SportsBlogs Nation Gets Funding

by Blez on Oct 28, 2008 1:29 PM PDT Comment 97 comments

I'm not sure how many of you check out the Sports Business Journal on a daily basis, but I figured I would call this story about SportsBlogs Nation to your attention. Yes, the humble company that I started back in November of 2003 (AN will be five years old in just nine days) has blossomed into a thriving new media company with funding.

I'm very thankful and lucky to be associated with the quality of people and blogs that we have here. This funding is just going to enable us to do a lot of things like further iterate on our magnificent technology. I take it as a great sense of pride that this entire company started with this community and you should too. If it wasn't for the success and passion of A's fans, SportsBlogs Nation would have never gotten to this point.

The funny thing is that I've never, in my life, worked as hard as I have on this company (my wife would very quickly attest to that) and yet, I've never had as much fun doing anything in my life either. I realize how lucky I am to be working on something I love and feel so much passion for.

Thank you so much, AN, for helping give birth to SportsBlogs Nation. It wouldn't be what it is without you.

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Awesome, congrats!

So what will the money go to?

"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback

by devo on Oct 28, 2008 1:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Can we each have $10?

Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 28, 2008 1:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

that's what I was going to say

mid seven figures? $10 shouldn’t be a problem.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Oct 28, 2008 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, if people only knew how frugal Blez is

Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 28, 2008 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Translation: Blez = cheap?

by Blez on Oct 28, 2008 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

will you give me $10?

Awww… Unicorn's optimistic. And a cheeseball. That’s cute. ~Whiteshoes40

by #14fan on Oct 28, 2008 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Translation: Blez is going to take his investors' money and blow it on a new wardrobe

Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 28, 2008 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mid Seven Figures eh?

Sounds like the A’s can afford a (semi-)shiny new free agent

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson

by nevermoor on Oct 28, 2008 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We're awesome.

by whiteshoes40 on Oct 28, 2008 1:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I was just about to post a link to this!!

Congrats!!

When can we buy stock shares?

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Oct 28, 2008 1:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I can't say I helped give birth.

But being around for the pre-school years has been pretty cool.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Oct 28, 2008 1:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I joined at the toddler stage.

awesome! my friends call AN my online home. So it either means I’m obsessed, or AN is awesome!!
:p

Awww… Unicorn's optimistic. And a cheeseball. That’s cute. ~Whiteshoes40

by #14fan on Oct 28, 2008 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Personally I accept both as accurate

In search of a new signature. Say something funny and you may see your comment here!

by DMOAS on Oct 28, 2008 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's true. It's probably a bit of both!

Awww… Unicorn's optimistic. And a cheeseball. That’s cute. ~Whiteshoes40

by #14fan on Oct 28, 2008 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmm...

So, if you write for the site, do you get to claim your A’s tickets as “business expenses” on your taxes?

by RickeySteals on Oct 28, 2008 1:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

uh-oh

That would also mean that I’ll have to itemize my FREE KRAUT as a gift … there goes my Senate career.

Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 28, 2008 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seems like a worthy trade...

by RickeySteals on Oct 28, 2008 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

WHAT FREE KRAUT?!?!?

by mikev on Oct 28, 2008 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

does it come with hot dogs?

Awww… Unicorn's optimistic. And a cheeseball. That’s cute. ~Whiteshoes40

by #14fan on Oct 28, 2008 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Saag's stand

h/t EnglishMajor

Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 28, 2008 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I was paid to comment here...

I think I’d spend the other 3 hours of the day here too.

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton

by vignette17 on Oct 28, 2008 2:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Best quotation

at the very end of the article:

There’s definitely a certain intelligence to the content.

Hey, thanks!

by lurkerD on Oct 28, 2008 2:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The article cut off

But it was supposed to end with “And then there’s Nico’s goat jokes.”

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson

by nevermoor on Oct 28, 2008 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, it's in there

You must have an earlier edition.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 28, 2008 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What?

I’m almost unintelligent enough to think thats an insult, maybe, I think…

head hurt…

Who needs homeruns?

by robber23 on Oct 28, 2008 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

certain

does not mean high.

For example, Zero is a very certain number.

by MobiusKlein on Oct 29, 2008 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So, you hiring?

Serious question!

And if so, what technologies are you based on?

— Kirby (not having a happy time at work, can you tell?)

by kirbyk on Oct 28, 2008 2:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Congrats to Blez and everybody that puts their time and effort into this site.

time to party!

by oakinboston on Oct 28, 2008 2:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

does randomly commenting/posting

whatever I happen to be thinking about at the moment count as effort?

Awww… Unicorn's optimistic. And a cheeseball. That’s cute. ~Whiteshoes40

by #14fan on Oct 28, 2008 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, you make it look effortless, I will say that.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Oct 28, 2008 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

does that mean I don't get credit and I can't come to the party?!!?!?!

