Sports Writer HQ

Backlinks Checking: Do It, but Don't Obsess

2011-06-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

Building backlinks is as important to a sports-related website as any other. They are an important facet of your overall website optimization plan. Backlinks checking, not simply the number of them and who gave them, but also anchor text, page rank of the providing site, among other aspects of linking, are important as well.

In this short video, backlinks are explained; what they are, what they mean, how they benefit you. It also provides a couple of easy tools to use to quickly check your backlinks.

Establishing the right kind of links, backlinks that provide value to the linking site and your site, can pay great dividends. Generally, comments on blogs and forums related to your broad topic give you the opportunity to link to your site (a backlink). Also, publishing unique content with article directories and guest posting on other blogs are fantastic ways to build backlinks.

Have you checked backlinks to your site? How do they look? Let us know in the comments section, we'd all love to hear your comments and advice (commenting also provides a backlink).

UPDATE July 11, 2011: A site called BlueBacklinks.com is another free online tool for backlinks checking. There are lots of ads, but it provides linking site, anchor text, outbound links and flags. On the sites I checked, it shows more inbound links.

How to Write Sports Articles, That Actually Last

2011-06-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

When you add in the qualifier, “That Actually Last,” describing how to write sports articles is no easy matter. After all, most sporting events are date- and event-specific, they come and they go, as does the interest in the event. Being lovers of our sport, we want to cover them. With some forethought, however, you can make any online sports story one that attracts and keeps readers for years to come.

An Example from this Blog (and not a good one)

On the surface the example below may sound good, but I’ll show you why it isn’t in just a moment.

The ^3rd, 5^th and 8^th most popular posts on this blog are these:

Top Sports Writing and Freelance Jobs for Week of March 2, 2009,

Top Sports Writing and Freelance Jobs for Week of March 16, 2009, and

Top Sports Writing Jobs for Week of March 11, 2009.

(Limited job postings was a short-lived feature here)

Why is the fact these posts continue to rank highly a bad thing? Well, it isn’t BAD, it just isn’t good. Here’s why; those three posts attract most of their visitors from search traffic. They’re doing well with attracting traffic, but not giving visitors what they need.

For example, I’m certain would-be job searchers aren’t looking for “Top Sports Writing and Freelance Jobs for Week of March 2, 2009.” They’re conducting Google searches for “freelance sports writing jobs,” and “sports blogging jobs.” When they find my posts from 2009, they promptly leave this site and go to the next Google results.

It’s great they stopped by, but I’ll never see them again. Unless they find me for another search term.

U.S. Open Golf Tournament, 2011, Does Not Make an Evergreen Sports Article

By all accounts, this year’s U.S. Open was as historic as any since Tiger won the Masters in 1997. But there’s two main reasons why I won’t cover it here, or at all:

1) The big sites get all the traffic for big events (where would you rather see it, ESPN.com or here?). Even if by some miracle I was able to rank well in searches for U.S. Open 2011, most traffic would either not visit me or come and go.

2) Such a time-specific article would quickly die in number of searches. When the British Open rolls around in a few weeks, searches for the U.S Open will plummet. By next year they’ll be dead.

Sporting event articles need to be evergreen, meaning they have to be somewhat like the trees of the same name. They need to focus on popularity over the long haul, and not U.S. Open 2011, or Super Bowl XLVI (next year’s), or any other particular event.

If You Can’t Resist, Make it Evergreen

An eye toward retaining traffic for years to come when you write about a sporting event that is specific to time and place needs something that sets it apart from all others. Keywords and keyword phrases have to be distinctive.

If I were to write about the 2011 U.S. Open, I can mention the winners and losers, but a more enduring angle will have to be my focus. I could center on and attempt to rank for (and I’ve done no keyword research with these, mind you) “youthful Rory McIlroy,” “golf’s younger generation,” or “pga golfers under 30.”

Keeping such a focus, with a memorable title, and not simply regurgitating the outcome and events of the tournament, could make it last and set it apart from the others.

Go Green with Your Writing

I’m not poking (much) fun at the green movement. We need to go and stay evergreen if we want to build successful sports blogs and popular sports articles that stand the test of time.

Without the “why” and “how” of writing a good sports article, lots of traffic can be lost. Also, without the evergreen aspect, our blogs will become like the articles I mentioned above. Visitors will bounce off them like a football off Ocho Cinco’s hands when he’s having a temper tantrum.

Visit this blast-from-the-past for another "evergreen" article.

Evergreen image courtesy Filip Maljkovic.

Google Panda Case Study and How to Turn it Around

2011-06-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

Today’s case study is truly heartbreaking. A tale of hard work and determination dashed and devastated by the recent dreaded Google Panda search results algorithm updates. A (true) tale of how progress can be a steamroller.

Ok, that’s a little melodramatic. Ok, a lot dramatic. I’m speaking of a small portion of my own freelance writing. Articles that I wrote for a large website. Here’s the story.

First, if you have been smacked by Panda, don’t fret. This post provides some answers and ways that your sports-related site can recover. If you haven’t been hit, then it will provide you with the things you can do as you go forward.

Google Panda Updates Explained

I say updates, because their have been multiple updates since the first of these adjustments to the Google search algorithm in March.

A site called SEOmoz.com, well-known in the SEO world, has produced the best description I’ve seen yet about what Panda actually means for the future of SEO and site development. I’ll summarize Panda according to the SEOmoz.com video and then you can see for yourself in the video embedded below.

In a nutshell, “Panda” is named after the programmer that came up with the algorithm. Enough backstory.

Effectively, what occurred is that Google quality raters from across the universe formerly (and continuing, as I understand it) grouped websites into those they liked more and those they liked less. They then took the results they compiled and applied a variety of user and usage metrics to them, establishing a machine learning algorithm. Panda allowed Google to scale upward their machine learning. They find and upgrade the sites people like more, find and downgrade the sites they feel people like less.

The website for which I was writing until recently took an enormous hit from Panda. At least, that’s what I can tell from my own page views and revenue, and from the writer forums on the site.

Case Study: Me

From 2007 to 2010, I was the Golf Feature Writer for Suite101.com. During ‘07, ‘08 and ‘09, I wrote regularly. I remain a contributor, but I haven’t been active for many months, due to other obligations and overall “moving on.” I love the site and hope it recovers, because it is a fantastic place for writers to learn and even earn a decent recurring income.

Articles submitted by Suite 101 writers, which at my last count was approaching 1,000 writers in dozens of subject areas, are all subjected to editorial reviews and relatively high standards. I wrote for the site because of it’s long history, over 10 years online when I began, ability to rank articles quickly, and its standards.

During the years I was most active, I wrote over 150 articles. Approximately 30 of the articles I wrote enjoyed good search rankings and several were on the first page and/or first position for their keyword phrases. Income from the articles is based upon Google Adwords revenue.

I was seeing between 5,000 and 10,000 page views per week, largely from that group of 30 or so articles. My monthly recurring income from the articles was between $70 and $100.

After Panda

The Panda update had a deep impact on my income from that site. Fortunately for me, my Suite 101 income is simply a nice little check I put into my kids’ piggy banks. I’m sorry for their luck now.

My page views in the last seven days, and this is representative of the past several months, sits at 597. A far cry from 5,000 per week.

My income for May was the lowest ever, $8.17. Down from $70 or so.

I feel badly for the many Suite 101 writers who have diligently and skillfully written hundreds of articles, building a nice monthly income, only to see it disappear. Of course, I can’t speak for them. Some may not have been affected, but it appears to have been a site-wide problem. I don’t know why the site was stricken, because they set up quality controls that some other sites did not have, yet those sites were not as deeply impacted.

Mine, and that of Suite 101, is just one example. There are many broken hearts and pocket books all around the world as a result of the Panda update. There are likely some success stories, too.

If you’ve felt the sting, have a look at the video from SEOmoz.com. It has been touted as one of the most important you’ll see this year, and with good reason. My summary of the video suggestions is below the player.

In summary, if you’ve been affected, here are some aspects of your site you can review, and things for you to consider, to improve things going forward:

No longer does great links and great content ensure a good search ranking, now we have to think about our whole site experience. In short, an outstanding visitor experience.

Specific things we can do:

Focus efforts on design and user experience, they no longer have a secondary impact on search results.

Low quality individual pages have to be improved, because they can drag down your site rating

Unique, useful, grammattically correct content is good but not good enough. Content has to make everyone want to share and say wow! Photos, videos, usage/user metrics like time on site/page, bounce rate, browse rate, click through ratio (CTR) from SERPs (search engine results pages), all have to be improved.

Diversity of branded search and direct traffic is important.

I hope this post and my own case study helps. If nothing else, it will let you know you aren’t alone. Watch the video, it really is all that it’s cracked up to be.

If you have a Panda story or suggestion, please share it with us, good or bad, in the comments below.

Panda image courtesy Kevin Dooley.

How to Build Your Blog's List: Step One

2011-06-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

Every sports blog needs an opt-in list. Having a list of people you can give special promotions, breaking news, or offer your products is essential to maintaining your blog as a business and staying relevant.

The first step in starting your list is the opt-in form. This short video tells you how I do it.

You'll see how easy it is to create and install an opt-in form on your site. Once you have the form, start putting together your autoresponders. I'll do another video on autoresponder creation soon, but it's just as easy to set up.

Writing the actual emails that go to your new subscribers is the most time consuming, but once you're done, you're done.

Start building your list today!

Monday Morning Mojo: Top Sports Posts, Blogs and Sites from Last Week

2010-11-15T07:00:00.001-08:00

Being an active twitterer and facebooker, all around social media follower, I run into some great sites, sports blogs, single posts and stories, that bear passing along.

These aren't only amusing, meaningful, and/or insightful, they're outstanding examples of the type of writing you can do. I've tried to give you a good cross section of posts, from different types of sites (blogs, static sites, affiliate sites, products created for sale, etc). None of these are affiliate links, they're just informational.

Great stuff, have a look.

How Pete Dye's Dog Killed Herb Kohler's Sheep - Here's a great post from Armchair Golf Blog. Take a look at the post and read through the blog. Neil Sagebiel loves golf and is an excellent writer. Both qualities show through in his writing. He has taken his passions and turned them into a respected and widely read online publication.

The Rotater - Here's an actual, physical product, and one that will save and prolong the careers of a lot of athletes. The founders of The Rotater, a shoulder rehabilitation device, took their know-how, and turned it into a simple to use, affordable product.

Big Blue Booyah - Here's a pure fan play. If you love a team, sport, individual player, etc., take it and run. Conventional wisdom says to have a successful blog, you need to buy a domain, pay for hosting, use WordPress as your platform, and so on. That's great advice, but you don't HAVE to do it that way to enjoy success. BBBooyah has taken something they love, University of Kentucky athletics, applied it to a huge audience that loves the same thing, and made a great blog in a relatively short time. Further, they're using the same platform as this blog, Blogger. It's free.

TennisMD.com - One of the best new websites for golf health and fitness information. Ok, I'll say it, it is THE best site. They've assembled many of the top tennis instructors, health professionals, fitness professionals, and sports psychologists as staff writers. They also have top sports writers on their team (proud to say I used to write for them). The reason I include it here, aside from how well-done the site is, is because it's a great example of one outlet for your writing.

There are lots of sites, in every sport, that need quality writing and writers/editors. You simply need to reach out.

BananaPutting.com - Here's an excellent example of how to take your expertise and turn it into a commodity. PGA professional, Paul Hobart, is a putting expert. He took that expertise and turned it into a unique instructional book and program, built a website to showcase it, and tons of people are better putters for it. Banana Putting is a fresh look at putting, and an example of sports entreprenuership.

Each of these sites use a variety of media (text, photos, video, polls) to engage readers. You can learn a lot from them and have fun doing it.

What method of earning a living from your sports writing do you like best from these examples? Not every method here is suitable for every person.

Image courtesy toddwickersty's photostream.

John Daly: An Engaging Twitterer?

2010-08-19T09:02:00.000-07:00

When John Daly applies his talent on the golf course, minus any distractions, he has success. His recent resurgence, which he’s honing in Europe with a good measure of success, is the most recent example of how easy it is for him to play golf at a high level. This time, he’s getting in shape, dropping tons of weight, and seems to have a great attitude about life and about golf. How do I know this? Because he’s a great writer, one that involves his readers.

Yes, a great writer. I don’t mean that his use of language is pure poetry and literary genius, but rather because he engages his readers, his friends, by open and honest communication and interaction. How do I know this? Because he uses Twitter.com (http://www.twitter.com/PGA_JohnDaly), the online communication forum where users write about whatever they want in 140-character messages, or tweets.

From the day he first "tweeted," Daly has done what most of his professional golfer counterparts, indeed, celebrities in general, have not: he actually follows the people who follow him. Imagine that? Following many of the people who like you, want to hear what you have to say, and enjoy following your career. What a novel idea.

