Batter's Box Interactive Magazine

A survey

Batter's Box reader Marc Hulet has an interesting Jays-centric project in development, and he'd like your help in shaping it.

To that end, he has sent us a short, six question survey that he'd like as many Bauxites as possible to fill out:

A lot of people have complaints about the way that the Sun and Star currently cover the Jays. My question to you is: Would you buy one of the four major TO papers (Sun, Star, Post or Globe) if it published a Jays-specific magazine once a week in, say, their Tuesday edition. It would be a stand-alone publication but inserted into the paper like the TV guide and would run each week during the season. The magazine would be geared towards the average to above-average (crazed) fan.

The magazine would be 70 per cent Jays material and 30 per cent coverage of their minor league teams. It would have player/prospect interviews, columns, stats, lots of pictures, contests, where are they now? features, draft previews, comparisons to the other AL East teams, upcoming opponent previews and a variety of other features.

If you can answer these questions below it would be a great help. And the more people who take the time to answer, the more likely it might happen... You can answer them here or email me at mehulet@hotmail.com if you prefer privacy.

For the record, I am an Ontario newspaper sports editor.

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?
2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?
3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?
4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?
5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?
6. What do you do for a living?

So, Bauxites, give Marc a hand and answer his questions!

Posted by Named For Hank on Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 04:00 PM EST.

A survey | 51 comments | Create New Account

The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.

lexomatic - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 04:23 PM EST (#139947) #

i doubt very much i'd buy any of the papers for a jays magazine. i'm not a big fan of the writers on the jays beat. my biggest complaint over the years was that those major papers had worse stats than a paper like the kingston whig-standard, which in my mind is inexcusable. anyways with the internet stats aren't an issue. and i don't buy any of the papers i pick them up free on campus when i feel like it.
as for #5&6 i don't feel like demographic questions are relevant.

MondesiRules - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 04:27 PM EST (#139948) #

Why bother buying any of them when you can see the articles for free on the net. Not too sure why he needs to know what I do for a living to figure out whether or not to create a Jays insert. Are you sure this guy's legit?

Marc Hulet - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 04:35 PM EST (#139949) #

Thanks for answering. Five and six are purely to get an idea for advertising purposes. No newspaper is going to pick up a project unless they know the market.

As for writers, my goal would be to include a new, fresh collection of (positive) voices for the Jays. For example, if the magazine was picked up by the Sun, Bob Elliott would not be one of the main writers.

VBF - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 04:45 PM EST (#139952) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers?

Every day

Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?

For coverage, the Toronto Sun publishes more stuff, but the Globe and Mail is better quality.

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?

Absolutely! I'd pay for the magazine alone! Make it happen!

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?

I think it's better than most cities, but most articles lack depth.

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?

Player personalities and Minor League coverage. Create a bond with the fans and the players through media.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?

Music, playing various sports.

6. What do you do for a living?

Student.

sweat - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 05:05 PM EST (#139954) #

1.a) How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? I live in Calgary, but I get the Globe and Mail once a week
b) Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage? The Globe and Mail
2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine? Yes I would, if i had access to it.
3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO? Most articles tend to be negative opinion pieces, without any facts to back them up. When facts are present, they are wrong or outdated.
4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)? It would be nice to see an "around the majors" article that goes over each teams past week. ie. team record for the week, personal accomplishments, great MVP and LVP for the week
5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)? Summer: Golf, play baseball, soccer, travel. Winter: Wish for summer
6. What do you do for a living? I work for a large corporation in a computer/accounting type position.

Mylegacy - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 05:08 PM EST (#139955) #

Marc, I answered at BlueJaysWay.

I think Marc, who is a reporter type guy, is considering a Jays supplement of some kind to be included on a regular basis in a TO paper. I'm a BIG FAN of Marc's reporting on the Jays Minor league system and I think anything that exposes the casual Jays fan to more in depth info is a good move for them as fans and for the Jays.

