MaxPreps.com: Another possible revenue stream squandered by newspapers?

donaugust · Jan 6, 2007

enigami said:

shotglass said:

enigami said:

For most editors, it's impractical to ask their prep beat writers to be great beat writers AS WELL AS great statistic-compilers. They're different disciplines.
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Y'know, enigami, as right as that sounds, I think it might be incorrect. It's just possible that great prep beat writers do necessarily need to be great statistic-compilers. It's all part of the package, especially at those newspapers that AREN'T the L.A. Times, Chicago Trib, etc.
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To clarify: when I cover pro football, at the end of the game I get a 10-page stapled packet of stats I could never hope to keep on my own. This is great statistic-keeping. It helps enhance my game stories from week to week. By the end of the season, there's a killer repository of stats for the team and its individual players that tells its own story, possibly worth more than the sum of its parts. This is what maxpreps.com COULD be, if every prep coach put their whole ass into it. Is this a far-fetched utopia? Sure, but I've seen individual coaches here and there make it happen. Makes me want to give 'em a hug.

This is separate from great beat writing, describing the big picture and small picture of the events of the practice/game/week without putting the reader to sleep. Doing that is made tougher by trying to keep your own stats, but I've had to do it at every shop I've written for, and I don't expect that to change. I just don't think I can be GREAT at both, that's all. Maxpreps can ease the burden on prep beat writers by becoming a GREAT place for stats.

Idaho said:

If a coach is pissed because his kid didn't get included in the leaders list or get more consideration for all-state teams, it's the coach's fault.
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I agree, but it pains me to HAVE to think that way.
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Let me just say -- this can be done. When I was in high school, I was the stat guy for the football team. It is NOT impossible, as you guys well know. Two or three forms and a clipboard while you walk the sidelines. And a kid can do it. Schools should be able to get this done.

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MaxPreps.com: Another possible revenue stream squandered by newspapers?

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