Post by Owners' Account on Mar 5, 2007 19:33:15 GMT
Ok here I am, been hidden for a long time, and nobody really knows why, so thought I would come out and explain myself in this, my last post on this, my forum.
At the beginning of the year it became clear to me that there were other things that I needed to be doing with my life. I’m 26 years old and to be honest, although I have a reasonable looking CV, it flatters me in many ways because there is so much I should have, could have, and should now be doing.
There are some other reasons of course for my departure, but they are private and will remain so. However I would like to take some time now to say some goodbyes, make some things clear, explain myself somewhat and give you a few quick words about the past and more importantly the future.
Of course, when I say a few quick words, Naturally I mean a massively long rant. But hey, it’s my last post on my own forum… so try and stay awake.
First off, I would like to thank you all for your support over the years, and I truly mean that. Right from the word go when I started playing (4 years ago now I believe, have to check with Nigel the stats man) I became chairperson of my local league almost straight off the bat. Not long after it became clear to me that if Bar Billiards was to survive, then it should really be taking advantage of the massive resource which is the internet. I came up with the idea of a simple message forum, one where players from all league in any part of the country and indeed the world could get together, chat about the game, bounce around ideas, promote the game, debate, and generally just get together. Although it started very slowly, allot, and I do mean allot of hard work from me and me alone in the first couple of years, and the wonderful support of other staff members over the last year have resulted in the site you are logged onto right now. That would not be possible without you all, so I thank you for that.
It’s very hard actually letting this place go in a way. It’s kind of like my site, I mean it is my site, I own it and run it, have worked on it, promoted and designed it and made it what it is today. Part of me says to myself “Why give away your baby?” because this is the best contribution to Bar Billiards I personally could have made. But then I sober up, and the better part of me says that for the future of this forum, I really need to pass it along to new ownership. In all fairness, I have done no work on the forum this year, and in the last couple of months of 2006, relied mainly on Chris Saville, Kevin Pringle at the time and other staff members. Chris has said repeatedly that I should just take some time off and come back to continue running this forum, which is why I am still the owner, but in all fairness it’s not what I want, and for this place to continue to grow, it needs hard work and enthusiasm for the game. I’m afraid to say this, but putting It bluntly, neither of these am I either capable or willing to provide.
All I would ask is that you remember one thing. I started this forum off my own back, for everyone. I’m not going to cling onto it like some power hungry guy that wants his voice to be herd. That would be very simple, but not in my nature, nor what this forum was intended for. I simply wanted Bar Billiards to have the best chance it could get to survive and improve, and that is what I have done. Although we could debate all day the good and the bad, I feel I have now achived that to some level. Somewhere down the road when I’m long gone, I hope someone remembers that. If just one person does, then I will be happy.
So the future…
Well effective immediately, I have handed full ownership of this forum over to my good friend Chris Saville. He has been a tremendous help to me over the last year, and I think everyone needs to recognize the hard work he puts into all areas of Bar Billiards. Of course we now have a great staff base who share all the work, and I of course thank them and wish them luck. Also I would like to thank Kevin Pringle for his work in the past. What Chris does from now on is up to him. He may want o get a co-owner, it may stay as it is, I don’t know, but that’s for him to decide.
Just one housekeeping thing. The only way I can give Chris access to the controls he needs to run this place is to, for the time being, hand over my account to him. So please do not send me any private messages to my account, as they will be coming through to Chris. Hopefully this will change in the future, but for now it will have to do. Anyone who wishes to contact me privately can do so at glennchubb@googlemail.com or superstarglennowen@hotmail.com
Anyway, getting back on track, I wish Chris the best of luck, and I’m indeed sorry top put him in this situation as I know it’s not easy doing a job like this. He’s known about this for a while but I keep putting it off. Anyone out there who thinks it’s a piece of cake, it’s not. You simply have no idea the amount of things that need to be dealt with. And even in it’s infancy, this site took (and I kid you not) 5-10 times more time and attention than being chairman of an entire league took. That’s quite shocking I think, but necessary. It was worse in the old days with just me, and allot easier now with all the great help, but it’s still a big task and one people should be thankful of. I know there are some people out there who got slightly disillusioned with this place, and some people who thought it should be run differently. With the exception of a couple of people who were bang out of order, all I can say is sorry you felt that way. Please remember that I truly did try and do my best, and whether right or wrong, that’s all I or anyone can do……
But I must say regarding this famous place, in Sav and all the other staff members, you truly do have a great bunch of guys who will take this forum forward, and I hope you give them the support and follow the rules they lay down. Without being funny this place is needed now more than ever, so please, please support the staff in anyway you can.