One of the things that separates us FAN-ATICS from the masses is that we understand the Jays are much more than the 25-man roster, much more than the 40-man roster, the Jays are a 150 player multi-national player growing and processing organization. The moves made this winter DIRECTLY relate to the strength we have over the next 3 to 6 years because of the influx of major league ready position players and pitchers from the minors.

My LOVE for the game and the Jays SOARED once I began to appreciate the 3 to 5 year passage of the Kiddy-Jays through the system to the bigs.

If Marc's endeavour can make even one more casual fan a new Mylegacy then I'm all for it!

SO, Bauxites tell Marc what he wants to know!!! NOW!!!

Named For Hank - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 05:16 PM EST (#139956) #

1. I buy the Globe and Mail once to twice a week. I like their baseball coverage best.

2. Yes.

3. While I enjoy "personality" based columns, I can't stand them when they distort facts to fit an angle. I enjoy having my beliefs challenged, but when they're challenged by bad data, it's just irritating.

4. I always enjoy the lighter stuff -- anecdotes, practical jokes, slices of clubhouse life. The Verducci article from last Spring Training is a great example.

5. Music, home theatre.

6. I am a photographer.

Named For Hank - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 05:19 PM EST (#139957) #

Marc has already answered your question about why he'd want demographic information, Mondesi, but I also thought that I should point out that you're assuming that this new magazine would also be free on the internet -- I don't believe that this is the case.

loquax - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 05:21 PM EST (#139958) #

1. Never, but I read all online, tie between the Globe and the Star.

2. No, but I would read one full of ads online.

3. Far too superficial in most cases, far too focused on off-field negatives.

4. The minors, the NL, statistics, behind the scenes looks at baseball operations - basically what I read Batter's Box for.

5. Construct ships in bottles. Growing prize-winning pumpkins.

Ok, seriously, I don't know, a lot of typical, non-outrageous things. I spend money, if that's the concern.

6. Law-talking guy

bird droppings - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 06:20 PM EST (#139961) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers?
Live in England - However, when in Toronto I was subscriber.

Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?
Globe and Mail

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?
Depends on if the magazine was good. The first time it came out, of course...

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO? No new reporters recently to inject some new views.

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)? More non-Jays related coverage.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?
Sports, read magazines and books, urban exploration.

6. What do you do for a living?
Film and television editor.

Craig B - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 06:43 PM EST (#139962) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage? About twice a week. I subscribe to the Hamilton Spectator but will buy a Toronto paper occasionally if something catches my eye. My favourite for Jays' coverage is the Globe and Mail, but their coverage is minimal. The best Jays coverage is on mlb.com. 2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine? Probably, at least most weeks. 3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO? Jays coverage as such isn't that bad, except for the Toronto Star's coverage which is relentlessly negative and disheartening. What I like least is the lack of baseball coverage... the Star has a little but the other three have almost no non-Jays baseball coverage that isn't 30-word game recaps off the wire or boxscores, which I get in email anyway. 4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)? Just about everything! I would probably buy or subscribe to a daily paper that had a good daily baseball columnist (during the season) writing either on general matters, or preferably discussing something from the previous night's games (not the 50-word AP recaps, which are useless). I'd like to see more in-depth stories as well. I just want more baseball coverage! 5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)? Writing and my family. 6. What do you do for a living? Lawyer.

Glevin - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 06:48 PM EST (#139963) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?

I get the Globe everyday. The Sun probably has the best baseball coverage.

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?

If the magazine was even half-decent, yes.

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?

Still too much old school coverage and not enough intelligent critical material.

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?

Minor leagues, the draft, Canadian prospects. More baseball in general is good.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?

Music, film, writing, travel, other sports, romantic walks on the beach.

6. What do you do for a living?

Publishing/Writer.

AWeb - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 07:03 PM EST (#139964) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers?
Never, but I do get free copies of the Star (on York campus) 3-4 days a week

Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?
Star

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?
If I'm buying the paper, how is that free? But no, I wouldn't. The planned insert sounds a lot like what I get from here already...

