MetsToday Sells Out
After over four years, 2511 posts, and over 9000 comments, MetsToday finally made the big time: it is now the official Mets blog of the ESPN SweetSpot, headed by Rob Neyer.
Ah, so that explains the ESPN bar at the top of the page …
Within an hour of the announcement, (1) dozens of loyal visitors, friends, and family sent their congratulations; (2) my web host shut down the site temporarily for traffic overload; and, (3) I received “constructive criticism” from a prolific TV / movie actor who admitted to being “underwhelmed” by MetsToday and suggested I put a little more passion and opinion into my writing. Huh, that’s a new one … usually people are bashing me for being TOO opinionated … guess I still have work to do.
So what will change now that MetsToday has “sold out” to “the man”? Nothing, other than that bar up there and an occasional server meltdown. The truth is, the site has not been “sold”, and this remains a non-paying gig. Once in a while, there may be an “assignment” from Rob Neyer, and we may have the chance to include some ESPN material down the road (video?), but for the most part, MetsToday will continue to be the same blog it’s always been. Rob (I think I can call him “Rob”?) handpicked the blogs for the SweetSpot Network because he believed each did a strong job of covering our favorite teams — so why fix what ain’t broke?
Speaking of those great blogs, you can jump to any of them via the drop-down selector in the bar above. A few you may already be familiar with, and all are worth checking out.
I cannot go any further without thanking the loyal readers and commenters of MetsToday, who keep the conversation going on a daily basis and who, as Yogi Berra might say, make this blog necessary. Really, that’s what this blog is all about — a place where Mets fans can convene and kvetch.
To new readers, thanks for taking the time to check out MetsToday and please consider joining the conversation. We only ask that you respect others and refrain from personal attacks — stay on topic and keep the argument directed toward positions rather than other commenters. Also, this is a family-friendly (and pet-friendly) site so no profanity.
More good news: the Mets remain undefeated and in first place in the NL East!
I hope it doesn’t get too crowded in here though…
Sigh, I guess you’ll have to stop fruiting your beer.
Oh, I’m off to Detroit tomorrow…yes, it does suck to be me.
Later bro….great work (seriously).
Mike – yeah, we were asked not to announce anything until the official word went out from ESPN. Hopefully we’ll get a few new voices and perspectives to add to the conversation.
Chris – Yeah, I hear ya. But a little blog like this doesn’t have much leverage in negotiations with a corporation the size of ESPN, particularly with so many newspapers going out of business and many very qualified writers available. The exposure / credibility by association is the payment. And money was never the reason I did this blog anyway.
Dave – I remain comfortable enough with myself to add a slice of citrus to my beer in public! Hey speaking of Detroit check out Mike McClary’s Daily Fungo, he’s one of my favorite out-of-town bloggers. Safe travels, my friend.
A few doses of reality never hurt anybody — and that’s why Mets Today has always been my favorite blog.
Congrats, pal.
from your french following
Ted – thanks. In fact I had to beat Rob Neyer at arm wrestling to get the gig.
Coop – many thanks for your support — now and through the years. Hardest working? I think that’s still our good friend Matt Cerrone, but I’ll accept the nomination!
‘nutz – thanks, it’s you and the rest of the MT faithful that keep me going!
jfmarron – wow, thanks! You know you’ve made the big time when your blog reaches Montpellier! Looking forward to your comments this year.
Mets Today is one of the best Mets blogs out there, so I am glad to know that more Mets fans will be reading you.
cheers,
Murph
Mark – hey thanks for finally joining in the fray! And thanks for “listening” … hope to hear more from you this season!
Keep up the great work!
Keep up the great work!!
I think you’ll get an essay in that Amazin’ Avenue annual next year, you definitely should.
P.S. Was that actor off Law & Order?
Your work here at MetsToday has always been incredible, honest and spot on, I’m surprised it took so long for someone eith brains to recognize it.
My very best to you…and thanks for everything.