Now, the "twitterverse" is as free a place as the United States, and there’s no rule that requires a person, celebrity or otherwise, to follow everyone who follows them, or even most. Certainly, there are people/fans who take things over the edge (of sanity), but a star who makes full use of one medium they choose to use will go a long way toward building a fan base and strengthening their platform.

By all appearances, JD genuinely enjoys communicating with his Twitter friends. He answers most questions (with more than canned, expected responses), responds to well wishers, invites others to have conversations with him, and simply interacts. How do I know this? He became a follower of mine after I followed him and wished him well, he has responded to my well wishes and questions, and I’ve seen him do the same for others many times.

John has figured out the true utility of Twitter for building a fan base; being genuine. As of this writing, he has a following of 5,048 and he’s following 5,121 people. Given his interaction with followers, starting with simply following most of them (actually, he follows even more people than follow him) and continuing through being as responsive as possible within his schedule, people like him. They like hearing about his game, his fitness, his new choices in attire, his life, his jokes.

Now, what would happen if he dropped in a few tweets about a favorite charity, maybe asking for donations or participation? I say people would respond. Daly’s response rate would be far above many other celebrities who don’t interact with fans, or who’s interactions are simply one-way and/or hollow.

I would rather have John Daly’s 5,000+ engaged followers, which is a large number of followers, than Ashton Kutcher’s uninvolved two million (he’s only following 149 people).

I say, way to go John D! You’ve found the secret to Twitter, to golf and to life. Be open, be yourself, and be genuine. Success, and people, will follow.

You're Changing the World as an Entrepreneur

2010-05-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

Here'a a short, creative and inspiring video about entrepreneurs and the role they (we) play in the world. Enjoy.

One Way to Gain Freelance Writing Credibility

2010-05-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

Suite101.com and the Internet

One way for aspiring freelance writers to gain a trusted following, and writing credibility is to start writing for a quality web site. Suite101.com, is one of the best places to learn the trade. There are other sites, such as HowtoDoThings.com, eHow.com, and a few more general and niche portals, but Suite101.com offers writers much more assistance. Help in the form of tutorials, writer forums, a monthly newsletter, comprehensive statistics, and editor involvement are invaluable while to learning the craft.

On the path to becoming a freelance writing expert, the legitimacy attached to holding the title of Feature Writer, Contributing Writer, Editorial Writer, and so on, for a respected web site is a great first step. It can often catapult a fledgling writer into bigger things and a wider audience.

The Top Sports Writing Jobs And Videos For Week Of March 25, 2009

2009-03-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

Visit the Jobs Page for updated job postings.

Hello everyone, and welcome to my jobs/video special. Once again, sorry for the gap between posts, but I'm working on some things to make the blog better. Your e-mails and comments help me exponentially, so keep sending them please.

Here are my Top Five Sports writing Jobs:

1. Read the page from top to bottom and you may find a very good opportunity for a writer interested in providing material for an on-line sports site.
2. Writer needed for top magazine in Charlotte, NC. Competitive pay!!!$$$$
3. Company needs articles about NFL/NCAA, NBA/NCAA, and Baseball submitted weekly. Good pay for quality articles.
4. Once again, read the page from top to bottom. Some good leads for magazine writers in various categories.
5. Online blog service looking to hire many writers for such subjects as sports, technology, etc. Hourly pay based on experience and quality of submitted work.

Most everyone watches the news from time to time. So this weeks videos are some of my favorite interviews and news clips. Just more proof that this job can be stressful, entertaining, and very, very funny at times. Enjoy!

Sometimes celebrities and reporters just can't get along.

Then again, reporters have bad days too.

Then there are the things that are completely out of anyone's control.

That's all for this week. Hope you've enjoyed the post. Write on!

"You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way....it does not exist."--Friedrich Nietzsche(1844-1900)German-Swiss philosopher and writer

Sportswriter HQ Update

2009-03-24T05:03:00.000-07:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

Sorry about the down-time everyone. I've been working on some new things for the blog. Tomorrow I will be posting a video/Top 5 Jobs combination. Should be interesting. I'm still working on that link list for you too. I've received some good requests from readers and will be answering some of them in time as well.

So be on the lookout for new material and some good posts about writing too. Please keep sending your requests and posting comments. It enables me to know what you like and what you want to know about. Think of it as Burger King. I want to do it your way. Write on!

"Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny."--Ralph Waldo Emerson(1803-1882)American poet and lecturer

Top Sports Writing And Freelance Writing Jobs For Week Of March 16, 2009

2009-03-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

Once again, here is my 5 -n- 5 for you all. There are some really good job leads here so make sure to look closely and you just may find a good opportunity.

Sports Writing Jobs

1. Fast-growing Web 2.0 company needs writers for sports and news content. This is a part-time position.
2. Brand new site looking for sports enthusiasts to spread the word! Good incentive program.
3. Company needs writer for sports news and re-writing articles. On-going opportunity for the right applicant.
4. If you are funny AND love sports, look no further. Write sports satires and get paid for it!
5. Work from home sports bloggers needed here. Prominent company needs writers with Superior sports knowledge!

Freelance Writing Jobs

1. The Examiner is searching for freelance writers to supply content on various subjects. Residents of Charlotte, NC and the surrounding area need to check this one out!
2. If you watch "Lost", "Heroes", "24", etc., get paid to write about it. Looking for @ 10 articles per week.
3. Blogger needed for FlashDen users. No experience required, but is preferred. Topics can vary, and pay is $350 per month to start. This is a stepping-stone to what could turn into a higher-paid position for someone.
4. Golfing website seeks freelance golf writers for site content. If you like writing and playing the game of golf, this is an awesome job!
5. Blog and write tutorials for a newly refurbished site. Starting at $100 per tutorial/in-depth article.

That's all for this week. Next week I plan to start putting together a list of links to help bloggers and freelance writers. Stay tuned!

"I never know what I think about something until I read what I've written on it."--William Faulkner(1897-1962)American novelist

Top Sports Writing Jobs For Week Of March 11, 2009

2009-03-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

Visit the Jobs Page for updated sports writer and blogger postings.

Sorry for the delay everyone. My wife and I celebrated our birthdays this past weekend. Her's was March the 7th, and mine was the 9th. Fear not though. I have some good jobs this week, plus I threw in a bonus freelance job I think you'll enjoy.

1. Major sports blog needs writers for part-time and full-time positions.
2. If you love Fantasy Baseball (as well as the real deal of course) and want to write about it, this is the job for you.
3. Blogging company needs writers for sports, entertainment, and much more. Pay is based on experience.
4. Top-notch company seeking experienced writers for web content and print! A great opportunity for the right applicant. $$$$$$$$
5. If you already have a sports blog or are thinking of starting one, this could be a good source of extra revenue, and get you some site promotion to boot.

Bonus
Write reviews for print, magazine, and broadcast media. Pay starting at $200 per month. This is not a sports related job.

That does it for this week. Next week will be another 5 and 5, so don't miss out!

"I have tried simply to write the best I can. Sometimes I have good luck and write better than I can."--Ernest Hemingway(1898-1961) American Writer

My Top Three Sports Videos For The Week: More Crazy Sports Videos

2009-03-04T20:15:00.001-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

You asked for more and here they are. My picks of the week. Enjoy!

Sports bloopers and out-bursts done German style. I have no idea what they are saying, but the clips are great!

These guys define "Unsportsmanlike conduct."

This is a good collection of different clips. Some, funny, some painful, and some downright awesome footage here.

That's it for this week. Keep sending your requests and I'll keep answering them.

"I like to write when I feel spiteful. It is like having a good sneeze."--D. H. Lawrence(1885-1930) English Writer

Top Sports Writing And Freelance Writing Jobs For Week Of March 2, 2009

2009-03-02T16:05:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

Visit the Jobs Page for Updated sports blogging and writing postings.

This week, as promised, I have for you a list of what I feel to be the best 10 jobs for this week. Some pay a lot, some pay a little, but all of them will provide good experience for you. They aren't going to be around too long, so start sending in applications and resumes a.s.a.p!

Sports Writing Jobs

1. New sports site about to be launched needs sports writers for content articles. 1 to 2 assignments per month to start. $25 per article.
2. Well-established company seeking writers for various sports related assignments. Substantial compensation package provides good starting pay. Don't pass this one up! $$$$$$
3. Looking to hire regional sports bloggers for site content in most major east coast cities (Charlotte, Boston, New york, etc.) but open to other locations.
4. Sports ranking site needs writers for content. Not too picky about qualifications.
5. Company in search for sports writers and bloggers for a number of their sites. A variety of choices here for sports writers of different genres.

Other Freelance Writing Jobs

1. Prominent website is looking for writers in a variety of fields. They provide all the help and resources needed to begin and sustain a writing career.
2. If the thrill of conquering a mountain drives you, check out this job. Write about, hiking, camping, kayaking, and much more. Basically, anything to do with the great outdoors.
3. Can you interview people and write about it? This finance-based company wants to hire you then. Great pay ($200 per interview!) and benefits. $$$$$$$$$
4. Get paid weekly writing how-to articles for this company's vast network of sites. Another good way to build your portfolio while making a little money.
5. Write different evergreen articles for this site and keep 60% of the advertising revenue your articles generate. Good experience.

So another week is under way and I'm looking to write and make some money. I hope these job links help some of you to accomplish that too. Writer's Unite!

"I am paid by the word, so I always write the shortest words possible."--Bertrand Russell(1872-1970)British Philosopher

What's Happening In Sports Today? Friday, February 27, 2009

2009-02-27T15:11:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

I checked around and here are some of the Top Sports Stories in the media today. I'm going to start doing this every day if possible, so check back often.

1. NBA News--Upon being released from the Knicks, Stephon Marbury signed-up with the Boston Celtics. Having not played since January2008 following the death of his father and a severe ankle injury, Marbury is expected to be available for play tonight. Read more...
2. PGA Tour News--Tiger's road to redemption was stopped dead in the second round of the WGC Match Play event in Arizona. The number one player in the world was sent home due to faultless play by South African, Tim Clark. Read more...
3. NFL News--Redskins sign All-Pro lineman Albert Haynesworth to a 7 year, $100 million dollar contract. The contract also includes a record $41 million in guaranteed money. Read more...
4. Pro-Tennis News--Andy Murray withdraws from the Dubai Tennis Championship because of infection. Also, Novak Djokovic advanced to the semi-final rounds. Read more...
5. Pro Sports Videos and News--This is an awesome site with sports videos in different categories. I recommend it to all sports fans out there. Check it out....

That's all for today. Check back tomorrow for an update. If you have any suggestions for a featured site, leave a comment or e-mail me and tell me about it. I promise to answer all correspondence.

My Top Three Sports Videos Of The Week: The Insane, Miraculous, And Funny Collection

2009-02-24T17:52:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

Everyone needs a good laugh (and a good cringe) now and then as far as I'm concerned. So here is a compilation of some of the most insane, miraculous, and downright funny moments in sports. Enjoy.

This last one is not for the squeamish. Be warned!!

"The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense."--Tom Clancy

Top Sports Writing Jobs For Week Of February 23, 2009

2009-02-23T10:17:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

There seemed to be an influx of job postings this week. One again I have sifted through them and found my favorites for you.

1. This one is merely for experience. Not much pay, but you have most of the control over your posts.
2. Someone's dream could come true at this Video Sports Journalism job. Good pay, and a career.
3. A variety of sports are covered on this blog-site. Passion for sports is a must!
4. You can become a Sports Marketing Project Manager if you land this job. $$$$$$$$$
5. If boxing is your sport of choice, then this is the job for you. Not many positions though, so you'll have to fight for it!

That's it for this week. Next week will be a 10 job special! I'm going to do 5 sports writing jobs, and 5 regular freelance writing jobs! Become a subscriber, and keep track of events so you won't miss out. It's just going to get bigger and better! Enjoy the journey.

"We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations."--Charles R. Swindoll

Put the "IT" Factor To Use For You And Your Writing

2009-02-22T15:49:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

What is the "IT" factor you might ask? "IT" is what we all have at our fingertips every day, but not all of us use it. I'm talking about Information Technology of course. So much information is passed back-and-forth on the web, through cell-phones, lap-tops, etc. Not to put this resource to use is a downright travesty of major proportions! Well, maybe not that bad, but you get the point.

I remember writing when I was younger. Trips to the library became a normal occurrence for me in those days. Nowadays, I just go into my office, and turn on the computer. When that screen comes on, I know that there is a world of knowledge, countless libraries of information, at my fingertips, and it feels powerful.

As a writer, this is a very valuable resource indeed. You can build a social network of like-minded individuals striving for the same goals.

When I first began this odyssey of becoming a writer, I had no clue. Thankfully, I had a desire to succeed along with a computer. I now have the capability to get in contact with a doctor in Singapore or Golf-Pro Phil Bundy. The possibilities are endless!

There is a veritable treasure trove of resources available to writers. Selecting the right ones for you, and putting them to use will greatly help in your activities.