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?
Lack of in depth analysis. Too much reliance on rumours and heresay information to try to make points. Quoting someone does not make their opinion true, no matter how often it's repeated.

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?
Better game summaries (no CP/AP please), and occasional analysis of players beyond interview-type material. i.e., don't ask the players how good he is, try to objectively determine it through the use of hard information. Not all the time, but once in a while would be good.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?
Music, video games, hiking, reading

6. What do you do for a living?

Tutor/Statistician

Dave Till - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 07:14 PM EST (#139965) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?

I don't buy papers - I read online. I'm cheap. Favourite paper for Jays coverage is the Globe.

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?

I guess it depends on what is in the magazine.

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?

Writers who have axes to grind, and writers who look down on Jays fans (these are usually the same writers).

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?

Everything! I'm most interested in mushy human-interest stuff, but I'll take anything I can get.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?

My legal team has advised me not to discuss this in a public forum. :-) More seriously: creative writing, performing, photography.

6. What do you do for a living?

Technical writer (actually, my current occupation is "instructional designer", which sounds cooler).

MondesiRules - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 07:15 PM EST (#139966) #

Ahh, Je comprends maintenant.

1. Never buy... Globe and Mail

2. Yes, I believe Maclean's did this awhile back with a Sportsnet type insert/issue.

3. Too much similarity between papers.

4. Rumours, rumours, rumours!

5. Beer League Softball, fantasy sports, tv, internet

6. Babysitter err Correctional Worker aka Prison Guard

John Northey - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 07:17 PM EST (#139967) #

I might buy a paper once a month...used to be daily but the net killed that. Jays coverage? The Sun due to amount of baseball stuff and how it was organized.
I would buy the paper once a week at first. If it was good I'd keep buying. $1 a week isn't much.
The negative atmosphere in the Star, minimal coverage of baseball in general in the Globe, the Sun is a bit fluffy, and I almost never read the Post.
Stuff that I don't always catch on the net. Human interest, where are they now, commentary on how things are changing, minor leaguers who I could easily overlook.
Big time comic book collector, travel (mainly in Canada now), watching my fair share of tv (comedy, sci/fi, news)
I'm a statistician & programmer

david wang - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 07:19 PM EST (#139968) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers?

Delivered Every Day. National Post

Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?

Star, but the Post is enough for the newspaper.

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?

Yes.

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?

Not enough in-depth articles, a lot of biased writers ie. Griffin

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?

Prospects, not necessarily the Jays, but more about the better prospects around the league.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?

Other sports, homework?

6. What do you do for a living?

Student.

eeleye - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 07:44 PM EST (#139969) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?

My household purchases the Post and Globe 1/day, and somtimes the Star. My favorite is the Star, I like the lay out of the standings and stats.

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?

If it is once per week, then I think the magazine may still be too superficial. I say, make it once per month, and make it that much more deeper of an analysis. The once per week version may neither be here nor there. Then, I would definitely buy it. (If you want to generate more purhcases if its monthly, then break it up in parts over a few days).

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?

The magazine should have a fantasy section - not just on the bluejays, but perhaps the top 10 on who has performed well the past month, with pictures and stats. But most of the mag should be Blue Jays oriented, both off and on the field, filled with up to date rumours, smart analysis, pictures, and lots of statistics on player performances. Contests are cool too.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?

Mainly music and movies, and wasting my life away with video games.

6. What do you do for a living?

Student, and play video games.

eeleye - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 07:46 PM EST (#139970) #

HEY MONDESI RULES....I suck at real baseball, but I would love to join a beer league...Can you give me any info? Thanks muchly

eeleye99@yahoo.com

MondesiRules - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 08:34 PM EST (#139971) #

It's quite simple really. Get a group of friends and/or thugs together and find an establishment that has a league (preferably a mixed league as there are many more than an all Men's league) and sign up. In my neck of the woods I'm currently in 4 different leagues ranging from Slo-pitch to Fastball.

rtcaino - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 08:56 PM EST (#139972) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?

