. You will be paid the full amount of your winnings for the World Open collectively equaling $3 Million. During the next several weeks, the IPT will be working on other projects that could potentially increase the amount of these payments. We will be examining the financial situation weekly and communicating with you regularly regarding the financial situation. As the financial situation changes, we will inform you of the payment schedule moving forward. You will be paid in full before the next event.
Again, we apologize for this delay and payment structure of your prize winnings. The next several weeks are very important for many sponsorships and advertising projects that are being negotiated by the IPT. We would appreciate your support and encouragement during this time as we become focused on building a successful 2007 season and beyond.
Very truly yours,
Kevin Trudeau, Founder
International Pool Tour
Real Pool, Real Rules, Real Money
-
Tommi Lamminaho
- Viestit: 3898
- Liittynyt: 20:04 27.10.2004
- Paikkakunta: Kirkkonummi
- Viesti:
Kylläpäs tää herättää suuria tunteita. Voin rehdisti myöntää että oon melkein samoilla REALISTISILLA linjoilla aiemmin kirjoitelleiden kanssa. Kyllä hekin varmasti toivovat että rahat tulee ja kiertue jatkuu, mutta ymmärrän heidän fiilikset täysin. Enemmän olen ihmeissäni siitä, ettei kukaan ole laittanut tikkua ristiin asioiden etenemisen puolesta (ehkä on todettu että siitä ei hyötyä olisi niin parempi poltella rauhanpiippua??). Monesti olen sydämestäni sanonut että toivottavasti rahat tippuu ja homma jatkuu ja niin toivon edelleen. Hyvä jos Arzerit sun muut on saanu taatelit, mut miksei muut sitten oo saaneet? Okei jos UPS kuljettaa niin hetki pitempää menee, toivotaan näin.
Syystäkin herättää tunteita, eipä silti, mutta kyllä jotain pitäisi pikkuhiljaa tapahtua. Itse en vaan vieläkään jaksa uskoa että tuosta tulee enää mitään valtavaa pitkässä juoksussa. Internet-pelaamiseen liittyvä lakimuutos kuulostaa hyvinkin järkeenkäyvältä selitykseltä ja uusien sponsoreiden / ostajaehdokkaiden löytyminen voi olla kiven takana varsinkin kun brändi on hieman kärsinyt.
Totta kuitenkin se, että vaikka kiertue jatkuisi rahallisesti vain 11% nykyisestä, olisi se silti houkuttelevin ja suurin (kiertue). MM-kisoissa sentään WPA&Matchroom pääsi yli 11%:n $400K:lla ja maksoikin varmasti heti. IPT toivottavasti lähtee hieman maltillisemmin liikkeelle, varsinkin mikäli fyrkasta ei ole varmuutta. KT sentään löi lukkoon kisojen palkintorahat hyvissä ajoin ennen kuin mistään Ho-diileistä oli pienintäkään hajua (1,5 vuotta sitten) joten ihmettelen mistä alunperin on ajateltu nuo fyrkat repiä, jos nyt syytetään tämän kasinojätin vetäytymistä.
Että tällaista, pistäkää mut mukaan sinne kisaan tai ette, mut ihan oikeasti, kai te nyt tajuatte että realisteja tässä vaan ollaan ja jokaisella skeptisellä on hyvät perusteet mielipiteisiinsä (vaikkakin ne perustuisivat vain netistä löytyneisiin "faktoihin").
Syystäkin herättää tunteita, eipä silti, mutta kyllä jotain pitäisi pikkuhiljaa tapahtua. Itse en vaan vieläkään jaksa uskoa että tuosta tulee enää mitään valtavaa pitkässä juoksussa. Internet-pelaamiseen liittyvä lakimuutos kuulostaa hyvinkin järkeenkäyvältä selitykseltä ja uusien sponsoreiden / ostajaehdokkaiden löytyminen voi olla kiven takana varsinkin kun brändi on hieman kärsinyt.
Totta kuitenkin se, että vaikka kiertue jatkuisi rahallisesti vain 11% nykyisestä, olisi se silti houkuttelevin ja suurin (kiertue). MM-kisoissa sentään WPA&Matchroom pääsi yli 11%:n $400K:lla ja maksoikin varmasti heti. IPT toivottavasti lähtee hieman maltillisemmin liikkeelle, varsinkin mikäli fyrkasta ei ole varmuutta. KT sentään löi lukkoon kisojen palkintorahat hyvissä ajoin ennen kuin mistään Ho-diileistä oli pienintäkään hajua (1,5 vuotta sitten) joten ihmettelen mistä alunperin on ajateltu nuo fyrkat repiä, jos nyt syytetään tämän kasinojätin vetäytymistä.
Että tällaista, pistäkää mut mukaan sinne kisaan tai ette, mut ihan oikeasti, kai te nyt tajuatte että realisteja tässä vaan ollaan ja jokaisella skeptisellä on hyvät perusteet mielipiteisiinsä (vaikkakin ne perustuisivat vain netistä löytyneisiin "faktoihin").
Tommi Lamminaho
Hallituksen jäsen SBiL, EPBF
Hallituksen jäsen SBiL, EPBF