No. I’m not promoting the cheesy Dana Carvy movie of the same name. I’m inviting every member of the FoxSports.com blogging community to take advantage of a unique opportunity. You see, I love this site and think that it is possibly the best blogging community on the web. I will continue to post here and promote the site as just that and send people its way. And I thank and applaud Fox for having such a space when ESPN and other competitors refuse to allow their readers to have this kind of outlet. However, there is too much talent getting wasted over here. Sure, you have a small fan base of readers and are respected by quite a few people, but what else?
Not much.
Other than one person winning the NGS every half-year, who else profits from this site? Honestly—nobody. Sure, the community is fun, but for many of us this is about so much more than simply being fun.
That is why I, along with a business associate of mine, am launching a live sports (NBA, NFL, MLB, Soccer/MLS, NHL, NCAA, NASCAR, GOLF, UFC, potentially everything!), entertainment, and news supersite—AbsoluteBestNews.com. Columns, blogs, news, podcasts, etc… this site will have it all.
Where do you come in? I am looking for featured contributors, writers featured by the site that would contribute a weekly column and potentially be involved in podcasts. The column could have almost any format, I just want talented, creative, writers with fresh voices. Your name, picture, bio, and material would be featured on a site that we expect to receive big-time traffic. This would be fantastic exposure. I also would let all featured contributors completely control their own material. Initially this will not be a paid gig, but that could definitely change in the not-so-distant future. The main thing is the exposure. Instead of people going to Fox and stumbling across your blog (which is probably 1 out of 1,000) every once in a while you would be one of ten to fifteen featured writers on one of the hottest new sites on the web. You'd be one of the original writers whose talent and rep helped build the site from the ground up. I would also link to your website or page if you have one already.
Here’s the deal: I want to take a minimum of 5 writers from this site, and everyone gets a fair shot. If we think 20 writers are worthy, 20 will be selected.
How do you audition for the Opportunity Knocks Writing Contest?
Simply send your best sample of writing, either brand new or older, to absolutebestfilms@gmail.com along with why you think you’d be a great addition as a featured writer. I’ll be announcing at least 5 winners a week from today and will include a slice of writing that shows why each writer was selected.
Hopefully, there will be a decent turnout and a select group of us can start making things happen. Only 1 writer wins NGS, but at least 5 writers will win the OKWC. Looking forward to hearing from you guys!!
absolutebest, I think this is great what you are doing. I agree that there are some really good writers here and some of the stuff I read here is better then what I read at Espn or Foxsports or anywhere. Good luck with this, I hope it takes off.
Best - My email is in. One of the funniest comedy sets I ever saw was Dana Carvey on New Year's Eve. He was heckled and pulled the "I don't come down to McDonald's and bug you when you're working" joke back when that was really funny.
I would have loved to have seen that. I love when hecklers get handled Spike Lee-style. Speaking of comedy, when is Last Comic Standing on TV? Love that show but have missed the last two or so.
Quite a few submissions are already in. I might have to take more than five of you if this keeps up!
Also, there was some concern from potential contributors that they would not be able to do podcasts due to location. That is false. My partner is setting it up so that our podcasts can be done from multiple locations. All featured contributors would need would be a computer, USB headset, and the will to go on-air. Thanks...
Last edited by absolutebest on July 13th at 9:05 AM.
Absolutebest-Congrats on the newsite. I checked it out and it looks like you are on your way. Good luck with it, i probably won't submit anything because I am fairly new to the blogging game and I ain't no journalism major. Good Luck.
Rampride, thanks! The site actually hasn't launched yet. The site on my profile is my current blog, which pales in comparison to the future site. And I still encourage all to submit. Most of us are not journalism majors. I am looking for unique and creative voices, not cookie-cutter columnists. Plus, I will be serving as editor along with likely a few others, so nobody should fear being shut out because they aren't a fantastic editor.
absolute, looks like you are getting a good response on this. Might want to repost it as its off the most comments list since it was posted before 12 pm today I guess. My submission is in as well!
NorthSider, thanks! Didn't know you were over at Real GM. Great site. Thanks for submitting, and unlike a certain corporation, we don't care about your age, just what you can write on the page.
NorthSider, thanks! Didn't know you were over at Real GM. Great site. Thanks for submitting, and unlike a certain corporation, we don't care about your age, just what you can write on the page.
NorthSider, you are the specific reason that I told myself I wouldn't have an age limit. So I don't have one. I was actually just over at Real GM, and much to my chagrin the Pacers are stagnant again!
I was wondering how long it would take for someone to do this. I am glad to see it is someone of your caliber. Best of Luck! And I just sent you some stuff. No matter if I am part of it or not, I can't wait to see the website. You will always have my support.
Thanks for both the compliments and support, Siddhartha. And glad to see that you decided to submit!
You're right; it was only a matter of time. And with me putting together this website fresh off of making NGS II, I thought, "hey, why not me." You have to strike while the iron is hot, you know.
Adam Best is a filmmaker and sportswriter who resides in Miami. He and his brother Zach have their own Kansas City Chiefs blogsite -- Arrowhead Addict.com. Best also covers the Miami Dolphins and NFL for Real Football 365.com. He was one of 16 finalists on Fox Sports.com's Next Great Sportswriter II contest.
