We Want Media

I check ESPN.com more than I check my e-mail. It's become a bit of an compulsive thing for me. The site is constantly being updated, and almost always has something of interest for me. But here's the catch, they've started this new program, called ESPN insider. Basically, it's a monthly subscription to the website. Members are allowed to see exclusive content and recieve a year's subscription to ESPN the magazine for the low, low price of $39.95 a year. Some ESPN columnists, such as Peter Gammons and Chris Sheriden are exclusively Insider posters. Some of the "exclusive content" includes scouting report, insider info, and generally compelling articles that they think the reader should pay for. Imagine my dismay when I found out I wouldn't be reading my boy Peter Gammons' MLB blog anymore.

While I don't consider myself a cheap person, per se, 40 bucks a year for a website seems a little pricey, despite the fact that I check this site numerous times a day. And this is my greatest fear regarding the blogging technology, that one day big networks will take interest in the technology, buy them out, and make us pay for them. It's happening with other sites, such as the Times, CNN and of course College Humor. According to this article, most of bloggers' profits are made through advertising, affiliate programs and sponsorship.

It's just a matter of time before we start seeing Clear Channel blogs. But hey, it happened with the internet, and with cable TV. Maybe in a few years it won't be so ridiculous to pay to be able to read blogs.