Allen Park – Sitting in the office of then managing editor, now publisher Gary Miles while nearing the finish line of my interview process at the Detroit News seven years ago, we discussed the challenges of standing out from the crowded media landscape while covering the Detroit Lions.
Especially because despite my seeing the Meijer podium and training camp seat upgrades, this was the first time I realized the team revamped the training room which is something the team was graded poorly on by players. That's huge.
"Trough Talk" is a great format. It sums it all up in one article and lets you expand your thoughts on it instead of it being sprinkled throughout a bunch. It's a quick summary of the day without having to go elsewhere to see the person who asked the question's take on it. We subbed to see yours, and even other's questions can give ideas to expound on.
The part about asking your own type of questions hit me. I remember when I wrote for Lionbacker.com and my first interview was with LoJack. The first question I asked was "How did it feel to have your college coach trade you and for the bust label to be thrown around in the media?" He answered honestly and he thanked me afterwards for asking it. He said he knew I wasn't going to BS him and we still talk today. So I appreciate the questions that aren't the typical ones we see every day that sound and look like they're coming from a preselected script.
Whatever the name ends up, hope to see this type of article stick around.
Lawrence Jackson. DE out of USC. Was a 1st round pick for Seattle in 2008 then Carrol became the coach in 2010 and traded him to Detroit for a 6th. His numbers are low, but he was actually pretty efficient, he just couldn't get on the field much.
The insider/business perspective of being a sports writer is always interesting. I would imagine many readers love the thought of being the Lions’ beat writer. I think the hours of work and being away from home would be a killer. I would love, though, hanging out with other writers over a beer would be great times.
So, in your new “gig” how will your job be different—other than not having to worry about deadlines, etc?
The line in the article that struck a cord with me was "even if I'm surrendering control of my story ideas to the room." Even if that is true, you had the confidence to go out on your own. That same confidence should accompany you when writing a story. Knowing you can do it as well as anyone. Call this series whatever you want but I like this "summary" of the day and it goes well with the rest of your columns of the day.
It was an organic conversation, but one that stuck with me through the duration of my tenure at the News. I never wanted to let Gary or the paper down and constantly challenged myself to provide unique content contrasted against the competition.
this is certainly one of the aspects of why so many people are quick and excited to support your endeavor. you've always had compelling, unique content. Do you get a certain level of satisfaction when you see others on the beat emulate some of your ideas or formats?
Really enjoyed this. Great insight into Campbell and the leadership among the players. It's this kind of insightful journalism that caused me to buy an annual subscription. Keep them coming!
I think this experiment will work well. A lot of this kind of stuff doesn't need filler or redundant stuff there might be if there were a sort of minimum word count.
Think they lock up Decker on an extension? Or do you think they save everything they can for Alim? Or maybe lock up Derrick Barnes longterm? I just feel like something is gonna happen soon.
I'm guessing Decker will start doing two-year contracts, the first at $10-12 million a year, and then declining. If one of the long bets develops, he may finish his career on another team desperate to give him one last big payday. But if not, he's good for maybe another four years before retirement.
Decker feels like the kind of guy that will never not be a Lion. Alim might be the guy they can't keep. I could also see Barnes looking for a different opportunity if Campbell blossoms.
Justin, this was great.
Especially because despite my seeing the Meijer podium and training camp seat upgrades, this was the first time I realized the team revamped the training room which is something the team was graded poorly on by players. That's huge.
"Trough Talk" is a great format. It sums it all up in one article and lets you expand your thoughts on it instead of it being sprinkled throughout a bunch. It's a quick summary of the day without having to go elsewhere to see the person who asked the question's take on it. We subbed to see yours, and even other's questions can give ideas to expound on.
The part about asking your own type of questions hit me. I remember when I wrote for Lionbacker.com and my first interview was with LoJack. The first question I asked was "How did it feel to have your college coach trade you and for the bust label to be thrown around in the media?" He answered honestly and he thanked me afterwards for asking it. He said he knew I wasn't going to BS him and we still talk today. So I appreciate the questions that aren't the typical ones we see every day that sound and look like they're coming from a preselected script.
Whatever the name ends up, hope to see this type of article stick around.
LoJack? I'm having a brainfart.
Lawrence Jackson. DE out of USC. Was a 1st round pick for Seattle in 2008 then Carrol became the coach in 2010 and traded him to Detroit for a 6th. His numbers are low, but he was actually pretty efficient, he just couldn't get on the field much.
In general, I'm always appreciative of this format. Feels like an executive summary with creativity.
Fantastic. “The Trough” is a GREAT name for a catch-all section—I love that it sticks. I know EXACTLY what to expect when I see “The Trough”
I hope* that it sticks. Jesus, the fuck have I been drinking??
Kool-aid? 🙂
These insights are fantastic.
The insider/business perspective of being a sports writer is always interesting. I would imagine many readers love the thought of being the Lions’ beat writer. I think the hours of work and being away from home would be a killer. I would love, though, hanging out with other writers over a beer would be great times.
So, in your new “gig” how will your job be different—other than not having to worry about deadlines, etc?
The line in the article that struck a cord with me was "even if I'm surrendering control of my story ideas to the room." Even if that is true, you had the confidence to go out on your own. That same confidence should accompany you when writing a story. Knowing you can do it as well as anyone. Call this series whatever you want but I like this "summary" of the day and it goes well with the rest of your columns of the day.
Those comments from Decker remind me how this all starts at the top. Sheila is committed to doing what’s necessary and investing in the team.
thanks for the insight into the "life" of a reporter. I never would have thought about the trough, etc.
It was an organic conversation, but one that stuck with me through the duration of my tenure at the News. I never wanted to let Gary or the paper down and constantly challenged myself to provide unique content contrasted against the competition.
this is certainly one of the aspects of why so many people are quick and excited to support your endeavor. you've always had compelling, unique content. Do you get a certain level of satisfaction when you see others on the beat emulate some of your ideas or formats?
Really enjoyed this. Great insight into Campbell and the leadership among the players. It's this kind of insightful journalism that caused me to buy an annual subscription. Keep them coming!
I think this experiment will work well. A lot of this kind of stuff doesn't need filler or redundant stuff there might be if there were a sort of minimum word count.
Think they lock up Decker on an extension? Or do you think they save everything they can for Alim? Or maybe lock up Derrick Barnes longterm? I just feel like something is gonna happen soon.
I'm guessing Decker will start doing two-year contracts, the first at $10-12 million a year, and then declining. If one of the long bets develops, he may finish his career on another team desperate to give him one last big payday. But if not, he's good for maybe another four years before retirement.
Decker feels like the kind of guy that will never not be a Lion. Alim might be the guy they can't keep. I could also see Barnes looking for a different opportunity if Campbell blossoms.
The coaches like your questions.
Depends on the day, Matt.
Call it the “trough” all you want. This was thoughtful and a great read.