My Monthly Top Five Sites And Services For Freelance Writers And Bloggers

2009-02-20T15:15:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

I believe in helping fellow writers out as much as I can. So when I come across helpful sites I keep track of them. I'm going to start posting a monthly list to spread the word about these services.

Here is this month's top five.

1. The ultimate goal of everyone is to have your own business someday. There are a lot of steps involved in order to accomplish this. This site simplifies the process a little by providing services that help manage time, do research, analysis, and expand your business.
2. Another great site for Professional organizing, business coaching, training seminars, and more. Take away some of the stress and things will flow better. This site helps with that.
3. This is a great site dealing with social marketing, media strategy, etc. Some very valuable information and links here. Get some help with web page design too.
4. If you are an entrepreneur, this is an awesome site. The articles alone will help you with marketing strategies, business development, and much more. A very good site for the entrepreneur in us all.
5. I confess, I love gadgets for my browser and so forth. I'm constantly looking for new ones. If you're like me, then this is the site for you. Loaded with all sorts of useful (and playful) gadgets to make life easier and more interesting.

Well that's all for this month. If you want to be considered for a future post, leave a comment or contact me via e-mail, and I will get back to you. Until then, write on!

"I love being a writer, what I can't stand is the paperwork."--Peter de Vries

News Flash: How To Write A Good Press Release

2009-02-18T14:28:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

As a freelance writer, sports writers especially, being able to construct a good press release is a valuable asset. It's almost an art form in itself. Mainly because you have to capture the reader's attention, and then parlay enough information in as few words as possible, but make them want more. Let me explain a bit.

Press releases are short news stories. They are written in the third-person, and are used to demonstrate to an editor, journalist, etc. whether a story is newsworthy or not. Press-releases can be about various things including, people, sporting events, places, and so on.

I have compiled a few tips to help you create a good press-release.

The Title

1. Look at the title as your personal marquee sign. In as few words as possible, describe what your press-release is about. Make it compelling and attention-getting!
2. Address your audience in the title whenever you can.
3. Include the phrase "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE" at the top of the page.
4. Always use present-tense.
5. The first word of the Headline and all proper-nouns should be capitalized.

The Body

1. For credibility, begin with the date and the city the press release is from. (i.e. Concord, NC February 18, 2009)
2. The first couple of sentences (2-3) should sum-up the press release, and everything following should elaborate.
3. It is important that the first paragraph contains the where, when, why, what, who, and how.
4. Press releases are double-spaced and should be at least a page, but no more than two pages.
5. If using company info, include a brief description of the company, it's business policy, and core function.

The Conclusion

1. Simply put, the conclusion should be a couple of sentences that tie the press-release together.
2. If possible, provide links to more information that supports the release.
3. ALWAYS include either "###", or "-30-" centered on the bottom of the last page.

Make sure that you proofread your press release a few times before submitting it. Editors don't like mistakes.

Everyone has their own style when writing press releases, however, the core format is the same. Following this simple outline will help you with the basics. Now you just have to put a little of your own uniqueness into it and see what happens.

"We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master."--Ernest Hemingway

Top Sports Writing Jobs For Week Of February 16, 2009

2009-02-16T18:53:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

There are some good jobs this week. Somebody's dreams are about to come true, I can feel it!

1. Freelance sports writers needed in 21 major cities. Check the list and apply!
2. Major League Baseball looking for freelance/full-time reporters and columnists for website. $$$$
3. Georgia based company is looking for sports bloggers. Proficient and professional applicants a must. Top pay!
4. Awesome site where you can post on various subjects and get paid for your posts. No out-of-pocket cost! Money to be made here.$$$$$$$$
5. L.A. based magazine seeking freelance writer for Extreme Sports. Could turn permanent.

That's all for this week. Thanks to all of you who sent in requests. Keep on sending them, and I will answer as many as I can.

Till next week:
"Writing is the only thing that, when I do it, I don't feel I should be doing something else."--Gloria Steinem

Helpful Videos For Freelance Sports Writers

2009-02-13T09:32:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

I love scanning other websites for helpful information pertaining to the writing industry. On occasion I find nice little gems to share with my fellow writers.

While scanning YouTube today, I came across a couple of videos that nicely describe some of the aspects of being a sports writer. I think they are worth the watch, and they are not long so it won't take to much of your time.

1. Short job description for sports writers.

2. The pros and cons of sports writing.

3. Information on the pay for a sports writer.

I'll keep searching, and if anyone has any suggestions, leave a comment or contact me via e-mail.

"The difficulty of literature is not to write, but to write what you mean; not to affect your reader, but to affect him precisely as you wish."--Robert Louis Stevenson

The Secret To Making Your Articles Irresistible: Tips For Creating An Engaging Headline

2009-02-11T17:08:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

Having a good Headline is paramount for capturing readers' attention. You have to make them want to read your article. Now there are a variety of ways to go about accomplishing this. Being the gracious person that I am , I have shortened this list and am going to share it with you now.

I. Use "trigger-words" and superlatives in your Headline---Grab the readers' attention with "catchy" words and phrases. Examples>>>the truth behind, secrets revealed, most exciting, one-and-only, etc.

II. Adhere to the Four "U"s of writing Headlines implemented by the trainers at American Writers and Artists, Inc.---1. Be Useful to the readers. 2. Provide a sense of Urgency. 3. Make readers believe the main benefit is Unique. 4. Do all of this in an Ultra-specific way.

III. Use "specific" key-words and phrases---The more you use specific key-words, the higher your article will appear in the initial search results. Count how many times I use the word Headline in this post.

IV. Before and after you write your Headline, ask your self these questions---"Is my Headline intriguing enough to make the reader want to read further?"--"Is a reward of some kind offered to the reader in my Headline?"--"Would this Headline make me want to read more?"--"Does this Headline connect with my audience?"

I believe that following this simple, yet very effective, list will increase the numbers to your blogs, websites, etc. Oh, and one more tidbit of information for you. Research has proven that longer Headlines produce more traffic than shorter ones. It's common sense. The more information you have in the Headline, the more a reader will want to view it. Don't go all Section 8 on it though. Be somewhat subtle.

"Either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing."--Benjamin Franklin

Top Sports Writing Jobs For Week Of February 9, 2009

2009-02-09T18:05:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

Here's the list for the week. There are some really good jobs here. $$ to be made!

1. Website looking for writers of various niches, including sports. Apply here.
2. $$ Sports bloggers for Golf, Football, Basketball, and Hockey needed immediately! $$
3. Interview top names in sports,(i.e. Jerome Bettis, Terrell Owens), for well-established website.
4. Sports Journalists needed to write for a premiere-website. Apply now, they won't be hiring for very long.
5. Make $10 per post at this sports blog site. Every penny counts!

That's it for this week. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have suggestions, such as a longer list, other types of jobs, etc. and I will try my best to deliver.

A New Kind of Pro: How 43-Year-Old Phil Bundy is Connecting With and Inspiring Others Through New Media

2009-02-09T07:44:00.000-08:00

On January 1, 2009, Phil Bundy began in earnest his quest to make it on the PGA Tour.

The skills and desire are there. He’s physically fit. His priorities and perspective give him an advantage over younger players. To ask the question "Will he make it on the PGA Tour?" would be a waste of valuable time. There’s no reason why he can’t. He’s more prepared and ready than most PGA Tour pros his age, or half his age, who are teeing it up this week.

He’s already been a champion golfer as a member of the 1986 NCAA Champion Wake Forest University golf team. He’s been successful in business for many years. He has a wife, a young son, a beautiful family. Why, then, is he trying to make a go at the PGA Tour "He (his son Charlie, age 5) also loves golf," Bundy explains, "and if I don’t do this, someday he will ask why." Most people who know him would ask the same thing.

Certainly, he’s proving something to himself and setting an example for his son, but he’s doing much more. On a practical level, he’s committed to supporting charitable organizations and putting on junior golf clinics in conjunction with PGA Tour events. On another, more existential level, he’s proving that anyone can chase (and catch) their dreams, not blindly, but with preparation, desire and forethought. He’s spreading the word, and inspiration, about his quest by using technology, social media, and his personal blog. Phil’s use of technology is potentially reaching more people in new ways than anyone has done.

Recently, Phil was kind enough to spend a little time with Sports Writer HQ and answer a few of our questions.

SHQ: How have you prepared for your quest to play on the PGA Tour?

Phil Bundy: After my son provided the final inspiration to embark on my quest, I decided to recruit a "dream team" to help me prepare. My advisors are helping me with all facets of the game, including my swing, fitness, nutrition, and mental game. I have also extended my team to include experts in social media, marketing, and public relations.

SHQ: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced since you began preparing?

Phil Bundy: As I made swing changes, I initially had difficulty playing with my new swing in tournaments. On the driving range and in practice rounds, I swung with ease, but in competition, I suffered from paralysis by analysis. Finally, on the 10th hole in a small event in Virginia Beach, I told myself to relax and just do it. On the back nine, I shot 33 and won the tournament for my first of two mini tour victories.

SHQ: Why the blog? What role is it playing in the mix of things and what do you hope to accomplish with it?

Phil Bundy: As passionate as I am about golf, I also love reading, writing, and technology. While playing tournament golf is my primary focus, I hope the blog will provide a way for me to share my journey with other people.

SHQ: I know you like technology and the Internet and that you use social media. What have websites like Twitter done for you and your career?

Phil Bundy: Twitter and other social media websites have helped me to reach out and build an audience. As I have interacted, I have been truly amazed by the number of people who are interested in my quest, who have offered encouragement, and who have, in turn, touched and inspired me.

SHQ: It's only been a month or so, but have your efforts been as successful as you had hoped at this point?

Phil Bundy: In the short time since launching my quest on January 1, I have been overwhelmed with the support that I have received, including well wishes from so many old and new friends. Sponsors are coming forward to help fund expenses; I have been fortunate that reporters and bloggers have embraced and shared my story; and I am looking forward to my upcoming tournament season.

Although not as important as the larger issues of teaching his son and helping charitable interests, his use of new media to attract a following is an example of how blogs and social media have become mainstream. Quality blogs are not only "mainstream", but effective and a first choice for Phil in telling his story.

Follow Phil’s journey at his blog, I know SHQ will (and we’ll keep you informed).

The Short and Sweet of Writing An E-Book

2009-02-05T18:19:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

Scanning any number of blogs or web pages that are updated regularly, you can find all of the ingredients to write an E-book. Talking about something you enjoy, like explaining the mechanics of a chip-shot with detailed instructions, are the beginnings of an E-book.

All you have to do is to bring your ideas together with a Title, Introduction, Story, and Conclusion. This may seem like a hard task to undertake, but I assure you it is not. Let me explain why.

Once you have an idea of what you will be writing about, there are a few choices to be made. First off, do you want to control everything from writing to publishing, etc.? If so, you'll want to get a program to help you accomplish this. Something like this one maybe. It costs a little money, but it's an easy step-by-step system. Not a bad investment.

If you know enough and want to save a little money, try a free service like this one. This site is like the T.J. Maxx of the E-book world. Great deals on software, and lots of free stuff! An overall good site.

There is a good article here that explains a little more. The services offered by the site are top-notch and well known. The owner of this blog, Alan Hammond, is a writer for this web-site. Take a look and see what you've been missing.

Writing an E-book can be a good source of income. Just put your time and effort into it, and anyone can write an E-book.

"The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another."--Sir James Matthew Barrie

The Internet: A Freelance Sports Writer's Assistant Coach

2009-02-04T13:41:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

Having the power to find almost anything you want with the click of a button, the Internet is an invaluable tool for the freelance sports writer. The problem is that with so much information out there, finding the right information can be a daunting task. Building a network of like-minded individuals is paramount to success as a writer of any genre.

So, to make it a little less stressful, I have a list of sites to help you develop the skills and build the social network needed to make it as a freelance sports writer.

For good experience and free web hosting, this is a good site. They also give you the choice of covering any sport, league, or team you want!

Like the site above, there is no pay involved here. They make up for that with over 1200 topics and a great social media. Participation in discussions and site maintenance is required. Good learning tool for new writers.
When you are more content with your work, joining a discussion list here will gain you valuable business contacts. Get listed as a member, and look for jobs on the wanted list.
Get a subscription to newsletters such as these: 1 and 2

Registering at a site like Twitter.com is another quick and easy way to network.

As I mentioned earlier, there is a far greater amount of resources on the Net. Hopefully, this will help get you started or improve an already established business.

“You don't write because you want to say something, you write because you've got something to say.”--F. Scott Fitzgerald

What Makes a Great Sports Blog?

2009-02-02T16:27:00.000-08:00

Is there one thing that makes a sports blog great? Is there something that makes you say "Wow" when you read a sports blog for the first time?

Is it the content? Or, the videos? Or, the images? All three? Something else?

Here's your chance to tell us what you think makes a great sports blog. Feel free to leave a comment, a link to your blog, or a link to another great site. Everyone is always on the lookout for that next great blog to add to their daily reading list.

I look forward to seeing your comments!