Awww… Unicorn's optimistic. And a cheeseball. That’s cute. ~Whiteshoes40

by #14fan on Oct 28, 2008 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Jim’s got a very strong product, and I also believe there’s some TV content that can be pulled out of this," Lazarus said. "He definitely has a chance to monetize this really well."

1. TV content?

Nico and monkeyball hosting a pun and goat joke highlight show? Antique Baseball Roadshow with 67MARQUEZ? Where in the world is ~~Carmen Sandiego~~ mikeA? Maybe give PT a talk show?

Caller: “We need a big bat. Maybe we could sign …”

{click}

PT: “I don’t even know what you were going to say, but frankly it doesn’t matter. That is the most horrendously awful piece of mind-bogglingly preposterous speculation in the history of this solar system. Any solar system. Whoever you were talking about, he’s overrated. Absurdly, unbelievably overrated. I literally cannot fathom why people think he has ever been any good at anything in his life. He is that terrible. I’m not even exaggerating. I’d rather have Bobby Crosby’s grandmother’s cocker spaniel playing shortstop than that guy. At least now I know never to listen to anything you have to say. Good day, sir. I said good day!”

2. Beyond ads, “monetize this really well” how?

by 74mk on Oct 28, 2008 2:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, and when do the writers get a cut?

I’m pumping out content for free, here.

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Oct 28, 2008 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

school of hard knocks?

Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 28, 2008 2:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your ideas are intriguing me ...

and I’d like to subscribe to your newsletter …

"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback

by devo on Oct 28, 2008 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can I be the first to point out that salb918 is overpaid?

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 28, 2008 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But I don't get paid anyth...

oh.

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Oct 28, 2008 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

you can, but it'll cost you $10 for the privilege

Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 28, 2008 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haha, your comments always get a chuckle outta me.

And an insane jealousy with regard to your writing style. Keep it up!

"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball." -- Connie Mack

by GreenSocks on Oct 28, 2008 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My precise sentiments.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Oct 28, 2008 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+0.5

Worlds greatest comment of the universe.

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson

by nevermoor on Oct 28, 2008 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm reminded of Thurber's comment about humor and frog dissection

I'm a street walkin cheetah with a heart full of napalm.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Oct 28, 2008 2:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That dissecting frogs is humorous?

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Oct 28, 2008 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not Thurber

E.B. White

by 74mk on Oct 28, 2008 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

... but I take your point.

by 74mk on Oct 28, 2008 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

thank goodness you didn't have to find angel investors, Blez

Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 28, 2008 2:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey Rev is rolling in dough

He might jump in at some point.

JK ;-)

by Blez on Oct 28, 2008 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chocolate chip or sugar?

And congrats.

Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog

by Flashfire on Oct 28, 2008 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So, am I finally going to be able to unsubscribe from the blogs that I currently can't remove?

by mikev on Oct 28, 2008 2:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Congratulations!

I know you have been hard at work, so I am delighted that this has come together.
You will probably be busier now than ever, Mr. President, but I trust AN is first in your (blog) heart and we will continue to enjoy your interviews and front page posts.
Wishing you all the success you so richly deserve.
We have missed you, you do know that, right?

"And sometimes, when it seems like all hope is gone, Life tosses you a special gift of a baseball game" . 7/10/08 BaseBallGirl headline

by LongTimeFan on Oct 28, 2008 3:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Trust me

I’ve missed AN too. The only down side of the success of SBN has been the fact that I’ve had to pull back a bit from AN which makes an A’s fan extremely sad.

by Blez on Oct 28, 2008 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've been sad!!!!

I can’t phrase it any better, so just read Longtimefan’s post and pretend it was from me, because I would say the exact same thing, just less eloquently.

Awww… Unicorn's optimistic. And a cheeseball. That’s cute. ~Whiteshoes40

by #14fan on Oct 28, 2008 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Congrats Blez...

Awesome news and well deserved. Has to be a great feeling to have this happen on something you worked so hard on. Congrats.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Oct 28, 2008 3:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Congrats!

I am a rare poster but a constant follower of the blog.

I’m a former strategy consultant and current investment guy in the DC area and this has resulted in a happy confluence of my professional interests, my personal sports fanaticism, and my geographical location (DC).

You guys lined up some very respectable funders at a very tough time in the VC market. Accel is supposed to be one of the top VC firms for Web 2.0 and Allen & Co is a phenomenal merchant bank. It means a lot that they’re going in with you…you’ve got amazing chances.

I hope you guys got good terms on your equity and expect that you’ll continue to provide the same sort of personal touch to the sports world that brought you this happy milestone and will carry you far into the future.

by eastbayexpat on Oct 28, 2008 3:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Can I have a strategy to get $10?

Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 28, 2008 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Easy

1. Find someone with $10
2. Tell them to give you $10
3. When they refuse, fling poop
4. Tell them to give you $10
5. Enjoy your $10

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson

by nevermoor on Oct 28, 2008 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Elaboration of #5

5. Wipe butt with $10

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Oct 28, 2008 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 28, 2008 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

(shakes head in wonder)

thinks to self….‘i threw Nico’s resume in the trash back in 04 but then Blez called and I said, maybe he could use him and fished it out"

alaska A residing in colorado.

by ak_A on Oct 28, 2008 4:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Fishin' in Alaska?

You betcha!

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 28, 2008 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

congratulations!

And thank you for both my $10 payment, and monkeyball’s $10 payment.

by Apricot on Oct 28, 2008 4:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Foolshgame22 is in charge of making the payments

so they should be arriving any day now.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 28, 2008 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

damn

a cold one from the back of the fridge!

by Apricot on Oct 28, 2008 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

unfortunately, he sent them electronically via ByrnesPal

The payments will be taking indirect routes through banks in Nigeria, Ukraine, and Switzerland before reaching their destinations.

Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 28, 2008 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Although the delivery will be made at the normal time

By a delivery man who makes a sprinting dive at your door to edge out the USPS.

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson

by nevermoor on Oct 28, 2008 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

better hope they're addressed to your office ...

… because he’ll never come close to touching home …

Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 28, 2008 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

QOTM for this whole subthread

by whiteshoes40 on Oct 28, 2008 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Congrats!

I often think of this as an example of what can happen when you’re passionate about what you do and willing to work really really hard.

You’ve earned this. Yay!

by SportySpice on Oct 28, 2008 4:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Congratulations, Blez.

This is awesome.

by Rocktopus on Oct 28, 2008 4:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Huzzah!

That’s exciting news! Maybe SBN can now provide some intelligent commentators to ESPN, Fox, etc instead of the hackneyed “analysis” they get from most of their current crop of bozos.

"That's not a Sherman tank, it's Frank Thomas!" - Monkeyball

by JLeverenz on Oct 28, 2008 5:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Mazel tov

to the sbn crew. In a week or so, when my obsessive net time wastage might be reasonably expected to decline, i’m going to go back and check on some of the weird but lively sbn sites i’ve briefly encountered- like have you checked out the one on bicycle racing? Who knew?

"...in baseball you wear a cap." -- george carlin

by Hot Cup Joe on Oct 28, 2008 5:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Congratulations Blez!!!

Thanks to you and all of the other great A’s fans! So when they make the movie “From rags to riches” (The next Money Ball) who will play the part of Blez? Thanks again!

by calas on Oct 28, 2008 6:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Congrats!

That’s great news!! Well deserved too!!! This is easily my favorite site to visit! Living in RI I havn’t gotten to talk to many Athletics fans so this is a great place to come to talk to people and get information about the team!

by ilovegregsmith on Oct 28, 2008 7:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

YAY, BLIZZ!!!!!!

But what’s SportsFrogs Nation, anyway?

-Cindi

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 28, 2008 7:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think it has something to do with Scott Spiezio

Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 28, 2008 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Aw!

Our little baby has grown up! It seems like just yesterday JimMercir’sClubFoot was running around posting like a crazy limb. Hell, back then monkeyball wasn’t even a monkey.

But seriously. Because of this community I’ve been able to meet and interact with so many amazing people. Blez, thank you for that.

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Oct 28, 2008 8:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, because of AN you were unleashed on us all.

Way to go, Blez.

(I kid because I love)

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Oct 29, 2008 8:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Congratulations Blez and All

Raising funds in this economy and with so few companies looking to get bigger rather than smaller is no small feat. It speaks well of the communities you have built and the unique plan set in action nearly five years ago. Glad to be a small part of it.

More than just ANtics: http://www.louisgray.com/live/

by louismg on Oct 28, 2008 8:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Free massage therapy for all!

What gaudy bauble will you blow your first check on?
New Areon Chairs? Sensible CSS / HTML templating system?

Congrats

by MobiusKlein on Oct 28, 2008 9:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Almost 5 years old, wow...

Is AN going to have a birthday party? I should start baking now. We’re gonna need a lot of cupcakes.

by whiteshoes40 on Oct 28, 2008 9:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

165th wish of congratulations, Blez

Considering the wide range of internet ideas that have come and gone, to have successfully promoted a format that reined in the worst features of internet interaction without flattening the product to meaningless chirps and chit-chat, it is an accomplishment worthy of a book:

“MoneyBlog” by Daniel Day Lewis

;^D ….anyway, fantastic job, don’t kid yourself, no one else could have done it, you have the perfect temperament and work ethic for AthleticsNation, and by extension, SBN.

Officially awaiting the 2009 season.

by One won lost won on Oct 28, 2008 10:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs