Storyline: TSC democratizes sports journalism by publishing “Fan Submissions,” i.e., articles authored by fans. Here’s a sample of my favorite “fan-scripts.”
The Sports Column has a wiki-style format, where fans can write about any topic, in any way they choose, using self-defined standards. We don’t have a submission format or writing guidelines, either. We just have a form.
The approach democratizes sports journalism—surprisingly lacking today, even with the meteoric growth of sports journalism. In the conventional model, fans read what the pros write for them. Fans can react to what others write, but they don’t initiate coverage or commentary. TSC flips that script. At TSC, fans assume the lead: they write.
It works just fine, too. And what fans have to say is important—not just in terms of content–but also as an alternative to stories written by professional journalists. Here’s why.
Fans don’t have writing careers to protect and advance. Fans don’t have editors to please. And fans don’t write for companies. So fans don’t have to worry about what they say, how they say it, or be concerned about repercussions—an editor not liking a story or a coach declining to be interviewed because of “your last article.”
What fans write and submit is theirs, theirs completely. It’s about their ideas, their expression, and–most importantly—it’s about their intent.
Courtesy: quazoo.com
TSC’s approach encourages expression of voice and diversity of expression. Women contribute regularly. Many sports–not a few–are covered, including unfamiliar and less popular sports (e.g., cricket, men’s field hockey). A number of articles are submitted bysports fans who live overseas.
And, no matter who writes or what they write about, I’ve found that all fans take writing seriously. They care enough to think through a concept. And they care enough to take the time to write and share thoughts.
Writing is an avocation for some, I’m sure, but I don’t get the impression that it’s a significant time commitment for many. Sure, we’ve had a number of “regulars”–and a good share of those writers become columnists (I’m an example)–but most fans submit an article once or twice, and that’s it.
Which articles do I like the most? I like three types of articles.
I like articles with “an edge,” where writers take a stand and argue a position. I like articles that address issues that matter—not just to a team or a sport—but more broadly. And I like articles that make readers think in new and different ways.
In Honor of Fans
Recently I went through all the fan-written articles that I’ve posted and picked out the 10+ that I like the most. What follows is a thumbnail sketch of each article with a URL included. That way, you can read the full article if you wish. I end that article by picking my favorite submission. Otherwise, the list isn’t presented in any special order.
Courtesy: trialx.com
Is it Time to Re-Evaluate PED Use in Sports? written by M. Prince, Memphis, TN. This piece was written by a high school athlete who had something important to say about PED use. I don’t agree with his conclusion—or even a good share of the analysis—but I admire his candor and audacity. He said what he had to say, and he said it the way he preferred.
Improve to Fail Better: The Fairy Tale Rise of Stan Wawrinka written by Ivan Tseng, Taiwan. Athletes are really good at their game—so good, in fact—that many are puzzled when somebody asks them: “How did you do that?” That’s because high-level athleticism comes so naturally (Miguel Cabrera comes to mind). In this article the author writes about a tennis player who wasn’t like that. He had to learn “how to fail better” in order to win. Read the article to learn more.
On Women’s Sports and the Media written by Jinyoung Lim, Korea. Yeah, there’s a lot of sports coverage these days, but we sometimes don’t think a lot about what’s being covered (and what’s not) and who’s being covered (and who’s not). This writer lodges a complaint (bolstered by data) that women’s sports don’t get the sports coverage they deserve.
Reflections of a Sports Kid Turned Parent: “Bring Back the Day” written by Nicole, Pittsburgh, PA. The sports-playing kid of yesterday often becomes the sport mom or dad of today. Have youth sports changed over the years? How should I behave as a parent? What I liked about this article is how directly this sports mom answered those and other questions. The article should be a discussion piece for sports parents.
Norwood “Peewee” Barber, Harrisonburg, VA High
Hidden Gems: Central Virginia’s Outstanding Athletes written by Waddell Howard, Jr. Big-time athletes are household names. What about all the others? It’s easy to forget local heroes who played locally–sometimes years ago–and wowed us with their alacrity and pazzaz. In this article the author recites the names and accomplishments of guys who reigned supreme in cities and towns across Central Virginia. This labor of love is a fascinating and worthwhile read.
The Livestrong Conundrum written by Steve Mulloy, Gardner MA. A lot of people can get hurt when an athlete messes up. “The good things” an athlete did can be forgotten, too, especially when he or she is considered to be a “No Good, So and So.” The author of this article believes we should honor “the good.” To boot, people who feel that way shouldn’t be treated negatively by others.
Lingering Doubts about Lifting PSU Sanctions written by Ian Ablett, East Lansing, MI. Oversight institutions sometimes face circumstances where punitive actions need to be taken against an athlete or team. The NFL certainly has had plenty of experience, So, too, has the NCAA. “Penn State” (just the name in quotes says it all) is probably the most publicized case of its kind in college athletic history. Did the NCAA do the right thing? This author thinks, no, and he offers reasons why.
NFL Head Case written by Erin Gallagher, Iowa City, IA. CNN has popular segment entitled, “Keeping Them Honest.” That’s what the author does in this article. The party is the NFL and the topic is head injuries. She asks whether The League is more concerned about commercial value than about player safety. Guess her answer.
Courtesy: twitter.com
Hey, Sports Media, Stop the Second Guessing written by Fort Worth Fred. The storyline of this article says it all: “The sports media often elevates what’s essentially “bar room chatter” into gospel, sometimes without the pretense of accountability.” The author contends that there’s too much second-guessing in sports journalism. Of the same genre is Max Schouwiler’s (from Los Angeles) article about the What If? Game. It’s a game we all play to make excuses, cover gaffes, and elevate-depress a team’s or player’s standing. Thanks for calling things as they are, Fred and Max.
Stuart Scott, Boo Yah and All written by Dan Jordan, St. Louis, MO. and Bill Simmons Comedy’s Flag at Half Mast written by Chris Barker. I included both articles in one citation because the authors write on the same theme—offering reasons why two ESPN sportscasters, Stuart Scott and Bill Simmons, respectfully—are exceptional in the field. Both articles are written with passion and substance.
And my favorite is….
DeflateGate—It Was All for Nothing written by Cole Baratte, Los Angeles, CA. This article is less about “NFL balls” and more about what DeflateGate has in common with other “-Gates.” Written in an exceptionally engaging and compelling style, the theme is straightforward and convincing: from Watergate to Bountygate (and a bunch of ‘Gates in between) nothing was gained and a heck-of-a-lot was lost.
Courtesy: blog.ringcentral.com
Thank you, Fans! Keep ’em coming.