Top Sports Writing Jobs For Week Of February 2, 2009

2009-02-02T16:20:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

New week, new list. I will try to post new and current jobs each week.

1. New magazine is seeking sports content, and other niches.
2. College and Pro-sports writers and bloggers needed. Many positions available.
3. Seeking a college basketball writer for the Charlotte 49ers.
4. Sports website needs a copy editor in Charlotte. Top pay!
5. Well-established web site hiring for a Proposal Coordinator/Editor. $$$$

That's it for this week. Search the blog for previous posts, and check back every week for an updated list.

When A Good Interview Goes Bad

2009-01-30T09:56:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

Conducting interviews can be a memorable experience for any sports writer. What fan wouldn't want to meet and talk to the players that they look up to and idolize? Just like everything else, however, interviews can also go horribly wrong, or become very awkward.

Since everyone is different, there are no set-in-stone rules for conducting an interview. There are a few guidelines to follow to help make things run a little more smoothly though.

Be on time. Realize the importance of an interviewee's time. They may be giving you an hour or so of their day, but the rest of the day is packed full of other appointments, etc. So when you are late or try to take longer than they have allotted, things could take a turn for the worse.
Be prepared. Make sure you research who it is that you are interviewing. This is also a good way to come up with the questions that you will be asking. Be sure the questions are relevant. Nothing makes an interviewee more upset, than talking about something in their past when it isn't relevant to the course of the interview.
Don't get intimidated. The best way to do this, is to not look at your interview as anything other than a conversation. Talking to people, and getting information from them is part of human nature. When calling a friend or relative, usually the first question is, “How/What are you doing?” Just because you may be interviewing someone like Tiger Woods, he's still a person, so why not start off the conversation the same way? The more comfortable you make them feel, the easier it is to get them to open-up to you.

The main thing to remember is that YOU are the one in control. The moment it becomes evident, that they are trying to take over, you must reassert yourself immediately or lose control for the rest of the interview.

I'll leave you with this. There are good interviews, and there are bad interviews. The only thing to take into account, is that no matter which one you find yourself in, it will be remembered one way or the other. So I would try to make at least most of them good ones. Common sense, right?

The Do's and Don'ts Of Freelance Sports Writing

2009-01-28T13:17:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

Having a love for sports is not the only thing that makes a good sports writer. You must also have the ability to communicate well with your writing. That being said, the question I get asked the most is, "What am I doing wrong?" The answer to that could be any number of things.

So I decided to make a little guide, if you will, listing some of the major Do's and Don'ts for freelance sports writers.

Let's start with the Do's.

1. Tell a story instead of just "listing" events. No one likes to read instruction manuals, especially sports fans. Try to work a personal experience into the material that readers can relate to. Doing this will help them to see you as a person, rather than a robot spouting information.

2. Have up-to-date material. The Super Bowl is right around the corner. Fans don't want to hear about games from a month ago. They want all the information they can get about the play-offs leading up to the big day. Injury reports and so forth are hot topics right now.

3. Do your homework. I can't stress this enough. Having knowledge about players, coaches and stats will give you more credibility when writing. I feel that historical information is a big plus when it comes to sports writing. Being able to slip some history into your piece makes for an interesting read.

Now for the Don'ts.

1. Don't assume who is reading your work, cater to the audience as a whole. Even though most people associate sports with men, that's not always the case. My 80 year-old grandmother was the biggest fan of baseball that I've ever known. She could quote stats, player line-ups, and final scores going back to the late 40's.

2. Don't focus on play-by-play too much. Instead, integrate highlights into your work. Play-by-plays are great for awesome moments in sports, (ie. Tiger on the 18th, about to win The Masters for the first time), but highlights are just as catchy and help to break the monotony.

3. Don't force your opinion on your readers. Everyone wants to express their opinions, writers a little more-so than others. Let your opinion be known, but not in a "my word is law" type of way. As a writer it helps to be the mediator for your readers' opinions when discussing different topics. This creates a social network of like-minded individuals swapping opinions and ideas back and forth, making the audience a part of the whole story.

I hope that this helps some of you. If you have any other questions, feel free to write me anytime. I can be contacted via this blog or regular e-mail. Write on!

The Importance Of Developing A Business Plan

2009-01-27T11:11:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

Every remarkable idea that has helped us along through the years started as a plan. Being able to consciously plan out our actions is one of the aspects that make us unique as a species. So why should starting a business be any different?

When I started freelance writing, I was a bit clueless as to what I needed to do. Hindsight being 20/20, I know now that the first thing should have been to develop a business plan of some kind. Having something in front of you in black and white that lays out the direction you want to go, is invaluable.

When you start freelancing, YOU are the business. Like any business, you have to market, develop, and gain a client base. Planning a course of action gives you a guideline, so that you aren't just twisting in the wind. By looking at your business objectively, you can see what your strengths and weaknesses are and act accordingly.

It's not hard to create a business plan. You can even pay to have a company do it for you. My advice is to do-it-yourself. The more you are involved, the more you will get out of the finished product.

No matter which route you decide to take, setting time aside to develop a business plan will give you an advantage over anyone who doesn't.

Top Sports Writing Jobs For Week Of January 26, 2009

2009-01-26T18:04:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

I will try and update this list every week. Check back regularly and see what's new!

1. Company seeking a Freelance Golf Writer for an E-commerce site.
2. Content writer wanted for new Mixed Martial Arts Website.
3. Seeking a sports writer to help with designing and building a Pay-site$$.
4. Help market Squash as a healthy sport. This one pays well.
5. Writer needed for a Sports Calendar website.

Remember, this is only the first week. As I find more work, the list will grow.

Writing A Good Sports Article Can Help Document History

2009-01-23T13:01:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

It's hard to believe that not long ago, there was no Internet, or sports channels available to get up-to-date information on some of America's favorite past-times. Picking up a newspaper, or catching a radio broadcast was about all people had to turn to.

Thanks to the writers of the time, average people could get all of the information they needed. Some of those articles still survive, thankfully, or most of sports history would have been forgotten. For instance, did you know that when Walter Hagan arrived at Sandwich for the 29^th Open Championship in 1922, he was not allowed to change or eat in the clubhouse. Thumbing his nose at British protocol, he hired a stretch limousine, and parked it in front of the clubhouse as his own private RV so to speak. He changed in it, ate in it, and even had a party or two. Hagan went on to beat George Duncan and become the first American-born player to win the Open. Upon receiving his check, he glanced at the amount........ and gave it to his caddie. What a guy!

So what makes a good sports article? Here is a guide that I would use myself when writing a sports article. It's laid out step-by-step, and also has links to other sites to help move you forward into a career as a sports writer.

You may also want to check out Nazvee Careem's article on writing sports reports. In it he explains how to do this in 4 easy steps. A good guide on all accounts.

The main thing to remember is to not get frustrated when writing. It shows in your work. There are many helpful sites, and services available for guidance. If you can't figure something out, just Google it!

How to Gain Seven Hours of Productivity Per Week

2009-01-21T08:04:00.000-08:00

I have a couple of relatively new blogs, at least new to active growth, Sports Writer HQ being one of them. I recently found that, in my drive to attract new readers, more traffic and more income, I had become obsessed with checking my numbers (traffic, revenue, etc.). Sometimes, I would check them several times per hour!

After reading Leo Babuta's popular post, The Essential Guide to Growing Your Blog on Minimal Time, at Problogger.net, I decided to take action against myself.

It may be a baby-step, but I have cut back my stat checking to once per day, before bedtime. At this blog's developmental stage, checking the rate of growth more than once per week may be ridiculous, but the few seconds it takes to check once per day beats the aggregate 40 minutes to an hour of stat checking throughout the day. (could that sentence be any longer?) Sure, SHQ is growing in readership and email list subscribers every day, and I'm smiling, but obsessive stat checking is a real killer to productivity and growth.

One hour per day equates to, yes, 7 hours per week. Seven hours! In that amount of time, I could have written 8 or 10 blog posts, done a boat-load of forum posting, research, social media marketing, or lots of other productive, essential things.

2 minutes here, 5 minutes there, 10 minutes at lunch, and so on seems pretty harmless. Until you add them up, that is.

I hope most of you aren't like me. I hope you haven't wasted months of productive time. If you have, forget about it, change your habits and start growing faster than ever.

Don't forget to join the email list, using the form in the right column. Help me make up for lost time!

The Benefits of Posting Evergreen Articles

2009-01-20T09:51:00.000-08:00

What's wrong with a blog post about the 2009 Super Bowl? Nothing, if your blog has the backing of a newspaper or TV network. Nothing, if you have a Google PageRank of 7. Even nothing if you plan to post something "evergreen" on the heels of your Super Bowl coverage, and I mean RIGHT on its heels.

Evergreen (not the type of tree) Articles

An "evergreen" article blog post is something that will remain relevant and be searched-for and read for several years to come. It's also one of the most challenging keys to success for a sports blog, because sports is so day-to-day, breaking news driven.

Time-sensitive information (like Super Bowl coverage, the Cavs-Lakers game, Zach Johnson's win at the Sony) may be what many of your readers love about your blog. If that's the case, by all means, keep it up! But, a year from now, they won't care how many points LeBron scored in the game and that post will be collecting dust for eternity.

However, they may still be interested in why LeBron throws a two-hand scoop of rosin in the air every game. I can't stand it, but I'd read an article about it. That's potentially an article that would be read and searched for over a few years.

If the Cardinals win the Super Bowl, readers may want to see what you have to say about it on Monday morning. Next year, or even this summer, they won't care how many yards the quarterback threw for. Googlers may, however, care about the role his spirituality played in his success.

The point is, points and yards, maybe even who won, don't matter. The stories behind or within a big game, what makes a player or team tick, how the Super Bowl or World Series enhances our lives, something that shows how sports will always be relevant, maybe even a history of a team, those things will always have readers and searchers. They'll deliver income forever, potentially.

Disadvantaged Independents

What's just as important, is the disadvantage Independent blogs endure when posting about last-night's game. Even though your loyal readers will show up for your Super Bowl coverage, new readers won't find you because potential readers are lassoed by the bigger, network-backed blogs and those that have a high PageRank. I just did a Google search for Super Bowl XLIII and below are the independent blogs that showed up in the first 40 results:

None.

If you want to attract new readers, grow your blog, earn more money, and accomplish lofty goals for your sports blog, incorporating evergreen posts into the mix is essential.

UPDATE July 18, 2011: As an illustration of how evergreen articles can perform over time, this post is the most popular on Sports Writer HQ. It has received nearly 300% more page views than the next most popular, after 2.5 years since publication.

Technorati's Top 5 Sports Blogs

2009-01-19T20:11:00.000-08:00

I went through the top ranked sports blogs according to Technorati's "authority" ratings. It isn't even close to a perfect measuring tool, as there are many fantastic blogs that don't have a high authority rating for one reason or another. But, it is reliable enough to key us into some great blogs.

Below are the top-7 sports blogs and what I think makes them stand out. All 5, as best I can tell, are independent of major news organizations or other large entities that prop them up.

Awful Announcing - There's good reason why AA is at the top. First of all, it has lots of reader participation, but there has to be a reason why people read and take the extra step of commenting on posts. AA has discovered a niche that people love to discuss, sports announcing. We love to complain about Dicky V when he doesn't give enough credit to our team. We love (or hate) to see a new sideline reporter screw up an interview. The key here is loving and hating. There's no middle of the road, which means boring, which would mean people wouldn't participate and visit again the next day. AA is deserving of their top spot.
Baseball Musings: Read through Musings and you'll find it's expertly written and often funny. It has a great mix of time-sensitive news and posts that will remain popular for a long time. It has a simple layout, which makes it easily read. Sure, there are lots of ads, but they are kept completely out of the reading area; if you don't want to see them, your reading won't be interrupted. A blog I hadn't heard of, but one I'll keep reading.
Bleed Cubbie Blue: A member of the Sports Blog Nation netword of blogs, BCB is self-styled as "a Chicago Cubs Fan Community," it is certainly that; there are enough comments on every post to fill Lake Michigan. The site makes use of a variety of media, social media links that make it easy for readers to hype up the site, and expert content that feeds the appetite of Cubbie fans. It's everything a fan blog should be. I'm a Reds fan, but this blog almost converted me.
Minor League Ball: Another SportsBlogNation.com member. Minor League Ball only has a Google PageRank of 3, which, though respectable, doesn't denote a massive following. So, it must carry some weight with it's readers to have a good Technorati authority rating. The blog looks at the stats and bios of top minor league prospects, which would lend itself not to a big following, but a devoted following of statistically minded baseball fans. If that is truly the case, and I believe it is, then Minor League Ball fits perfectly into it's niche and delivers the goods.
Mets Blog: "A Grand Central Station for Mets Information" it surely is. Editor Matt Cerrone knows the Mets and it shows. Great content that his readers crave is what he delivers. He does it through good writing on timely subjects, interesting vlogs (video blogs), and a cool Fan Confidence Rating graph based on reader polls.