My family has a daily subscription to the Star. We also have a once a week subscription to the Sunday Sun, mainly aimed at getting more sports coverage.

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?

Guaranteed.

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?

Lots of it is too negative. Not that I want a homer version of things. But I find most sports analysis in Toronto, especially in print, is rather heavy handed. That said, I find some of the newer writers to be more objective and fair.

More coverage of the minor leagues in general, and prospects in particular would be great. As well, more in depth analysis would be welcome.

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?

Objective and informed analysis of the Jays and other major league teams as well. Articles focusing on player development and organization building would be nice. And commentary about where teams are, and where they plan are going.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?

Most of my leisure time is spent playing sports/exercising and following professional sports.

6. What do you do for a living?

I�m an undergraduate student at University of Waterloo. I have a part time job at National Sports.

My Dad manages an auto body shop and my step Mom works for TD. My Mom and Step Dad have their own company, and do some real estate development on the side.

zaptom - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 09:55 PM EST (#139973) #

1.a)
I get free copies of the Star and Post everyday at school. I read each daily. I will buy newspapers on occasion.
b)
The Star, for quantity, and Globe, for quality.

2.
Yes, most definately.

3.
It's 2nd tier compared to the leafs. On print, bland, uniformative game reports can be found anywhere, as can opinionated pieces based on rumor. The radio coverage is quite good IMO, and the television coverage is fine.

4.
I'd like to see things that I cant find elsewhere. I can get stats and such from anywhere, for free. Good quality content that is unique will sell copies. Articles that intelligently approach baseball from the perspective of players, fans and statheads will retain readership and keep me happy.

5.
Rugby, football, squash and other sports. Earning money and going to class as fun as they are -- are secondary to the joys of being a student ;)

6.
Undergrad student at Queen's. I work during the year at the campus art gallery, and during the summer up north at camp. As time passes, I'll become either a professional athlete or fan.

syracuse - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 10:04 PM EST (#139975) #

1. I subscribe to the Globe, purchase a Saturday Star about once a month and read the Sun Jays articles on line. The Globe Jays coverage is my favorite.
2. I'd buy a Star once a week for a Jays magazine but probably not a Sun.
3. Not enough coverage / too much overlap. I love the guy but it's all very centred around JP too.
4. I don't need to see more stats in a paper because they can't compare to what you can get on line. I'd like to see more "where are they now?" stories and minor league coverage. I'd like to see these types of articles on the teams visiting during the week of publication as well.
Stories on the operations side of the business might be interesting and appropriate to a magazine format as well.
5. Basketball, travel, reading.
6. Financial planning.

vw_fan17 - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 10:08 PM EST (#139976) #

1. Never - live in California (transplanted Kitchenerite)
2. See #1 (maybe, if a Canadian paper was available in the Bay Area :-)
3. All simplistic cliches, (never any indepth stats coverage)
4. Farm team, stats
5. computer stuff, car stuff
6. software engineering

HollywoodHartman - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 10:48 PM EST (#139977) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers?
I suscribe to the National Post.

Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?
The Globe and Mail

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?
Not every week but at least once a month.

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?
The lack of quality reporters.

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?
More overall baseball coverage, further in depth stats, minor league and draft coverage.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?
Sports, reading, video games, hanging out, music (what do you expect, I'm 15)

6. What do you do for a living?
High School Student

Bones - Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 11:00 PM EST (#139978) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?

Maybe once or twice per week. The Globe hast the best Jays coverage, but it is rather sparse. The Star is unreadable (the baseball coverage, at least). The Post is just unreadable in general. The Sun is okay, but I don't find their coverage all that knowledgable.

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?

Yes, if the magazine was of decent quality.

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?

The overall lack of knowledgable coverage. The Globe needs more content. The Sun and Star need to get some real baseball journalists/columnists.

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?

Everything, but especially the minor league affiliates (with an emphasis placed on the top prospects). Some more objective (i.e. statistical) analysis of Blue Jay specific issues would be nice, also.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?

