After tonight the contest changes dramatically - with only 16 writers going on to compete for the ultimate prize – becoming a contributing writer at FoxSports. In another five weeks it will all be decided. But what’s next, after that?
Assuming FoxSports wants this community to grow and mature it is in everyone’s interest to open up the lines of communication. Below are my initial thoughts and suggestions.
Blogs.FoxSports.com As the Farm System for FoxSports.com The first step is for Blogs.FoxSports.com to be transformed into an online magazine just like FoxSports.com. It would look and feel just like FoxSports.com but be populated with articles and posts from us.
Which posts would be included? This could be handled in any number of ways and may require that writers categorize their posts but the main idea is that we would all vote on our favorite writers and the top ones would be included. This would give writers a chance to hone their skills and create a following and give the editors at FoxSports a good way to farm new talent.
I also think the Blogs.FoxSports.com site could be a little different than the main site – swapping out modules for our own creations. Instead of the Free Video module that is on the home page maybe the new site could create a different module - devoted to humor, or the odds and gambling, or something more blog-like and interactive. We could establish modules that map well to the different styles of the various writers.
A Little Love on the FoxSports.com Home Page On the home page of FoxSports.com the farm system could take over one Feature slot – like the far right one that I circled in red – and a feature article from the Blogs.FoxSports.com site could be highlighted there daily. This would give everyone who continues to write a chance to get on the main site in a real way.
I have to say that these are certainly good ideas. I don't think Fox realized how many people would take part and how many quality writers are actually interested and out there. I definitely think I would have a hard time picking sixteen blogs out of the many that I've read. Good luck to you.
This is a fantastic idea, it really is. I'm putting a link to your blog in the judges blog, where they ask people to vote on who they think writes well. Maybe they will take notice and head your advice. Either way, nice post...very nice.
Great idea! I think it would be beneficial for everyone. Fox would be able to cultivate new writers and provide free content for the site, and we would be able to further develop our writing skills. Hopefully, Fox takes note of this post and considers it.
I discovered very early in the NGS Contest that FOX Sports had no idea what a monster they had created. The whole form of this contest has been evolving from day one (and it's untapped future). I posted an article on what it was that FOX was looking for. Others fussed too. I've had several actually-real-people contact with the FOX staff that has been heading this up and they indicated to me that they were looking at ways to maximize the "net" they had cast.
Your post here, with the good "graphics", is a quality and developed concept of how FOX could retain some of the good and/or developing writers who won't even make the Sweet 16. From the posts I've read there are many more than just the 16 that are worth reading. Your idea, or a form of it, will give voice and opportunity to many.
If FOX does as is suggested here they will lock-up the talent that is out there and will make them an industry standard that other sites would desire to emulate. But it will be too late. More power to FOX if they do this thing.
Last edited by Carnac on December 29th at 10:12 PM.
Carnac: I agree with all of the posters above. This is a great idea, and I hope that the powers that be give it a listen. After all, it would be free publicity and free content for them, and an opportunity for up and coming writers to be showcased in a good forum.
Thanks to all who have commented above. I am happy to see agreement and enthusiasm to keep this thing going. I suspected that a lot of us writers would like to keep writing and developing our skills and have a nice place to publish our work that is as professional looking as the main FoxSports site. I also figured that FoxSports had a great opportunity to tap into this pool of talent that they pulled together.
I had trouble getting my posts on the main page when I put multiple categories so I am not sure how many people will see this but the bigger the response we get here the more impact it will have on the powers that be at FoxSports so hopefully more people will chime in.
social - that is an actual screen shot from FoxSports home page. It was from Monday morning - just like your post. I am not sure which one of you came up with the catchy title first but obviously you were onto something. Just another example on why FoxSports should begin farming us!
Socal here M, I can assure you I came up with that catchy title as I read my sports from AOL. Maybe someone at Fox is reading my stuff, that would be good.
For those of us who do not make the cut, why shouldn't we consider starting our own site. From what I've read, there are many more than 16 people worth reading. We could make sure to include people from around the country to submit articles - somewhat like scout.com. Let me know what you think.
I'm answering back just to get the number of comments up so that FOX CANNOT IGNORE US ANY LONGER!!! Or at least acknowledge our meager existence, those of us that are major league wanna-be's.
This is said with tongue deep in the cheek. And mighty tasty too I might add. Hmmm, this is making my hungry for a MLT, a mutton, lettuce, and tomato sandwich.
Oh, yes, back to the point. Do we think all this ruckus-raising will get FOX to listen and obey? Do I think it'll work? It'll take a miracle.
Hopefully, you "get it" with the above "Princess Bride" references. Just a bit of levity. As of now I've not seen or had confirmed by my contact with FOX any defined plan for what's next. I have a feeling they'll wait til the end of the Sweet 16 face-off to announce what may be next.
This whole "I wanna be a real, published writer" thing/community that has landed on their doorstep probably has them scrambling. Already, their judges will be busy interacting with the finalists til early February.
And, why distract from the official NGS finals? Most of us who are quality people will hang around to watch the results. Then maybe FOX will reveal whether or not they're business and sports savvy by declaring what is next. Look, we're all here at the watering hole, looking to slake our sports writing thirst. Keep the water coming (opportunities) and we'll not look to any other watering hole.
And that's a promise. FOX's site is pro all the way and who doesn't like to be associated with a winner? Listen up, FOX!
In terms of starting your/our own blog/publication. It is easy to do and free at blogspot.com. I have one there (though I have been too lazy to update it since August, due to other time commitments), and I think it is a great idea if Fox doesn't follow through on your idea.
This is good stuff. I think they could have it setup for "interns" to work in the farm system and the best get brought up for money jobs. Good thoughts here.
I agree with your ideas; I hope a lot of people get the opportunity to write for this site because of this contest. There are tons of talented writers out there looking for a big break, and it's great that this website has given the opportunity for many of them to have their voices heard.
Very good suggestion MBrady and thanks for devoting your time and trying to organize such an enterprise. I certainly hope that FoxSports keeps this thing going and highlights the fantastic blogasphere it has going here.
I didn't see this before...it's a great idea. I look forward to reading your finalist material. Unfortunately, I didn't make the cut to compete against you.
Good luck to you!
I have played baseball, basketball and football my whole life. I have suffered the tragedies of defeat and tasted sweet victory for me and my team. And it's these experiences that will come in handy as I compete with my eyes closed and my hands tied behind my back.
What do I mean?
I haven't watched sports for the last 5 years and I currently don't have a t.v. or cable. I will cover my beat from cyberspace. I will read the box scores and articles and "watch" some games refresh every 15 seconds - but that is it.
What else?
I will be suspended by my feet with my head hanging over a boiling pit full of crocodiles and snakes. All ending on February 8th - with a fiesta at my house (mariachis and margaritas for everyone) celebrating my new job at FoxSports.