(Who said baseball is in decline? I know people still love it, but I wouldn't have guessed four of the top-five)

Each of these five deliver 1) strong content, 2) meet readers expectations, 3) are tightly focused, and 4) have a good, uncluttered design. Those things together are a winning combination. Obviously.

Don't forget to join the email list. The form is in the right-hand margin.

The Writer-Chieftan

2009-01-18T20:26:00.000-08:00

Alan L. Hammond, SHQ Editor

This article previously published in the January 7, 2009 issue of my newsletter. You can sign-up through the form in the margin.

As I noted on Twitter (if you aren't using Twitter, you're missing out), I've started reading popular marketing expert Seth Godin's recent book, Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us. I wasn't expecting to find something that fit so well with people who deal in the written word, but an interesting theory occurred to me while reading.

Let me start by saying that I am always skeptical about what the "experts" have to say in their books. It seems that many, if not most, experts are more concerned with driving their personal brands than with improving the lives and businesses of their readers. My skepticism is warranted and that is why I've chosen to, through my blogs, be a "crime fighter," by pointing out the posers and lauding the true leaders.

Having said that, in Tribes, Seth Godin is proving to be a real leader. I've only just started the book, which isn't very long to begin with (151 pages), but with two small children, even a comic book takes as long to read as War and Peace.

While reading Tribes last night, I was struck by something pertinent to freelance writers, editors, bloggers, etc., and something of which we should all be aware.

Godin's book rests on the premise that, throughout history, humans have been tribal creatures. They need to be a part of some closely knit group. Nowadays, most people belong to many. According to Godin, "A group needs only two things to be a tribe: a shared interest and a way to communicate"(Tribes, p 2). He also believes a tribe can't exist without a leader, and a person can't be a leader without a tribe.

Formerly, tribes used to consist of all the people in some village, a gardening club in Tampa, or the retirees from Bell Telephone in Memphis. In other words, tribal affiliations were largely local. Today, borders have been smashed and people from every location on the planet are neighbors, thanks to the proliferation of the Internet and its increasingly widespread availability. Also, the barriers to becoming a leader have been significantly lowered. Whether five people or five million people, there are infinite groups of people with shared interests for everything imaginable. Those groups need formation, organization, tribal status, they need leaders. They all need Chieftains.

As a writer, regardless of your chosen medium (magazine, blog, church bulletin, corporate ad copy, screen play, web site, etc.), you would not have a job if it weren't for people who want and need what you have to offer. If you write poetry about urban life, there is an audience. If you write a blog about Boston Red Sox baseball, there's an audience. If you specialize in infant safety articles, you have an audience.

The world is smaller because of communication channels. Tribes form and communicate through those channels, which are driven by the written word. Given those facts, the tribal leaders must be writers. There is no more natural tribal Chieftain than a person who can communicate their ideas through writing.

That is a huge opportunity for you in this New Media-driven world. Step forward and take your place. Find your tribe and become it's Chieftain.

Me? I'm finding my place as we speak. Golf, travel, helping people secure their futures in an uncertain world, writing; I have many interests and experiences I want to share. I've been a newspaper columnist, but most of my publishing credits have been through new media; Internet, blogs, podcast scripts, web sites. There are so many ways to reach your audience, each of those presenting its own challenges, but also its reward. What I'm finding is that a sincere approach and a clearly discernable love, ability and enjoyment of subject leads to growing an audience and income. In the words of Austin Powers, "It's groovy, baby!"

You have a tribe, go find it and take your rightful place as its Chieftain!

By the way, join my tribe on Twitter.com. I'm @alanlhammond.

Tell me what you think of this post. Leave your comments below.

An Awesome Free Service To Help “Kick-Start” Your Writing Career

2009-01-09T19:48:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

When I first started freelance writing, I admit, I didn't have a clue as to what I should do. I was pretty sure that I would be able to do my job, but the problem was that I didn't have a job, or know how to find one. I did a couple of Google searches, and after some trial and error, I finally landed my first job.

I will say that the first service that I used cost me a little money. I've always been sort of a gambling man. You can't make money, if you don't spend money. Thankfully, the gamble paid off, and I'm able to do something I enjoy.

I try to help out other freelance writers too if I come across something helpful, or interesting. Let's face it, I wouldn't be where I am today without a lot of help from others. So let me tell you a little about a completely free service, that will help freelance writers the world over.

I'm talking about http://www.freelanceportfolios.com/. This service allows you to create virtual portfolios. Use the portfolios to display client lists, services offered, and samples of your work. It takes minutes to design your personal portfolio, and then you can begin looking for work, in the job finder.

The best thing about this site is that it is absolutely free! Along with the portfolios, there is an article database with helpful information to freelance writers. Go on, check out http://www.freelanceportfolios.com/, and see for yourself. They have a lot to offer, and it's free. No gamble there at all.

Editor's Note: If you are a writer considering blogging as an income stream, Sports Writer HQ recommends only two products: The Blog Mastermind program, which you see in the right margin and Blogging to the Bank. Click any of the links you see to learn more about Yaro Starak's Blog Mastermind program. To read more about the latest edition of Blogging to the Bank, which you can download instantly, click here!

The Importance Of Connecting With Your Audience

2009-01-07T21:33:00.000-08:00

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

Audience connection is a must for any writer. Knowing what readers want from you, can make a big difference when trying to come up with topics. While most people think that sports writers are in their own category, they can actually be broken down into a variety of different niches within the sports genre. The trick is to figure out what the readers want to know about in that particular sport, then you have a base to make an audience connection. Considering the fact that time changes everything, constant research is required to keep up with common interests.

I came across a very good article about audience connection, written by Yaro Starak at Entrepreneurs-Journey.com. In it he discusses a DVD from Frank Kern, on audience connection. The exercises discussed can be helpful to all writers.

There is also another article about how to make niche selection easy. This can be beneficial to new writers. Niche selection can depend on a number of variables. The article breaks selection down to make it an easy task. Read the article here.

Remember, your connection with the audience determines whether they read the whole article, or just the first sentence. You want them to read all the way to the last sentence, and if a connection was made you are doing that right now.

Taking Their Rightful Place: How Sports Blogs Can Become More Than Heretical New Media

2009-01-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

Some sports stars are ahead of the curve. We don’t know their true motives for certain, but they apparently "get it." Three stars, still at the top of their popularity, if not their game (in one instance, not even there yet), are using new media social networking sites to interact with fans and grow their base.

Lance Armstrong (Twitter ID: @lancearmstrong) is nearing the end of his athletic career and is rumored to be considering a second career (politics).
Shaquille O’Neal, though still effective, is beyond the pinnacle of his career, but still as popular as ever.
Natalie Gulbis, the professional golfer and budding superstar, is preparing for her best days as a golfer and general celebrity.

These three aren’t the only professional athletes to use new media to reach fans. Greg Oden, Rajon Rondo, are but two stars who use blogs as their outreach. Many others, including Tiger Woods, use their web sites to connect, albeit in a less interactive manner.

Why Star Athletes Choose New Media

Why do they choose to connect through new media? Because they get it. Regardless of their primary reasons for reaching out, they see the opportunities present in reaching out in this way. Certainly, none of the three will pass up a spot on Leno, or an interview on Sports Center, but they wouldn’t use new media if it wasn’t a valid way to connect.

Sports blogs, large and small, should see themselves on that same cutting edge. Recently, sports blog reporters have made headlines due to the controversy over whether they should garner the same locker room rights as traditional media reporters. They certainly should, but that is not the question, nor the most promising aspect. The real point is that it is a controversy. There is debate, there is discussion, which means that there’s likely validity to the argument.

Going on the Attack

All sports bloggers need to do is assert their position. Now, that doesn’t mean draw up some signs, staple them to a stick, and go on the march somewhere. Sure, there’s a time and place for that, for other causes. Sports blogs need to go on the attack, and attack in two distinct ways: by doing many of the things traditional media often (but not always) do; and many things they do not do.

Newspapers and magazines still hold to high editorial standards. Most place prime importance on accuracy, relevance, timeliness. Sports blogs that seek to gain a following should do the same, and many do; in fact, there are few that do not. Of those that do not, most are personal blogs that have no designs on making inroads toward recognized legitimacy.

Those same traditional media editorial standards require sound, technically correct writing. Good writing needs to be a cornerstone of a top-quality sports blog.

Without revenue, a newspaper will, of course, die. Good writing, accuracy, and relevant reporting will ensure they continue to maintain their financial solvency. A sports blog that wants to remain in business must also seek revenues, which is accomplished through sound and relevant content, which grows an audience, which grows relevance and power. It’s all interrelated.

What traditional media outlets do not do effectively, except in a few online instances, is connect with and listen to their fans. It’s often difficult for large organizations to directly interact with fans, unless their own reporters and columnists are forward-looking and insightful and recognize why it is important. That difficulty is an opportunity for the sports blog. Their relatively small size means they are much more nimble and the means in which they connect with fans and readers, the Internet, is the perfect place for constant, often immediate contact. This doesn’t mean a blog should cater to the whims of a passing reader or group of readers. It means they should hold to their particular mission in life, why they started the blog and what it represents, and simply interact through blog comments, social media, email, IM, whatever is at their disposal.

"Crossroads, Seem to Come and Go, Yeah" (Alman Brothers Band)

Sports blogs are approaching a crossroads: stay where they are or reach a new high level. One good blog, or five, or a hundred won’t get sports blogs as a whole to that level. It needs to be a ground swell. If they, we, are to get make the same impact and achieve the same popularity and as other new media like Twitter, MySpace, and Facebook, and surpass them as legitimate reporting and commentary outlets, something huge needs to happen. As marketing expert Seth Godin would say, a "tribe" must form, and it must go on the offensive.

By the way, follow me on Twitter: @alanlhammond.

There's More to Life Than Paragraphs

2008-12-29T07:26:00.000-08:00

This article by Alisa Bowman at Problogger.net is a great instruction for learning to write fast. What are the main benefits from the article in my estimation, you ask? They are as follows:

Decide on the blog post format or article format before you begin writing. Will it be a Q&A, list, tips, or paragraph form?
Remember, there are other things besides your standard multi-paragraph article, see above, especially when writing for the time-starved Web audience.

It's a great article and will help you accomplish more.

Note: If you'll notice, I cleverly disguised a bulleted list in this post.

Product Reviews on Your Blog

2008-12-23T10:35:00.001-08:00

I recently wrote a review of a set of Mizuno golf irons for another site. To be brief, I loved the irons, which were made for low-handicappers. The only, I mean the one and only, thing I could find wrong with them was that they won't work for high-handicap golfers.

The editor reviewing the article asked me if I was receiving anything from Mizuno for writing what amounted to an advertisement.

I certainly hadn't received anything for writing the piece, but it is a good illustration of the dangers inherent in writing product reviews. Certainly, we need to be honest in our assessments, and usually the final product is fair for everyone; consumer and manufacturer. Occassionally, you will review a product that is either clearly superior or inferior. No matter the side you come down on, you will get some negative feedback from anyone who disagrees. Be prepared!

In my case, I understand the editor's point of view. He wants ensure consumers get their money's worth from the product after reading my review. My task is to now re-write the piece so that it "sounds" better for all involved.

Product reviews are fun to do. You often get free stuff to use and keep, get to use the stuff at your leisure, tell everyone your opinion and generally get paid for your article. But, as I have learned after doing several reviews, you have to maintain the appearance of objectivity, even if you become a lifelong fan, or hater, of the product.

How To Get An Assignment Without A Query Letter

2008-12-22T08:45:00.000-08:00

It's tough enough to write every day, especially if you are maintaining a blog. That makes even the thought of writing a query letter so very unappealing. Not only does the query letter have to be perfect, it has to be powerful, moving, funny, and on and on.

Yes, there are times you must write a query letter, but, as Jennie Cromie explains in this article, How To Land Assignments Without Writing Queries, there's another way!

Wicked Awesome Content

2008-12-20T19:52:00.000-08:00

The ultimate goal for any blog is to have readers, lots of readers. Your blog might not seek monetary gain, but it does seek readers. There are a few blogs being faithfully posted to every day or every week without any attempt to reach anyone. They exist only to please the writer.

Not that there’s anything wrong with maintaining a blog as personal therapy of some sort, but most of those will reach the point of “What’s the point?”

Sports blogs are no different than any other blog; they need readers, viewers, subscribers, to survive, they need great content. Despite what some may say about what you can do with all the advice you receive, if you try to grow a blog without awesome content, make that wicked awesome content, you won’t have a blog for long.

New Blogs Face a Daily Battle

You’re reading a new blog, one that is fighting every other blog on the Net to gain attention and readers. If I don’t separate Sports Writer HQ from the pack, if I don’t make an impact among sports writers and sports bloggers, I’ll be writing about something else a year from now. I’ve done what every person who wants to reach people through a blog should do; I’ve found a group (sports writers and bloggers) that is under-served, and found that there is an audience. Now, the next logical step for me is to get people to trust this blog through great content, information they can use, information that will make a positive impact on their readership and their bank accounts.