Music and reading take up a good chunk of my time, as does watching and playing various other sports (hockey, basketball, golf, and football in particular).

6. What do you do for a living?

Teacher

MD2B - Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 12:43 AM EST (#139982) #

1. I read the Globe at school and my family gets it at home - their Jays coverage leads the pack.

2. In the words of the great Snoop Dogg, "oh fo sho".

3. Richard Griffin.

4. I'd like to see more minor league coverage and maybe some interviews/pieces that tell us about players on the team (on and off the field).

5. Music (Hip Hop and Reggae), Formula One Racing, Russian Literature (in translation) and of course, my friend Johnnie (Walker).

6. Medical Student

Leigh - Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 08:30 AM EST (#139988) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Used to buy the Globe on Saturdays, but will not now that they have (a)bullied out their greatest writer in Heather Mallick, and (b)endorsed the fascists. Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage? Globe.
2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine? No.
3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO? Star's negativity.
4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)? Like Burley said above, more indepth coverage of baseball on a daily basis, both Jays and non-Jays related.
5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)? Drive around the lovely east coast, politics, feeding various addictions.
6. What do you do for a living? Legal Editor/Grad Student.

daryn - Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 08:43 AM EST (#139989) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers?
- Daily Toronto Star Delivery, but I don't read it for "news", I read it for "entertainment"

Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?
- you don't get Blue Jays coverage, you get Reporters Opinions. For Real news I use Batters Box, and ESPN.com. I like Damian Cox though, he's a good read

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?
- No
3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?
- Every reporter seems think they should be the G.M. Few tell us what is actually going on, instead just what they think of J.P., (which is little because J.P. isn't as good as they are)

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?
- Baseball is all about contracts. Lets get real contract details published somewhere. Ummm how about the National League?

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?
- Woodworking, music, computers, theatre

6. What do you do for a living?
- Entreprenuer

Shortstop - Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 09:09 AM EST (#139990) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?

I buy the Sun everyday just for their sports section. I like their coverage the best, but i never miss Jeff Blair's articles from the Globe.

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?

Yes.

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?

I don't think its that bad, but you sometimes wish their was more stories.

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?

Minor league system. More stories from around the league.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?

play sports, read, write.

6. What do you do for a living?

academic advisor

Hey, for anyone interested. Sports Weekly has a feature article on the Jays in this weeks edition. Paul White did the piece. Its a good read. i think you can find it at www.usatoday.com

timpinder - Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 09:25 AM EST (#139991) #

1. I rarely buy a TO paper, maybe once a year. The Globe and Mail is my favourite.

2. Yes, I would purchase the paper weekly to get the magazine.

3. There's not enough baseball coverage, the papers seem to cover mostly hockey.

4. I'd like to see the publications cover more minor league baseball and statistics.

5. I enjoy fishing and working out.

6. I'm a police officer.

Marc Hulet - Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 10:52 AM EST (#140000) #

Hey guys, I wanted to thank everyone for taking the time to answer the questions. The response online and via email has been overwhelming. Keep it up!

Ryan Day - Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 11:06 AM EST (#140002) #

1. I very rarely purchase any of the local papers, though I read the Globe, Sun and Star online. The Globe's coverage is the best, but the Sun offers more.

2. I'd purchase at least the first one. If it was good, I'd buy it regularly.

3. Not very in-depth, often only covers the major issues. Often very negative (Sun and Star)

4. More minor league coverage, and more behind-the-scenes coverage - ie. role of pitching coach, front office personnell, scouting, etc.

5. Reading, films, cycling, photography, writing.

6. Editor.

Jonathan - Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 02:29 PM EST (#140019) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?
Toronto Star has the most, but the G&M's quality is the best.
2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?
Without a doubt.
3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?
Articles follow same formula; fairly negative analysis to Jays' moves. Lack of analysis to Jays moves alongside trends seen across AL/MLB, etc.
4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?
An eye to moves going on outside the AL East. Baseball fans in this city, while wanting Jays news the most, would happily take a one-stop place to get their dose of around the MLB, similar to Baseball Weekly back when it was actually good!
5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?
Photography, reading, gym.
6. What do you do for a living?
Sales at IT company.

