A Suggestion: MGoBlog Day

I get the feeling that Brian does pretty well with his blog.  And with his contributions elsewhere in the blogosphere (for which he probably gets compensated), I don't see why he would have to leave MGoBlog to do bigger and better things.  Is he going to move to ESPN or Sports Illustrated?  If not, then I don't see any big reason to leave the #1 college sports blog.

But anyway, a donation drive isn't a bad idea.  Whenever it is . . . I'm sure I'll be around to find out about it.

I think the date you propose is perfect.  It seems clear that more people check the site and realize its value the closer we get to kick-off.  I'm All-in for MGoBlog Day!

I am also all in for the day. I really hope Brian does not leave but at least on this day we can show how much we all love and appreciate this blog. The date to me sounds good, but if it does change I'm sure I'll find out when the date is.

it is the right thing to do, not because we need to ransome Brian to this site.  I believe the terrific, heartfelt, funny, thoughtful, and even occasionally poetic writing your mentioned comes from the passion/obsession Brian feels for this football team.  UFR's slaved over testify to that.

This forum was created to express that passion and fortuantly allowed us along for the ride.  While Brain definatly hold this together, I must also mention that I believe that this site has evolved to something more with outstanding contributions from many (Tim, Tom, ect.).

So let's pick a day.

PS - The other reason Brian can't leave is the gypsy curse placed on his manhood.

Coach-

I don't believe Brian is leaving this site anytime soon, but if his life is anything like the professional bloggers I know, once MGoSpawn enter the picture the kind of devotion this blog necessitates, and the kind of renumeration that requires, means that either this must become a bigger franchise, or else other things must be done on the side.

I don't think annual drive quite covers it. But an annual fundraiser-type-substance might be just the thing.

I would recommend making it a tailgate. I know people have their own tailgate traditions, and not everyone can get to the games. But it would be a heckuva lot more fun than covering the board with saccharine appreciation for a day (I donate to NPR but I never tune in during the telathons -- it's the most annoying part of the summer for me).

The tailgate would work as such: one game per year (not homecoming, not the biggest game of the year, not Jewish holidays) we have an MGoBlog tailgate. We set up sponsors for it (one main sponsor, and also denoted food/beverage sponsors). MGoShirts are available at a markup (and old ones at move-'em prices). There's a donation box. There's a fee to get in: $10/person for students, $20 for alums (with an ID checker and maize and blue wristbands for alcohol). There's a raffle with prizes like, I dunno, a seat next to [MGoPerson], or inclusion on the next podcast, free shirt, free copy of HTTV, or a date with MGoJen or something.

I suggest Illinois for this year.

...a good movie, the original Fever Pitch.

I'm in.

I like the idea as well, but I think we need to take it to another level.  We need to set up little buckets up and down Main with pictures of Brian on them, have volunteers decked out in UM clothing with fake beards at mall entrances, and maybe even a flyover during the game against UMass or something.  Heck, even go the Sally Struthers route and put together a short commercial that says "For just 5 dollars a month, you can keep this man

Firmly planted to this comically-old couch, writing witty and insightful pieces about UM sports."

I think this would work.

I know Brian is a Christ-like figure to most people on this site but I don't really understand why.  I'm a fan of this blog just as much as the next guy but, I for one, didn't hold a gun to anyone's head and force them to create it.  I make next to no money.  I live in the ghetto.  I don't pay a dime for any other sports coverage in print or on the web so why am I going to start giving money to this site?  Also, (and here is where you all start hating me) I don't really like Brian's style of writing.  I've been reading the blog for about a year and a half and I still don't know many of the inside references and abbreviations that he uses.  However, the information on the site is always very valuable and I enjoy the communal aspect of the blog.

In closing, if the site is good enough to make money on its own merit then it will.   If it doesn't and Brian eventually leaves for greener pastures then so be it.  Someone else will have to carry the torch of producing the best M blog.  In the meantime I'm not going to feel guilty for enjoying sports coverage on the internet.

Why hasn't a rich alumnus come forward and offered to bankroll Brian's salary? Surely this site offers more value than many university endowment projects.

Am I the only one who went to see Fever Pitch with a SO and nudged her (or him?) every 5 minutes saying "hey that's just like me!" and the SO finally said "shut up, that is so annoying!"?

and i like Misogopon's Tailgate suggestion as well. I'm up for whatever, keep us posted! 

I think that other raffle items might go over well too. 

Tickets to upcoming games?

Some cool "M" kicks like we saw in the adidas thread?

gift certificates to restaurants?

A coaching clinic with some of the coaches on the board?

10000 MGoPoints?

I'll donate cash, or something to the raffle, let's here more ideas

Honestly as someone who works a "normal" job, I have almost literally no idea of the economics of blogs.  I've assumed that the business case for blogging is weak for most people and that it's done as an act of creative expression / hobby.  But that for a few sites that really capture a lot of eyeballs the economics can become attractive due to, I assumed, compensation from click-throughs.  I'm not asking for any inside info, but is the Coach's premise based on reality? Does a blog like this really depend to a large extent on voluntary donations?

That asked, I'm all for both ideas (donation day and sponsored tailgate event).

Until today, I had on numerous occasions attempted to make a donation from the "donation" button, but could not get it done.  I have a paypal account but kept getting caught in a window loop that said I didn't or something.  I know, I should have let Brian know.

Anyway, if there's anyone who's encountered the same problem, I found out just now that it's fixed!  And so, I went ahead and made a donation large enought that it should make up for five years of not donating.

Recently, I clicked on "brian @ bucknuts".  I learned that Brian doesn't post there often -- maybe because it's a frickin pay site.

We should all be grateful.

If so, I just made a donation -- if we meet the goal before MGoBlog Day, will they cancel the pledge drive?  Also, when do I get my tote bag?

I was thinking maybe we do a bucket drive outside of Yost before a hockey game to support the blog. We could totally outnumber the Dance Marathon.