Monday, February 9, 2009

The Airing of Grievances, Part 3

Upon the occasion of the 100th post of this blog, I want to reflect on how things have gone so far.

A major goal when I began this blog was to provide an avenue for programs not accustomed to getting much coverage to publicize their teams and accomplishments.

A few of the programs have embraced that concept warmly, sending regular reports on game scores and other items.

With other programs, my efforts have been met with indifference, to put it kindly. I've made multiple e-mail contacts with some schools asking that someone report their scores via e-mail -- just scores; details would be gravy -- and don't have any more contact until my next e-mail to them requesting the scores.

In my more than three decades working for a daily newspaper, I've been quite accustomed to that attitude from some of the high school athletic programs I've dealt with.

I don't like it, but I can understand why some high school coaches aren't interested in taking the extra time to help the media. Some of the coaches stipends are such that they may be earning pennies per hour worked. I've always contended the help they give us helps us publicize their programs, which helps draw fans (read better ticket receipts) and the occasional college recruiter.

I was hopeful things would be different on the college level. Most colleges usually have someone at least nominally in charge of providing sports information. I've written several people identified as sports information directors to let them know my goals for the blog and asking them for their help to achieve it. Few have responded.

I've been spending time tracking down scores that I had hoped to use for more productive posts on this blog.

Honestly, I'd be satisfied just to be able to get final scores for non-DI teams on a same-day basis. Scores for DI schools are usually very easy to find. I wish the non-DI programs would realize I'm trying to help them.

I haven't reached the point of giving up on the uncooperative schools yet, but there may come a day ...

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just want to say you are doing an excellent job. I hate the fact that college baseball doesn't get the coverage of other college sports, but thanks to you we can get a more in depth look at the programs across this great state.

Rudy Jones said...

Richard,Thanks for the kind words. That kind of encouragement makes me think my efforts are worthwhile.

Unknown said...

Keep up the good work

Rudy Jones said...

Thanks, WILBS