Develop Trust

Yes, your readers need to trust you. If they come to your site and find validity in what you’re saying, if they find value in the resources you provide, and if they see the same results day-after-day, week-after-week, month-after-month, you have gained trust. The ONLY way you can start building a relationship with readers is to provide them with what they need, Wicked Awesome Content.

Wicked Awesome Case Studies

ArmchairGolfBlog.blogspot.com - Here’s a golf blog that doesn’t give you scores and recaps of Tiger’s latest round. Armchair knows that any golf fan can turn on the Golf Channel or GolfChannel.com and find the same thing and much more quickly. What it does provide is timely and relevant commentary on golf news, but in a way that appeals to avid golf fans. In my opinion, Armchair's appeal lies in it’s common sense, humanity and the dry humor it applies to the golf world. Take a look at these three recent posts and you’ll have a great sense of why it attracts readers and participation through comments.

Bob Thomas: Golf Saved His Life
Harrington Gets Tiger’s Player of the Year Vote
Bad Bet for Freddie Couples

Armchair sets itself apart from many other sites by giving readers consistent posts, virtually every day. People hate to return to a blog only to see that it hasn’t been updated in weeks or even days. If they know they’re going to get fresh posts, they’re more likely to return. There are lots of blogs that do the same thing as Armchair, but not as consistently, which is a clear reason it remains successful.

ProBlogger.net - Simply put, one of the most successful blogs today, yesterday, and, because blog creator Darren Rowse loves and knows what he’s doing, in the future.

In a recent interview, Rowse admitted that when he started his first blog in 2002, he had virtually no blogging or coding skills. As he stated, “I often joke about a time I had to ask another blogger how to make text bold - my understanding of html, coding, design was pretty much non existent.” How far away 2002 must seem to him.

What started as a desire to write a personal blog soon developed into a way to make some extra money, then into a part-time living, then into a full-time living, then into mega-success.

He achieved success through finding what his readers wanted, focusing on that niche (initially it was cameras) and writing killer content. Because advertisers wanted a tightly focused blog and readers who were interested in exactly what they had to sell, monetary success came.

ProBlogger.net continues to deliver consistent and powerful content that bloggers want. It’s also content that aides in their success, which, for most blogs, is the bottom line.

Remember, shoot for wicked awesome content, and don’t fall short.

Every Blog Niche Is Created Equal

2008-12-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

I, for one, believe that sports blogs are just as relevant to daily life as the next niche. Tech blogs, writing blogs, sports blogs, dust bunny blogs? All relevant and useful. The thing that sports blogs have to guard against is the perception that all they have to say is something like, "Dude, the Patriots were wicked awesome last night." That may be the case for some sports blogs. If so, it may be what its readers are searching for.

If you have readers, your blog means something to someone. Judging from the number of sports blogs, they mean a great deal to lots of people. Just as in the Great Depression (today's economy doesn't quite get us there, yet), sports, movies, music, all served as an escape from the pain and toil of daily life. You're blog may be doing just fine talking about the Wicked Awesome Patriots. That may be what brings in your target audience and keeps them around.

You may have lots of fans and readers, but keep in mind that you are filling a need. Listening to what they want is critical to maintaining your readership and relevance.

If your blog is struggling, losing readers and subscribers, or failing to gain a foothold, try some new things. Expand from box scores and game recaps, after all, readers can get that from ESPN or other well-known outlets. They may want something more from you; something on which they can agree, something with which they disagree, something controversial. It's your job to find what that "something" is.

You may have a blog for your own personal gratification, but if you have readers, you have a responsibility to them. When times are tough for many, like today, a sports blog, tech blog, dust bunny blog, or whatever niche your blog serves, becomes more important to its readers. Unless, of course, you have no interest in how many people see your blog.

Fill the needs with wicked awesome content and your blog will begin to thrive.

The Sports Blogger Marketer

2008-12-19T09:01:00.000-08:00

If you plan to earn a good income from your sports blog, you had better learn some marketing skills, too. At least that's what David Risley, guest poster at ProBlogger.net proposes in this post: How a Blogger Creates a REAL Full-Time Income.

I must say, I tend to agree

Non-Conformity in a Sports Blog?

2008-12-17T11:11:00.000-08:00

Absolutely!

I was just reading a non-sports related blog, The Art of Non-Conformity, which was recommended by a follower on Twitter. More specifically, I was reading how the writer/editor of the blog, Chris Guillebeau, defines non-conformity; “a lack of orthodoxy in thoughts or beliefs” or “the refusal to accept established customs, attitudes, or ideas.”

Certainly, a reckless application of non-conformity often results in black lipstick and a chain running from nose to earlobe, not that there's anything wrong with that. Let's just say it can lead to misunderstanding. Misunderstanding, when you're trying to establish a successful blog, or any business, can lead to very few readers (customers).

Wise use of non-conformity can lead to your blog emerging from the pack and forging ahead of everyone else.

It's usually the first mover in any field that enjoys the most prosperity and name recognition. Who was the second company in YouTube's corner of the Net? Some technology fans may know, but most don't recall and never knew. How about MySpace's competitors? You could say that Facebook and Twitter do the same things as MySpace, but they all fill social networking needs differently.

Facebook and Twitter didn't simply mimic a predecessor, they forged their own identities. As a sports blog editor, you can ensure the look, content, multimedia, posts, guests, name, use of available marketing tools, everything is uniquely yours and recognizable as yours. Your vision and passion for your topic can show through in every part of your blog. That vision and passion is what will set you apart, if used wisely.

Mimicry of a popular site, just because it's popular, can mean certain death for your blog.

My Dream Sports Job

2008-12-15T05:51:00.000-08:00

Traveling, reviewing golf courses, resorts, spas, great destinations; sounds like a dream job. Have a look at this job posting in the Sports Journalist.com forums.

Seriously, it sounds like a great job and it's for WorldGolf.com, one of the biggest and best golf sites.

Tremendous Video from New Media Expo Keynote

2008-12-14T19:37:00.000-08:00

Not a sports writer, though he admittedly loves sports, Gary Vaynerchuck presents a ton of excellent points in his keynote address at the New Media Expo a few months ago. Watch the video below. It's pretty long, but worth the time.

Community and Contact, folks. It's all about community and contact, and content, of course.

Great Tip on Twitter

2008-12-13T08:10:00.001-08:00

In the tradition of Twitter.com, 140 characters or less(from here on).

TwiTip, Twitter tips blog by Darren Rowse, gives some great advice for people looking to market stuff.

Under 140, told you so.

My Interview with Sports Anchor Mary Jo Perino

2008-12-10T07:12:00.000-08:00

What is the secret to getting a big interview? Most of the time, it’s simply asking for it. What you do with it from there is the real key.

Recently, I asked Mary Jo Perino, former CNN sports anchor and presently one of the most popular sports anchors in the Lexington, Kentucky market, for a brief interview. Her obvious love of her profession shows through in her broadcasts on NBC affiliate WLEX-Channel 18, and in the relationship she has with sports figures in Central Kentucky and the nation. What she brings to her profession, and to interviewing, made her a natural choice for someone to illustrate the topic of interviewing skills. She graciously agreed to my request and below are the results.

HQ: For some writers, interviewing isn’t something they like. Is it something you enjoy doing?

MJP: Besides going to the sporting events, doing interviews is the best part of my job. I love talking to people and that’s exactly what I think makes the best interview, when your just having a conversation. I’ve gotten to meet so many people through this job because of interviews so yes, I love it!

HQ: What is the most difficult thing about interviewing for you?

MJP: The most difficult thing is not having enough time. In the television business, you are on a tight deadline. A lot of times you have to get your three questions in and get out. There are so many interesting stories to tell and we just don’t always get the time to find out what those stories are.

HQ: What was your worst moment during an interview or what made your worst interview "the worst interview"?

MJP: Luckily I don’t really have any horror stories (at least not yet). When I got the chance to interview Mike Tyson, it was not long after he had made some pretty ugly comments to another female reporter, so I must admit I was a bit timid with that one and probably should have done a better job asking questions. When I worked for CNN, I had the opportunity to interview some big time athletes, but once again only had three questions to ask. With some of those, one of the questions had to be about something the athlete was pushing. For example, I had three questions with Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart and one of them had to be about his new Sprint ringtone. Same thing with John McEnroe, only that was about his partnership with Direct TV. For obvious reasons (wink, wink) it was a little off-putting the first time I did a lockeroom interview. Being in a room full of naked men isn’t conducive to maintaining concentration the first time out!

HQ: Who has been your best interview and what made it so?

MJP: I’ve gotten to interview some wonderful people. Tayshaun Prince has always been very kind and has never rushed me in an interview. Ramel Bradley always told you what was on his mind, I love that. Rich Brooks is also very warm and easy-going. I can’t recall specific interviews that were the best, but I remember the stories. The former softball coach at UK has a daughter with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and I have been to their home twice for interviews and been inspired both times.

HQ: In your position, do you get to adequately prepare for your interviews?

MJP: In short, the answer is sometimes. Most of the interviews I do now are immediately following a game, so you have to be thinking of questions to ask while the game is going on, and then be quick on your feet afterwards.

HQ: If you could only do one thing in preparation for an interview, what would that be?

MJP: It’s unrealistic, but I’d like to talk to the person’s mother before the interview. Get the real story!

HQ: What makes the Vikings the greatest NFL franchise ever? (She’s a transplanted Minnesotan in Big Blue Country)

MJP: That’s a great question! I wish it were true! While I love the Vikings with all my heart, I can’t call them the greatest franchise because they’ve never won a Super Bowl! We, and yes I say we, had our chances in the 70’s with the Purple People Eaters, but it never happened. Lately, we’ve had the Love Boat scandal and a decade of mediocrity. BUT… someday, I hope I can answer that questions with SEVERAL reasons why the Vikings are the greatest franchise!

So, regardless of whether you’re a broadcast journalist or a writer, time is always of the essence. Mary Jo enjoys the gift of being able to have a conversation with her interviewees while extracting the information she wants and needs. The skill of engaging an interviewee in conversation can be a great tool for putting them at ease and having a candid interview. It’s also a skill that, for most, takes a lot of practice.

Note: I hope McEnroe, Lienert and others who insist at least one question is about the product they're pushing are required to do so by their sponsors. Otherwise, I've lost some love for 'em.

Top-10 Independent Sports Blogs of 2008 Contest

2008-12-09T19:26:00.001-08:00

Now through December 31, 2008, Sports Writer HQ will be taking nominations for the Top-10 Independent Sports Blogs of 2008.

Lest ye be confused, the contest has nothing to do with the amount of traffic a blog receives each day, week, month, millennium, or age (as in Stone Age or Iron Age). The closest thing to traffic that will be looked at is blog post comments.

The contest is limited to independent blogs, thus the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in the photo. No blogs that are a part of news organizations (CNN, ESPN, Fox, New York Times, etc.) will be considered, even if the blog is written and managed by one person. Also, no blogs supported by other corporate sites.

The only blogs that will be evaluated are those that stand alone among the masses, independent, personal, one-man or one-woman shows, or a group of affiliated bloggers/writers, etc.

Qualities that will be evaluated are content, aesthetics, ease of navigation, multimedia usage, participation from readers, interaction with readers by the publisher(s), evergreen posts (those that have a chance of remaining relevant for years to come), and other intangible things that simply make a great blog.

The winner and each of the top-10 will receive a nice little logo to place on their site. They'll also be mentioned, along with a description/story of their site in the winner announcement post. Winners will be announced January 5, 2009. Sorry, but unless some corporate benefactor steps forward, there will be no further "prize package".

If you would like to nominate a favorite sports-related blog (yes, you may nominate your own), send an email to 1minfreelancer@gmail.com.

No blog with which I am affiliated or actively promote on this site will be eligible to participate in the contest. Winner selection will be selected at the sole discretion of Sports Writer HQ team.

This will be great! I look forward to seeing the nominations.

Multimedia-ing Your Sports Blog

2008-12-08T07:54:00.001-08:00

Or, as Frank Caliendo as President Bush might say, "multimedification."

There are lots of great sports sites with tons of interesting information. Many blogs and Web sites are key sources of insider information about the teams and sports they follow. That's all both a blessing and a curse. A blessing if you're a reader, a curse if you're the publisher. Why? Because the competition for readers is stiff.

In order to separate your Web site or blog from the pack, you need to do something special, something memorable that will bring people back to you and have them spread the word.

I know. You have a site full of "some high-quality H2O." You have great blog posts and articles, maybe even info that no one else has. That's great, but what I'm getting at is this - so does everyone else. Plus, what you're increasingly competing against are blogs that have, in addition to superior content, some cool, valuable multimedia components. Keep putting out good content in a text format and you'll see your readers dwindle over time. Add one or two multimedia components and word will spread about you.