So why am I stepping back in the first place? Well it’s not that complicated, but one reason above all else. I’ll let you know now that the chance of me playing at all next year is pretty slim. I’ve not ruled it out entirely, but if I do, it will only be the Brighton League once a week, and maybe Inter-League. I certainly have no plans to play in singles, local competitions, Opens etc, I just don’t have the will. I had a good few years, and really did not get anywhere near the level I wanted to get. I’m famous (even in my own mind) for 3 national semi-finals and a 20k break, but it was not good enough in my mind. I’m one of these guys that If he’s going to do something, then I want to do it well or the best I can or I’m not doing myself justice, kind of like why I’m handing over the forum really. That’s not being ultra competitive or anything like that, believe it or not I’m as humble a loser than any, and will always shake hands etc even if getting mad at myself inside, but with Bar Billiards the ends just does not justify the means. In things like music, drama etc, (which is where my life is heading), I have the past experience, qualifications, ability and drive to achieve my goals (well, I hope so at least), and when I do they will be worth achieving. With Bar Billiards, if I were to do the necessary practice to say win the World Championships, although I do believe it’s possible, the end result is just not worth the effort. For some people it’s different, and that’s fine. But it’s not for me I’m afraid. And at 26, I’ve realized at last that life passes too fast, and I can’t afford to waist time anymore when there are things that I would rather be doing.
It sounds cheesy I know, but that in a nutshell is the main reason for me stepping back. I hope you understand that because it’s the truth. If I fail, well then I’ll fail, but Bar Billiards will still be here, other things may not be…..
Before I go, just a few quick thank-you’s etc
I would like to thank my Worthing team this year especially, it’s been great playing with you guys, and a shame we won’t be able to do something next year. Chris and I started in the same team together 4 years ago (or maybe it’s five now), and along with Tupps, Nigel and Richard I could not wish for better team mates, and more importantly friends spend an evening with. It’s been a pleasure, and I just wanted you to know that.
Another important mention I should make in public is Gina Sherratt, who got me started on this whole rat race to begin with. If I had to pick one person as an ambassador to the game, then Gina wins by a long, long way. So thank you for everything you done Gino, I will never forget that.
I’d now like to thank my enemies, of which I believe there are a few. You made it very easy for me to see why people like me and many others are important to a game like Bar Billiards, shame you could not see it as well, and just decided to sit there, moan, complain and insult what you weren’t prepared to do yourself. Taking part in discussions, even if people disagree fiercely with each other is the way we move forward. It’s a bit like partisan politics, one side being Labour and one side being Conservative. People shy away from that, it’s become the trend in this country, I however love it. It’s also what the founders of our government, and indeed any democracy world wide intended… It ensures the minority opinion will always be herd so the middle ground can be found and compromises can be made. In Bar Billiards I’ve been apart of those discussions, and moderator of them without bearing any big ill feelings of hate or disrespect, and I truly believe that’s necessary for everyone to move forward. Am I right all the time? Of course not, only fools live in ignorance, but to leave things un-checked is not my way of doing things, and anyone who disagrees with me should have refrained from using my website. But to the Glenn bashers, I truly do thank you. It shows others how hard some people are prepared to work while you continue to lose friends and appear petty…. people running sites like this, results controllers and chairman alike, tournament organisers, secretarys, tables owners….. list goes on. These are all tough things that we do for the love of it. Standing there and calling someone a sad little Muppet over issues that don’t concern the individual, well that’s just so much more productive for the game isn’t it….
And I think that makes my point just fine….
Another couple of people I should mention are Heather Millward, and Doug Dawson. Believe it or not, I don’t think this place would have taken off without them. They used it as there personal chat client for a time, and although it sounds stupid, It actually started getting us some members, so I thank you both for that. If there was a hall of fame for members, you both would be in it.
I’d now like to say a few words about…. (wait for it) Pete Farrelly.
Some people are confused about my relationship with Pete, but I have considered him a friend and still do. Yes we disagree about many things, and I have not spoken to his personally since the incident on here, but in fairness I can’t leave without giving him a mention. He was a big factor into why this place started to gain the huge amount of traffic it did a couple of years back. I hold my hand up to handling the last issue on here badly, and I regret that Pete, I really do. For all our differences, or any personal opinions either side, you have done so much work for Bar Billiards and people need to be able to see that. I didn’t agree with some things you did or said, nor you me, but I’ll hold my hand up to anyone who is prepared to take on the amount you did. I will miss the BBQ, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who would like to thank you on behalf of many forum users for the contribution you made while you were around. I hope one day things will sort themselves, you speak with the staff and are able to return.
Now it’s time for the great many friends I have made around the country, and indeed in Jersey. Your all a great bunch of guys, and I enjoyed going to opens and stuff. There have been man memorable incidents, like climbing a tree, drinking baileys and Tabasco Sauce, oh and there were some good Bar Billiards moments as well. But seriously, thanks to everyone who has taken the time to get to know me, help me with my game and has been such a delightful part of the whole experience….
To my staff members, thank you all so much for coming on board. I hope you now have a better insight into the kind of things that come up. I give a huge shout out once again to young Mr Saville. I can’t thank you enough for what you have done. This place is in your hands now, and I know you can go too far bigger lengths. Don’t be afraid to change some of my rules if you feel it’s necessary, it’s your site now, and in you I know everyone has someone they can respect and trust. Also on another note, I have never met a more genuine and pleasant guy in bar billiards, and you will be one of the people I miss the most.
There, I could go on forever, and there are a few other people I would like to thank, but my words to them will be private. It’s been hard doing all this, but great fun too. Like I said there is a possibility of me playing a bit next year, but honestly right now I really can’t see it. Maybe that will change, I’m really not sure, but my heart lies in other places right now, and all I can do is be honest about that. If I fail, then so be it, but I can deal with failing (should have seen me play yesterday) but to not try, to not even go out to the wicket when it’s your turn to bat. That’s something I just can’t live with. Bar Billiards gave a lot to me. I met many friends, had many great nights, but more importantly I would have never met Caroline had it not been for Bar Billiards. So do I have any regrets? Absolutely none at all………
Another paragraph of cheese there, but I am if nothing else honest…
So given my honesty, remember one thing from me. I did my best, I really did, and although I worry about the future of our game in many ways, when I think about the people who are out there who work so hard, and are so loyal, and deep down such good people, I can walk away pretty sure that a game with people like that in, really does have nothing to fear…..
Take care everyone, I’ll catch you on the flip side….
(Former Owner) Glenn
At the beginning of the year it became clear to me that there were other things that I needed to be doing with my life. I’m 26 years old and to be honest, although I have a reasonable looking CV, it flatters me in many ways because there is so much I should have, could have, and should now be doing.
There are some other reasons of course for my departure, but they are private and will remain so. However I would like to take some time now to say some goodbyes, make some things clear, explain myself somewhat and give you a few quick words about the past and more importantly the future.
Of course, when I say a few quick words, Naturally I mean a massively long rant. But hey, it’s my last post on my own forum… so try and stay awake.
First off, I would like to thank you all for your support over the years, and I truly mean that. Right from the word go when I started playing (4 years ago now I believe, have to check with Nigel the stats man) I became chairperson of my local league almost straight off the bat. Not long after it became clear to me that if Bar Billiards was to survive, then it should really be taking advantage of the massive resource which is the internet. I came up with the idea of a simple message forum, one where players from all league in any part of the country and indeed the world could get together, chat about the game, bounce around ideas, promote the game, debate, and generally just get together. Although it started very slowly, allot, and I do mean allot of hard work from me and me alone in the first couple of years, and the wonderful support of other staff members over the last year have resulted in the site you are logged onto right now. That would not be possible without you all, so I thank you for that.
It’s very hard actually letting this place go in a way. It’s kind of like my site, I mean it is my site, I own it and run it, have worked on it, promoted and designed it and made it what it is today. Part of me says to myself “Why give away your baby?” because this is the best contribution to Bar Billiards I personally could have made. But then I sober up, and the better part of me says that for the future of this forum, I really need to pass it along to new ownership. In all fairness, I have done no work on the forum this year, and in the last couple of months of 2006, relied mainly on Chris Saville, Kevin Pringle at the time and other staff members. Chris has said repeatedly that I should just take some time off and come back to continue running this forum, which is why I am still the owner, but in all fairness it’s not what I want, and for this place to continue to grow, it needs hard work and enthusiasm for the game. I’m afraid to say this, but putting It bluntly, neither of these am I either capable or willing to provide.
