The Ross Sports Report is a new enterprise. Not just new for me or for those who follow Fremont Ross athletics. I started the RSR with the belief that covering a single high school – and all its programs, large and small – was a better way of doing things, rather than focusing on the major sports of many schools.
Much as I believe this, it’s never really been put to the test. Not like this. Not to my knowledge, anyway. Former colleagues of mine that I’ve spoken to about this project have been both intrigued and skeptical that it can work.
I placed a bet that the supporters of Fremont Ross wanted a new option for local sports coverage. Based on my last newspaper position, my belief was that if given what they longed for, Ross High School supporters might be willing to subscribe to a new way of getting their sports news.
In its first two weeks, the Ross Sports Report has started its quest to become that new option and, since launching, has had every Ross sports event accounted for, trying its best to make each story unique. There are aspects that need to improved – photography being the most glaring, which I hope to address as proper equipment and resources can be acquired.
All told, I’ve been very pleased with the results. I’ve enjoyed covering the “smaller” sports, the events I’d have missed otherwise. And I’ve received nothing but positive feedback and well-wishes, both in person, email and social media, for which I am grateful.
However, positive feedback and well-wishes only prove this experiment correct to a certain level. As I’ve said previously, this project requires full-time devotion and I can only do that if I’m bringing in a little something to support my family.
To that end, I must put up a paywall now.
I know that may be a deal-breaker for some. People like content to be free. And maybe you can find some of what the RSR does available for free elsewhere. I guess my response is you get what you pay for. No one will have the depth of reporting, professional writing skills nor the displaying of the personalities of the athletes like the RSR has. What you’ve seen the previous two weeks is just the beginning, that I assure you.
If you’ve enjoyed the RSR’s coverage, and think this is a positive for Fremont Ross, its teams and student-athletes, then I really hope you’ll consider lending your support.
I’ve tried to strike a balance between what is a reasonable rate for a subscription with what I need to make this project viable for me and my family.
My goal is to reach at least 200 yearly subscriptions, running through Aug. 31 of 2018, at the price of $50. (If you do the math, you’ll see I’m not in this to get rich).
Once I have reached 200 yearly subscriptions, I will give FREE ACCESS to all Ross students and recent grads now in college. They’re the ones I’m writing about, I want them to see it.
As I said, I have greatly enjoyed these last two weeks. Reporting and writing is what I’m good at and this new format allows me to drill down to stories I could never get before. I have a level of ownership over my product I’ve never had before.
I’m excited to see where this project leads. But I need your support.
Thank you,
Rich McGowan