Probably the most overdone topic on all of the sports blogs, or media blogs, is Bill Simmons, ESPN’s Sports Guy. Simmons is one of the first writers, who knew how the Internet worked and how he could use it as a platform. Now, he has been around for so long, most blogs have commented on his work, his different writing style and his numerous fights with his employer, but I think its worth noting how well he has used the Internet.
Love or hate his writing. Some people like his fan friendly style, over the top pop culture references, crazy theories and his topics that usually focus on the NBA and Boston, but others can’t stand his writing. Either way, Simmons has perfectly used the Internet to his advantage, and in one way or another, I think he’s opened the door or motivated many other online sports writers and bloggers.
One thing we’ve talked a lot about in class, is how people want to use the Internet to establish an online community. This is probably one of things Simmons did best. Many of his readers have become familiar with his writing style, and feel like they know him and the people he often writes about. Also, once a month or so, Simmons writes a column which he answers numerous readers emails. All of this only adds to the community feeling his writing portrays.
