A Social Outlet for Sports Fans

I am continually amazed at the consistently high expression of passion that comes out of true sports fans. The love of an athlete, team or sport seems to foster a level of energy that could run a medium-sized city. (Ever visited Columbus during Buckeye football season???)

What I love is when that enthusiasm is harnessed for good. Take Bleacher Report, a blog that was written up today on Marketing VOX. It's a sports pub, blog, wiki and social media site--all mashed up into a destination it describes as "where the sports bar meets the press box."

The basics:

• Sports fans can create a profile and "contribute analysis on the sports stories that matter most to you"
• Edit and rate articles
• The right to refuse edits made to your own articles
• The ability to "build your reputation" by commenting on articles, develop a fan base and improve your writer ranking (They've apparently just amped up their stats offering, something fans asked for, that helps you track your exact readership, among other things.)

I really like how the site truly gears itself to its audience. In addition to standard profiles, Bleacher Report has something called "The Short List" (on each member's profile page), which it describes as "facts and information" about the individual. More than just the expected favorite athletes, favorite teams, The Short List has, "Ruth or Mays," "Unitas or Montana," "Jordan or Gretsky," and "Pele or Maradona".

I can see Bleacher Report is in for a strong, winning season.