Not a sports site, but take a look at GeekBrief.tv, a site ran by Cali Lewis and her husband, Neal Campbell. It's one of the most popular sites of its kind. Text articles are essentially non-existent at GeekBrief.tv, replaced by video. Even though it's full of video content, but it isn't confusing or cluttered (like ESPN's site!), it's one of the cleanest I've ever seen. With its popularity, it's an example of how great multimedia content on the web can help you gain a huge following.

You don't need to go to that extreme, even the GeekBrief blog continues to include text posts alongside video and some other applications.

The nice thing about video, if the content of your video is as good as the quality of your text content (which is excellent), is that your stuff will be much more likely to hit YouTube, Facebook, gain a following on Twitter, etc. The social networking sites have the potential effect of innundating you with traffic.

I'm in the process of implementing some new multimedia blog features here; a whole new look and location, too. My newsletter is capturing an initial core group and multimedia will bring in the second wave.

If you've followed this blog, you'll know I am no techie, to the contrary. But, you don't need to be a guru to start putting up some original video content.

Neither is it expensive. You already have a computer and Internet connection. All you need now is a web cam, a mic, and video editing software. I haven't seen it, but GetYourVideoOnline.com is reportedly a great place to go to get your video online (thus the name of their website).

Just this one new addition to your site, combined with participation in forums and social networking sites, will get your site rolling.

Holiday Season Word of Thanks

2008-12-04T09:11:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, I published my ebook The One-Minute Golf Writer: Golf Writing for Fun and Profit (Mostly Profit), a couple of months ago. Since this is the holiday season, I'd like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has purchased it.

I wish there was a more personal way of saying thanks, because I put a lot of work into the book and it feels good when people buy and like it.

It's my sincere hope that OMGW gets you started toward a new career, revenue stream, business, or new life. It was certainly meant to do so.

Thanks for reading the ebook and thanks for reading this blog. Happy Holidays!

The Unique Mission of Sports Writer HQ

2008-11-26T20:15:00.000-08:00

For no other reason than I simply want to, I'd like to mention the mission of this blog.

Sports Writer HQ is part sports, part writing, part business. Freelance sports writing is not limited to game coverage, sport-specific writing, player profiles, and sports news; neither is this blog.

Since beginning my nano-business as a freelance golf writer, I have learned there are a myriad of possibilities with sports writing. Sure, you can cover all of the typical sports topics mentioned above, but as a freelancer, you could go broke. If you want to do that, if you're passionate about it, a sports writing "purist", hit it hard. It will be fulfilling.

If, like me, you're in it because you love sports or a sport, see the income potential and want to find your particular niche, then you're open to a lot of different ideas and concepts. That's what I am trying to provide here. As I experience things, whatever they may be and however they may relate to freelance sports writing, I will lay them out here. You'll see what works (for me), what doesn't work (for me) and through that information, you may see what you can do better than I do. You may see my mistakes and turn my failures into successes for you. I certainly hope so.

As the blog grows, I hope to see more comments, more questions and requests from readers to post their own articles here. I truly want it to be a great resource.

How Football Explains America

2008-11-25T18:56:00.001-08:00

I just did a Google search for ESPN Analyst Sal Paolantonio's new book, How Football Explains Americaand there was tons of everything from good reviews to scathing, rambling, juvenile junk. What that tells me is, at the very least, it's a good book.

In fact, in my opinion, How Football Explains America is an outstanding example of sports writing combined with a brief history of America. Disclaimer: I am a former History major, as is, as I understand, Paolantonio.

Yes, it was well written; you would expect that most things published in print are. It also provided a viable argument for how what we know as "football" came into being, and how it arrived at it's present state.

In short, according to How Football Explains America the Battle of Midway, Manifest Destiny, American heritage, American culture, everything that is America, is reflected in today's game.

If you want to read a great sports book, one of the best in some time, and you want to be a better sports writer for having read it, this is the one.

Celebrity Sportscaster Interview

2008-11-24T11:22:00.000-08:00

Let me take just a moment to speak to the Kentucky Wildcat faithful everywhere, certainly those in Central and Eastern Kentucky. In a week or so, I will be posting (after my newsletter readers see it) my interview with former CNN Sports Anchor, and current WLEX anchor, Mary Jo Perino.

She's one of the bright spots in our local sports market and a great supporter of Wildcat sports.

I will be talking to her about interviewing, the differences and similarities between broadcasting and sports writing, connecting with the audience, and anything else that comes to mind.

It will beneficial to all sports writers, not just Big Blue fans. If you want to see it first, in the "unpublished" form, join the newsletter mailing list. The link is in the right hand column. It's free.

Think Your Blog is Successful Now? Just Wait.

2008-11-20T08:12:00.000-08:00

I rarely recommend products. Take a look at this blog and you'll see only four products, one of which is my own, and another is what I'm telling you about here.

The only way I will offer a product on this or any of my sites is if I: 1) have first-hand knowledge of it; and 2) it will be of great benefit to those who purchase it. There's enough crap "Make Money Fast!" scams out there to fill the Gulf of Mexico, I don't want to extend that any further. What I'm getting at is if I risk my name by recommending it, it had better be outstanding! Blog Mastermind is just that, outstanding.

Yaro Starak publishes a business blog, Entrepreneurs-Journey.com. You'll see a link to it in the blog roll. It has a Google PageRank of 5, which is fantastic for a blog and it has great content. I hadn't been making a push to make my blogs fiscally successful until I began reading his blog and a few others. I recently finished his report on making a succesful blog. I had been wanting to share it with you, but I had to wait to see the results. Now I can do it. I sent this info to my email list this morning, but couldn't wait any longer to put it out to everyone.

Yaro is a professional blogger who claims to make over $5000 USD per month from his blog. Blog Mastermind is his mentoring program for people who want to earn a full time income from blogging part time.

Now, I'm always skeptical of lofty claims, but, seeing my own results, it is highly unlikely that he is making up his figures. There's a free download to get you started, but the real meat of the program is in the Blog Mastermind Program.

I recommend it and hope it does as well for your sports blog, cooking blog, lawn care blog, whatever, as it has for me. Let me know how you do. I can't wait to hear. Click here to join the Blog Mastermind Mentoring Program

Do You Own a Blog? Well, This is a Great Idea.

2008-11-19T18:52:00.001-08:00

I've stumbled across a blog called Feverbee. It isn't a sports blog, but it is, according to many, one of the best business-to-business (b2b) blogs on the Net.

How it relates here is found in this blog post, VIP In The Building.

What a great idea! Having a VIP guest, either in an online discussion period, or even to be a guest writer, can give your traffic (and income) a boost. Perfect for a sports blog!

For example, I live in a town of about 250,000 with the state's second largest newspaper and three of the largest television stations. Convincing one of the local sports writers or sportscasters to make an appearance on this blog, accompanied by mention of the appearance on the paper's/TV station's website could be golden!

I'll test it out and let you know how it goes in the next few weeks.

The One Key to Writing Success?

2008-11-14T08:17:00.001-08:00

Is there one key, one personal quality you should possess to be a success? If so, it is resilience. Here's a fantastic article by Mary Jaksch, a writer for the Lifehack blog about just that.

Resilience: The Key to Surviving Anything

Rejection Opportunity

2008-11-12T10:28:00.000-08:00

Or, more accurately, Rejection=Opportunity.

I handle rejection from potential clients, editors, etc. very well, after the initial "I can't believe that (insert expletive, like "big dummy", "insensitive jerk", "mister smarty-pants") moron calls himself an editor," and "What lowly vermin would turn down my proposal."

If you've ever voiced such opinions to the "rejector", you have certainly lost a potential client for eternity. In this economy, that's bad.

If you have responded with no response at all, you may have accomplished the same thing.

If you responded with an email/card/letter thanking the person for her time, providing you with tools to improve your work, the opportunity, and wishing them all the best, then you have left the door open for a future collaboration.

Even better, follow it up with a card around the next holiday, just to keep you on her mind. When the next opportunity arises, and she sees your proposal, you will get a closer look than the others.

The Pencil is Truly Mighty!

2008-11-11T10:57:00.000-08:00

For a writer, web-publisher, or entrepreneur, being organized is a key to getting things done. Many a project, article, business, undertaking has fallen flat before getting started due to our inability to organize thoughts and put them into action. That being the case, todoodlist will potentially change your life.

At the very least, it will give you a clarity you didn't have before, unless you were previously a CPA and you were supremely organized from birth. If you are like me, you need the help. This is that help.

There are plenty of other books at Amazon or Borders that have garnered a lot of press, but this little tome beats them all. todoodlist is the only one that has helped me (as you can see from my more regular posting here at SportsWriterHQ) and I love it for that.

It's only 14 bucks, so give todoodlist a try. I wouldn't give it such high praise unless it can deliver the goods. With the new productivity and earning capacity you will possess, you'll probably be able to buy the rights to it before long.

Put down the PDA and pick up a pencil!

Writing in a New Stream

2008-11-10T10:43:00.000-08:00

All of this recession talk has had the effect of making me feel as if I'm in a race for my financial well-being. I know it's not that bad, but it has had some constructive implications. Case in point, I'm now acting on some things that had previously been on the back-burner. Most notably, a potential new income stream based upon newsletter publication on behalf of golf clubs, pros, and so on.

Essentially, I am contacting golf clubs with a sales letter describing the benefits of a regular newsletter and how it can impact their own revenue stream. My role is to be the person that compiles and distributes the newsletter, with minimal requirement from my potential clients.

I'm offering the service at a very fair price, considering that they can generate income from the newsletter in several ways: increased sales, increased play, advertising revenue, and so on.

I'll let you know how it goes.

A Key to Getting BIG Sports Interviews

2008-10-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

From the outset, I'd like to say my idea of a big interview is somewhat smaller than what Rich Eisen would call a big interview. But, by using ProfNet, which I acess via PRNewswire.com, I have been able to get a number of quality interviews.

As a media user of ProfNet, you simply place a query requesting information on whatever your topic may be, and, in my experience, you will soon be inundated with top-quality lead on interviews. As I'm a freelance golf fitness writer (as well as many other facets of the golf world), I have been able to gain interviews from professional golfers, leading physicians, instructors, and fitness experts.

There's no charge for media access to ProfNet. If you're serious about writing, it's an indespensible tool.

Eschew Obfuscation in Sports Writing

2008-10-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

In virtually all writing for public consumption, for that matter.

There are only a few things worse than trying to read the sports page or a sports-related magazine and discovering the sports writer thinks he's below quota on ten-dollar words. I want the sports. I may even want your opinion. I do not want to know the extent of your vocabulary. I think most readers are like me.

There are scholarly journals where "big words" are completely at home, but not in a column about how fans shouldn't boo Joe College after he's thrown his third interception in one game. I believe it's a fatal mistake for a writer, particularly a freelancer who doesn't have the security of a full-time position with the publication.

Just as you would take care to be grammatically correct, also know your audience and what they want or don't want.

Just one man's opinion.

The Most Common Writing Mistake

2008-10-23T10:36:00.000-07:00

According to freelance writer extraordinaire, Bob Bly, the most common writing mistake you can make is not possessing a wide knowledge and deep understanding of your subject. He says, "...if you lack mastery of your topic, your writing willl be vague, unfocused and have little value, credibility, and authority."

To combat this, Bly says, among other things, you should simply educate yourself. If you're writing about something, anything, it generally means you have an interest in the subject, particularly if you are a freelancer. That being the case, it shouldn't be too difficult to deepen your knowledge.

After gaining the requisite knowledge of your subject, according to Bly, organize your content for maximum impact, make your subject clear to the reader, and polish your prose.

PoeWar.com

2008-08-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for freelance, or full- or part-time writing work, have a look at the job search feature on PoeWar.com. The site has been around since 1999 and the job search engine appears to pull postings from all around the web. A simple search for "sports" turned up a huge amount of results.

There's also a section heading for "Sports Writing Jobs." This may very well be a go-to site for your freelance or other sports writing job hunt. It's free, which is always good.

From what I've seen, I'll give it a five-star recommendation. There's a reason it's been around for almost a decade.

Podcasting as Sportswriting?

2008-08-04T06:18:00.000-07:00

If you're a regular user of Sportswriter HQ, you probably spend a considerable amount of time thinking of new and innovative ways to break into sportswriting, or at least to make some money from writing.

Consider podcasting. If not your own podcast, possibly writing for another sports-related podcast. It will take some research time to find some podcasts (which will be partially done for you in our next post here). Then, you'll need to contact the creator/publisher of the podcast to make your pitch to submit material.

It may be long shot, but it is at least worth a try, since podcasting, like blogging, isn't going away; only getting stronger and more widespread. In fact, it may be more to your benefit to create and publish your own podcast. A simple search for golf related podcasts has revealed a few, but not many, out there. I'm sure the same goes for many other sports.

Great Career Resource for Sports Writers

2008-07-11T05:48:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for full- or part-time sportswriting employment, JobsInSports.com is a great place to look. It has a wide variety of job postings and, from the number of postings, is widely accepted and used by all forms of sports-related franchises, publications, organizations and businesses as a "go-to" place to post jobs.