All I would ask is that you remember one thing. I started this forum off my own back, for everyone. I’m not going to cling onto it like some power hungry guy that wants his voice to be herd. That would be very simple, but not in my nature, nor what this forum was intended for. I simply wanted Bar Billiards to have the best chance it could get to survive and improve, and that is what I have done. Although we could debate all day the good and the bad, I feel I have now achived that to some level. Somewhere down the road when I’m long gone, I hope someone remembers that. If just one person does, then I will be happy.
So the future…
Well effective immediately, I have handed full ownership of this forum over to my good friend Chris Saville. He has been a tremendous help to me over the last year, and I think everyone needs to recognize the hard work he puts into all areas of Bar Billiards. Of course we now have a great staff base who share all the work, and I of course thank them and wish them luck. Also I would like to thank Kevin Pringle for his work in the past. What Chris does from now on is up to him. He may want o get a co-owner, it may stay as it is, I don’t know, but that’s for him to decide.
Just one housekeeping thing. The only way I can give Chris access to the controls he needs to run this place is to, for the time being, hand over my account to him. So please do not send me any private messages to my account, as they will be coming through to Chris. Hopefully this will change in the future, but for now it will have to do. Anyone who wishes to contact me privately can do so at glennchubb@googlemail.com or superstarglennowen@hotmail.com
Anyway, getting back on track, I wish Chris the best of luck, and I’m indeed sorry top put him in this situation as I know it’s not easy doing a job like this. He’s known about this for a while but I keep putting it off. Anyone out there who thinks it’s a piece of cake, it’s not. You simply have no idea the amount of things that need to be dealt with. And even in it’s infancy, this site took (and I kid you not) 5-10 times more time and attention than being chairman of an entire league took. That’s quite shocking I think, but necessary. It was worse in the old days with just me, and allot easier now with all the great help, but it’s still a big task and one people should be thankful of. I know there are some people out there who got slightly disillusioned with this place, and some people who thought it should be run differently. With the exception of a couple of people who were bang out of order, all I can say is sorry you felt that way. Please remember that I truly did try and do my best, and whether right or wrong, that’s all I or anyone can do……
But I must say regarding this famous place, in Sav and all the other staff members, you truly do have a great bunch of guys who will take this forum forward, and I hope you give them the support and follow the rules they lay down. Without being funny this place is needed now more than ever, so please, please support the staff in anyway you can.
So why am I stepping back in the first place? Well it’s not that complicated, but one reason above all else. I’ll let you know now that the chance of me playing at all next year is pretty slim. I’ve not ruled it out entirely, but if I do, it will only be the Brighton League once a week, and maybe Inter-League. I certainly have no plans to play in singles, local competitions, Opens etc, I just don’t have the will. I had a good few years, and really did not get anywhere near the level I wanted to get. I’m famous (even in my own mind) for 3 national semi-finals and a 20k break, but it was not good enough in my mind. I’m one of these guys that If he’s going to do something, then I want to do it well or the best I can or I’m not doing myself justice, kind of like why I’m handing over the forum really. That’s not being ultra competitive or anything like that, believe it or not I’m as humble a loser than any, and will always shake hands etc even if getting mad at myself inside, but with Bar Billiards the ends just does not justify the means. In things like music, drama etc, (which is where my life is heading), I have the past experience, qualifications, ability and drive to achieve my goals (well, I hope so at least), and when I do they will be worth achieving. With Bar Billiards, if I were to do the necessary practice to say win the World Championships, although I do believe it’s possible, the end result is just not worth the effort. For some people it’s different, and that’s fine. But it’s not for me I’m afraid. And at 26, I’ve realized at last that life passes too fast, and I can’t afford to waist time anymore when there are things that I would rather be doing.
It sounds cheesy I know, but that in a nutshell is the main reason for me stepping back. I hope you understand that because it’s the truth. If I fail, well then I’ll fail, but Bar Billiards will still be here, other things may not be…..
Before I go, just a few quick thank-you’s etc
I would like to thank my Worthing team this year especially, it’s been great playing with you guys, and a shame we won’t be able to do something next year. Chris and I started in the same team together 4 years ago (or maybe it’s five now), and along with Tupps, Nigel and Richard I could not wish for better team mates, and more importantly friends spend an evening with. It’s been a pleasure, and I just wanted you to know that.
Another important mention I should make in public is Gina Sherratt, who got me started on this whole rat race to begin with. If I had to pick one person as an ambassador to the game, then Gina wins by a long, long way. So thank you for everything you done Gino, I will never forget that.
