Sports Books Worth Reading And Giving From 2009

December 20, 2009 by Joe Favorito · Leave a Comment 

I will be the first to say I am not a strong critic, nor do I read every book out there. However I do read a great deal and try to figure out what are the books that teach me something, even of some of the most public of figures, that I didn’t know before and what can I take away from this that can apply to work, personal life or friends, colleagues or family. Also, what do I think are just really well written stories. So below I have highlighted a list of some of the books I have gotten to and enjoyed, and others may enjoy too. Some are on most people’s lists…some are a little more obscure, but all are well written and have great value. I also have to admit I have not read Bill Simmons’ book or Chris Ballard’s on the NBA, or the Agassi book or my friend Jon Wertheim’s book on tennis this year. That is my bad, but that’s what the holidays are for. These are also in no particular order, other than Marty Appel’s name started with A and thats the first one I thought of. Feel free to send along other suggestions to me at fatherknickerbocker1@yahoo.com

Dishin Digital…Nike’s ballgirl and ESPN 360

July 1, 2008 by Joe Favorito · Leave a Comment 

With the constant debate over the value of the digital content comes a few more glimmers of hope that there are ways to properly and effectively utilize both the viral and commercial space in sports.  First on the viral side, via YouTube, comes Nike’s latest amazing stunt video, this one showing a ball girl climbing the wall to make a catch at a baseball game.  Then on the more traditional side is Media Post’s  Dave Goetzel’s breakdown of the value of ESPN 360 to filter through a crowded sports landscape and provide those online with pieces of the events they want to see most, along with indepth coverage of events that the ardent fan would enjoy.  The ESPN 360 breakdown is not just an anlysis of what the feature now holds, it gives those interested a great view into the potential of what the platform can be.  The Nike spoofs, like those organic campaigns by Vitamin Water, are designed to entice the viewer through a series of the amazing, and leave some room for debate as to their reality.  They are also done clean, with little signage, leading the viewer even closer to thinking the pieces are authentic.  They are done purely for the buzz value, which Nike hopes will lead to a bigger payoff down the line.  Whether the videos of theses amazing feats will lead to larger sales or brand awareness is TBD…but they do generate buzz and word of mouth, two things key to Nike’s branding.  ESPN360’s potential is mush more tangible, since it will or will not lead to ad dollars and viewers.  However risky, both are examples of key brands finding ways to effectively use the space through the nontraditional.