It is a pay site, but from the look of it, it is well worth the money. A one-week trial (with some free bonuses included) is available for $9.95. A full membership, month-to-month, is $29.95; six months membership is $79; and a year can be had for $99.

Give it a look. By the way, this blog has no connection to JobsinSports.com. It just looks like a great site.

New E-book for Freelance Sportswriters

2008-07-10T06:02:00.000-07:00

For those of you who may want to break into writing about sports, I have written an e-book about the process. The One Minute Golf Writer is a guide for starting a rewarding career as a freelance sportswriter. Although it is directed at people looking to write about golf, it is also perfect for any sports discipline, or any profession, for that matter.

It takes you from the beginning stages, answering such questions as "Who can become a freelance writer?," to "Can I write well enough?," to "How long will it take to begin making money?," plus many others.

The One Minute Golf Writer shows readers (and listeners; there's an audio CD, too) how to find work, the types of writing they can do, case studies, interviews with other writers, how much they might earn for different projects, and so on.

Have a look for yourself at www.oneminutegolfwriter.com.

Freelance Sports Writing Jobs, Week of May 19

2008-05-22T06:12:00.000-07:00

1. Grant Writer for Sports Apparatus Invention
2. Sportswriters and Bloggers, several open positions
3. Fox Sports Writer/Preeditor
4. Sports Content Manager (NBC; New York)
5. Sports Writer
6. Fanatasy Sports site needs writers for various sports.
7. Fitness Website seeking writers.
8. Magazine Seeking Freelancers
9. Web-based, sports content writer
10. Sports history writer

Freelance Writer Not Afraid to Go Against the Grain

2008-03-20T19:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a great example of a writer not being afraid to write something that flies in the face of conventional thought. WorldGolf.com writer Brandon Tucker has placed a somewhat new twist, certainly a forceful one, on why Tiger Woods is so successful. A well-written and well-supported article. Have a look at "It's the golf courses - not the lack of competition - that makes Tiger Woods unstoppable on the PGA Tour."

Don't be afraid to put forth your own opinion. Just do like Tucker has done, make sure to support your claims.

Finding Sportswriting Assignments

2008-03-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

If you're a beginning freelancer, one of your first questions may be, "Where do I find sportswriting jobs/assignments?" There are several ways.

One way is to find a site like Suite101.com (discussed in an earlier post). Suite101.com is a large, general interest website with several sections, one of which is the Sports section. With Suite 101, and others like it, you can apply to become a writer. Pay for your work depends on revenue sharing from ads placed on your articles. The more traffic to your articles, the more money you should make. If you go this route, most of your income will come after you have built up a portfolio and traffic to your articles. There are sites that pay per article rather than the revenue share model. There are advantages to both. With Suite101.com, your main benefit, at least initially, is the legitimacy that writing for them will provide. That legitimacy will lead to other, higher paying jobs, with persistence, of course.

Another route you can take is with sites that let you bid on job postings. The website typically accepted as the best of these is Elance.com. On Elance, you join, post a profile and examples of your work (optional) and bid on writing or other projects that fit your interest and ability. As with anything, being selected for projects come more readily once you've established a good rating and a few completed projects. Most anytime, you can find sports-related projects that need good writers on Elance.

Whatever road you decide to take in beginning your freelance writing career, beware of avenues. For example, there are other job posting sites that aren't as respected as Elance. At Elance, you can join free of charge or pay for premium placement when bidding, and several other perks, which has the effect of weeding out low bidders (someone who offers to write full articles for $2 or $3 each, often possibly using programs that re-write the work of others quickly). Some other sites are more conducive to such people.

Most online writing will pay less than print publications, but it is financially worthwhile and your portfolio is growing all the while.

Here's a link to the articles I've written on Suite101.com, just to give you an idea of what can be done in a year - Golf Feature Writer Articles. I published nearly 100 articles last year, and that wasn't even near the top on Suite 101.

Sports-Related Press Release Writing

2008-03-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

One of the innumerable ways to put your interest and knowledge about your favorite sport(s) to work is through press release writing.

There are a number of companies related to sports in some fashion. Tons of websites, web companies, fitness centers, businesses hosting charity sports events, etc., need knowledgeable experts to help promote their sports-related events. If you know and love your sport, learn to write press releases.

Sports press release writing does entail a bit more than, say, an in depth knowledge of golf, or basketball, or tennis, for example. Writers should obtain a fair amount of knowledge of written sales techniques, since that is essentially what you will be doing. They should also learn about the companies for which they will be writing.

For tons of press release samples, visit PRWeb.com and PRNewsWire.com. You'll have to register, but it's free and they'll be great resources for the future.

Another good reason to branch out, or specialize, in sports press releases is the pay is often better. Companies stand to make a lot of money from getting the word out, as a result, they are often willing to pay for a great, impactful press release.

Further your sportswriting reach, learn to write sports press releases.

Blogs: A Great Way to Promote Your Writing

2008-02-10T19:05:00.000-08:00

Sure, blogs are a dime a dozen. A penney a dozen is more like it these days. But, there are comparatively few that offer great content for their readers. Establishing a blog with solid content that is useful to readers/users is a welcome site.

They are also great places to promote and link to your other work. Also, the more inbound links to your articles, the higher the Google PageRank, which shows the popularity of your work and impacts the search engine ranking. Every web page is ranked by Google. Each page has a ranking from 0 to 10. The higher the better. One way to increase is through linking.

Linking provides you with needed page views, which means more readers, possible ad revenue, popularity, etc.

If you already have some articles/an article on the Net, set up a blog. It's free. With blogspot, you can place your own ads, Google Adsense, or some other ad server and earn income from it. It won't be much at first, but handled in the right way and with determination, it will be.

Sportswriting Goes Further than Article Writing

2008-02-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

It's always great to get your work published. Today, there are lots of options for submitting your work for publication; websites, newspapers, magazines, blogs, etc.

There's also corporate writing. Whatever your chosen sport(s), you can be certain there are businesses that need your help. For example, I have completed several projects for a company that produces and sells golf instructional videos. They also maintain a mailing list to which regular newsletters are sent. For that company, I have written extensive reports about various aspects of golf.

As another illustration, I have completed writing projects for a company that manages several golf resorts in the United States and around the world.

With a little imagination, you can find these companies. Finding them is a big step to getting work from them. When you're starting out as a sportswriter, those corporate writing paychecks are generally much larger than those for the traditional article for publication.

Great Online Sportswriting Outlets II

2008-01-16T09:29:00.000-08:00

Aside from Suite101.com, another good place to write is HowtoDoThings.com. Although they don't offer positions such as "Feature Writer," they do have some perks.

A smaller site than Suite101.com, HowtoDoThings.com is growing and articles enjoy good readership. Usually it seems, the more articles you write for a particular site, the better your search engine ranking (especially if you're interlinking articles, marketing on social networking sites, forums, blogs, etc.)goes up. At HowtoDoThings.com, my page views began receiving good traffic right away.

Another perk is that writers are purported to get 50% of the ad revenue earned from click-throughs on articles. There's a twist to the 50% rule. Say one click-through from one of your articles earns .50, you don't get .25 and HTDT.com gets .25. The rule is that half the time you get the click throughs and half the time HTDT gets it. In other words, on a particular page load, it might be your turn to get all ad revenue for that page load, or it might be HTDT.com's turn. I haven't gotten a good explanation for when it's my turn and when it's theirs.

Everything considered, it's a great place to write. They've featured one of my articles on their home page, How to Get Golf Lessons, and plan to feature my profile there as well. Both are good boosts to traffic. They're a pleasure to work with and responsive to questions. Good site for which to write.

Great Sportwriting Outlets for Beginning (and Experienced) Freelancers

2008-01-07T11:06:00.000-08:00

If you want to become a freelancer, or you're simply looking for new outlets for your writing, there are some good places to explore. Over the next several days, I'll be providing my experience with some of them. Here's the first:

Suite101.com - In my experience, Suite101.com's three major advantages are as follows:

1) They don't let just anyone become a writer. There is an application process. Prospective writers need to have a background in their chosen area and they have to submit sample pieces that meet standards. This gives the site a higher degree of egitimacy.

2) They offer Feature Writer positions for people who publish regulary and with some longevity. Writers are eligible to become a Feature Writer after publishing 10 articles.

3) Great search engine placement. Suite101.com has been around for some time and they have earned a good reputation. Although much is dependent upon the writer in doing his/her "keyword" part, 7 million page views per month is a big boost.

I've enjoyed great success with Suite101.com's golf section over the past year. My Feature Writer position has added immesureable legitimacy to my freelancing career. Suite101.com is certainly worth your time.

Sportswriter HQ is LIVE!

2008-01-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

This is the first post on what will become a top resource for freelance sportswriters. From novices pounding away at the keyboard and learning the ropes, to seasoned veterans looking for leads and new information, Sportswriter HQ will be the Net's home base.

Please, contribute what you know about freelance sportswriting, ask questions about what you don't know, and comment on what you see here (good or bad). After all, any information about sportwriting will be appreciated and used by someone.

Come back often and let's all have some fun and succeed together!

Sports Writer HQ

Backlinks Checking: Do It, but Don't Obsess

How to Write Sports Articles, That Actually Last

Google Panda Case Study and How to Turn it Around

How to Build Your Blog's List: Step One

Monday Morning Mojo: Top Sports Posts, Blogs and Sites from Last Week

John Daly: An Engaging Twitterer?

You're Changing the World as an Entrepreneur

One Way to Gain Freelance Writing Credibility

The Top Sports Writing Jobs And Videos For Week Of March 25, 2009

Sportswriter HQ Update

Top Sports Writing And Freelance Writing Jobs For Week Of March 16, 2009

Top Sports Videos For The Week: The Slam Dunk Collection

Top Sports Writing Jobs For Week Of March 11, 2009

My Top Three Sports Videos For The Week: More Crazy Sports Videos

Top Sports Writing And Freelance Writing Jobs For Week Of March 2, 2009

What's Happening In Sports Today? Friday, February 27, 2009

My Top Three Sports Videos Of The Week: The Insane, Miraculous, And Funny Collection

Top Sports Writing Jobs For Week Of February 23, 2009

Put the "IT" Factor To Use For You And Your Writing

My Monthly Top Five Sites And Services For Freelance Writers And Bloggers

News Flash: How To Write A Good Press Release

Top Sports Writing Jobs For Week Of February 16, 2009

Helpful Videos For Freelance Sports Writers

The Secret To Making Your Articles Irresistible: Tips For Creating An Engaging Headline

Top Sports Writing Jobs For Week Of February 9, 2009

A New Kind of Pro: How 43-Year-Old Phil Bundy is Connecting With and Inspiring Others Through New Media

The Short and Sweet of Writing An E-Book

The Internet: A Freelance Sports Writer's Assistant Coach

What Makes a Great Sports Blog?

Top Sports Writing Jobs For Week Of February 2, 2009

When A Good Interview Goes Bad

The Do's and Don'ts Of Freelance Sports Writing

The Importance Of Developing A Business Plan

Top Sports Writing Jobs For Week Of January 26, 2009

Writing A Good Sports Article Can Help Document History

How to Gain Seven Hours of Productivity Per Week

The Benefits of Posting Evergreen Articles

Technorati's Top 5 Sports Blogs

The Writer-Chieftan

An Awesome Free Service To Help “Kick-Start” Your Writing Career

The Importance Of Connecting With Your Audience

Taking Their Rightful Place: How Sports Blogs Can Become More Than Heretical New Media

There's More to Life Than Paragraphs

Product Reviews on Your Blog

How To Get An Assignment Without A Query Letter

Wicked Awesome Content

Every Blog Niche Is Created Equal

The Sports Blogger Marketer

Non-Conformity in a Sports Blog?

My Dream Sports Job

Tremendous Video from New Media Expo Keynote

Great Tip on Twitter

My Interview with Sports Anchor Mary Jo Perino

Top-10 Independent Sports Blogs of 2008 Contest

Multimedia-ing Your Sports Blog

Holiday Season Word of Thanks

The Unique Mission of Sports Writer HQ

How Football Explains America

Celebrity Sportscaster Interview

Think Your Blog is Successful Now? Just Wait.

Do You Own a Blog? Well, This is a Great Idea.

The One Key to Writing Success?

Rejection Opportunity

The Pencil is Truly Mighty!

Writing in a New Stream

A Key to Getting BIG Sports Interviews

Eschew Obfuscation in Sports Writing

The Most Common Writing Mistake

PoeWar.com

Podcasting as Sportswriting?

Great Career Resource for Sports Writers

New E-book for Freelance Sportswriters

Freelance Sports Writing Jobs, Week of May 19

Freelance Writer Not Afraid to Go Against the Grain

Finding Sportswriting Assignments

Sports-Related Press Release Writing

Blogs: A Great Way to Promote Your Writing

Sportswriting Goes Further than Article Writing

Great Online Sportswriting Outlets II