I’d now like to thank my enemies, of which I believe there are a few. You made it very easy for me to see why people like me and many others are important to a game like Bar Billiards, shame you could not see it as well, and just decided to sit there, moan, complain and insult what you weren’t prepared to do yourself. Taking part in discussions, even if people disagree fiercely with each other is the way we move forward. It’s a bit like partisan politics, one side being Labour and one side being Conservative. People shy away from that, it’s become the trend in this country, I however love it. It’s also what the founders of our government, and indeed any democracy world wide intended… It ensures the minority opinion will always be herd so the middle ground can be found and compromises can be made. In Bar Billiards I’ve been apart of those discussions, and moderator of them without bearing any big ill feelings of hate or disrespect, and I truly believe that’s necessary for everyone to move forward. Am I right all the time? Of course not, only fools live in ignorance, but to leave things un-checked is not my way of doing things, and anyone who disagrees with me should have refrained from using my website. But to the Glenn bashers, I truly do thank you. It shows others how hard some people are prepared to work while you continue to lose friends and appear petty…. people running sites like this, results controllers and chairman alike, tournament organisers, secretarys, tables owners….. list goes on. These are all tough things that we do for the love of it. Standing there and calling someone a sad little Muppet over issues that don’t concern the individual, well that’s just so much more productive for the game isn’t it….
And I think that makes my point just fine….
Another couple of people I should mention are Heather Millward, and Doug Dawson. Believe it or not, I don’t think this place would have taken off without them. They used it as there personal chat client for a time, and although it sounds stupid, It actually started getting us some members, so I thank you both for that. If there was a hall of fame for members, you both would be in it.
I’d now like to say a few words about…. (wait for it) Pete Farrelly.
Some people are confused about my relationship with Pete, but I have considered him a friend and still do. Yes we disagree about many things, and I have not spoken to his personally since the incident on here, but in fairness I can’t leave without giving him a mention. He was a big factor into why this place started to gain the huge amount of traffic it did a couple of years back. I hold my hand up to handling the last issue on here badly, and I regret that Pete, I really do. For all our differences, or any personal opinions either side, you have done so much work for Bar Billiards and people need to be able to see that. I didn’t agree with some things you did or said, nor you me, but I’ll hold my hand up to anyone who is prepared to take on the amount you did. I will miss the BBQ, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who would like to thank you on behalf of many forum users for the contribution you made while you were around. I hope one day things will sort themselves, you speak with the staff and are able to return.
Now it’s time for the great many friends I have made around the country, and indeed in Jersey. Your all a great bunch of guys, and I enjoyed going to opens and stuff. There have been man memorable incidents, like climbing a tree, drinking baileys and Tabasco Sauce, oh and there were some good Bar Billiards moments as well. But seriously, thanks to everyone who has taken the time to get to know me, help me with my game and has been such a delightful part of the whole experience….
To my staff members, thank you all so much for coming on board. I hope you now have a better insight into the kind of things that come up. I give a huge shout out once again to young Mr Saville. I can’t thank you enough for what you have done. This place is in your hands now, and I know you can go too far bigger lengths. Don’t be afraid to change some of my rules if you feel it’s necessary, it’s your site now, and in you I know everyone has someone they can respect and trust. Also on another note, I have never met a more genuine and pleasant guy in bar billiards, and you will be one of the people I miss the most.
There, I could go on forever, and there are a few other people I would like to thank, but my words to them will be private. It’s been hard doing all this, but great fun too. Like I said there is a possibility of me playing a bit next year, but honestly right now I really can’t see it. Maybe that will change, I’m really not sure, but my heart lies in other places right now, and all I can do is be honest about that. If I fail, then so be it, but I can deal with failing (should have seen me play yesterday) but to not try, to not even go out to the wicket when it’s your turn to bat. That’s something I just can’t live with. Bar Billiards gave a lot to me. I met many friends, had many great nights, but more importantly I would have never met Caroline had it not been for Bar Billiards. So do I have any regrets? Absolutely none at all………
Another paragraph of cheese there, but I am if nothing else honest…
So given my honesty, remember one thing from me. I did my best, I really did, and although I worry about the future of our game in many ways, when I think about the people who are out there who work so hard, and are so loyal, and deep down such good people, I can walk away pretty sure that a game with people like that in, really does have nothing to fear…..
Take care everyone, I’ll catch you on the flip side….
(Former Owner) Glenn
