Q – Why is the Point Pool so different than any other football pool?
A – The Point Pool is different than games such as fantasy leagues because it’s simpler and takes much less time to play. The Point Pool is different than pools such as pick ’em or suicide because it is far more interesting and compelling, requiring solid strategy to succeed. You try to pick winners but more importantly, success requires planning and a solid strategy for managing your points. The Point Pool is different than any other pools because it starts on opening day and runs right through to the Big Game, getting more compelling each week.
Q – How do you create (and guarantee) these "unique" schedules of two games per week for the different players?
A – We have developed a patent pending, rules-based rotational team grid that allows us to generate a huge number of unique schedules of two games per week. We limit the number of schedules (100 were created in 2008) because for very large pools, our innovative prize system allows players to compete in several different ways with only a single spot in the pool.
Q – How does MyPointPool.com keep pool players interested in pro football games that otherwise they wouldn’t care about?
A – Each player has a direct rooting interest in their own two games. But they also have an indirect rooting interest in the other games – especially when an upset is in progress since that will hurt someone else (unless they were smart enough to take the underdog!). When the 1st place player has a big wager on a team that is being upset, the other players will be interested in watching that game regardless of who is playing.
Q – Fantasy football is overwhelmingly male-dominated. Is it the same with the Point Pool?
A – Absolutely not. Both men and women enjoy the Point Pool. Picking game winners can be as much about chance as expertise and game knowledge. How many experts picked the Giants to beat the Patriots last year? Plus, there is the strategy involved in managing your points. And then there is Lady Luck. So yes, even someone who isn’t a football "guru" can be successful with the Point Pool.
Q – The Point Pool is billed as a fun, yet time-friendly way for people to enjoy competing against their friends and enjoy a "game-beyond-the-game." Why does it take so much less time to play than other third-party games?
A – Because players have only 2 questions to answer about each of their 2 games. Who will win and how many points to risk? That’s it. Then they sit back and root for their teams plus any others that benefit them. The time spent in preparation and analysis each week can be as little as a couple of minutes.
Q – What makes you so confident that people will enjoy this game?
A – Simple. We’re confident because it is a great pool. It’s new, it’s different and it’s fun. It requires strategy, patience, guts and luck. Hard core fans and casual fans love it, men and women alike. Our biggest challenge is simply to educate people about a new concept. After that, it will spread by itself.
Q – When you look to the future, could you see the Point Pool as a way businesses may profit via promotions?
A – For 2008, we don’t need to look to the future. We are already working with radio stations, sports bars (including corporate level), newspapers and other large organizations. For businesses, it drives interest and engagement from opening day right through the Big Game.
Q – For businesses, do they need to send people to your web site? How does that work?
A – We have developed a customizable blog that we give pool administrators – including businesses – for FREE. The blog not only provides a community feel and a way to socialize, it also can drive advertising revenue, promotional real estate and more for the business itself. And we offer whatever level of support they need to make it all work.