SharpeShooter - Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 03:50 PM EST (#140022) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?

1. I dont buy newspapers, but read them when available. I think the Sun has the best coverage.

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?

2. Absolutely.

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?

3. I always have to flip through 5-8 pages of NBA & even worse, Leafs stuff, to find the Jays. Same with Sportsnet, TSN, etc. hockey is always first.

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?

4. It would inspire me to buy more newspapers.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?

5. Reading, Movies

6. What do you do for a living?

6. Entrepreneur, General Contractor

subculture - Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 03:50 PM EST (#140023) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?
I subscribe to the Star b/c my wife likes the other sections. I like the other sections too, but wish I could combine them with Globe sports section.

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?
Yes, I would.

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?
Very negative and writers seem to always have same agenda (in the Star) or coverage is too simple (Sun). Think Jeff Blair is the only one that is objective AND analytical.

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?
Stories about Blue Jay player histories, upcoming rookie coverage, interesting tidbits/trade rumours...

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?
Sports (NBA), play competitive foosball, XBOX, technology, read popular books, music...

6. What do you do for a living?
Client Manager (sales) for large IT firm covering US state.

jgadfly - Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 04:17 PM EST (#140027) #

RE: Survey
#1...maybe once a month...although I used to purchase the Thursday Star for its Media/computer section ...read at library or Harvey's
#2...yes
#3...limited space ...relatively shallow middle road reportage (blah,blah,blah)...info & analysis not as good as this site
#4...Notes from the BLOGs...articles from/by CraigB, Mike Green, Gerry, Pistol, Dave Till, Mick, the Ryan's et al...photos by NFH...fan interviews by VBF...scoring the game...situational analysis...they could learn alot from the set up at this site...free ticket draws...notes from Section 518
#5 photography... reading...
#6 retired

Jeffrey - Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 04:33 PM EST (#140028) #

1. I read the Sun everyday when I get home from school, my favourite for Jay's coverage.
2. Yes.
3. Lack of off-season coverage.
4. More player interviews and tutorials and behind the scene looks
5. Playin' baseball, hockey and the CFL (Argos)
6. Student Grade 10

Nick Holmes - Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 05:17 PM EST (#140030) #

Longtime lurker, first time poster.
1. Subscribe to the Globe & find its coverage ok (better than the Star).
2. No.
3. Fickle, not very deep.
4. Minor Leagues, other MLB teams.
5. Music.
6. Tutor.

Paul D - Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 05:34 PM EST (#140031) #

1. I pick up the Glove every couple of weeks. It's the best.

2. Depends on the paper. I can't imagine any magazine being good enough to make me want to buy the Sun.

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?
Lack of perspective depth. There are times when I feel like I'm knowledgble about baseball/Jays organization than the people who cover the team. For example, if the Jays trade prospects, or for prospects, I should be able to read a reasonable assessment of what their loss means to the team.

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?
Minor league coverage.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?
Movies, video games, tons of sf novels, the gym.
6. What do you do for a living?
Corporate tax consultant.

earlweaverfan - Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 06:54 PM EST (#140039) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage? Globe&Mail, daily; best of what is available]
2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine? [Yes, if it was material unavailable elsewhere, and if it reduced the work of gathering together in one spot all the material I might dig for on the web]
3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO? [Very little high quality analysis that adds to my insight, whether quantitative or qualitative in nature]
4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)? [Provide much more coverage of the minor league Jays teams and rising stars]
5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)? [sailing, golf, nature walks]
6. What do you do for a living? [management consultant]

Magpie - Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 07:58 PM EST (#140040) #

OK, I'll play...

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?

I mostly read newspapers on-line, and I pick up the Star sometimes if I want something to read over lunch. I prefer the Globe's baseball coverage because Jeff Blair is really good and I've always liked and admired Larry Millson.

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?

Maybe. If I liked it enough.

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?

The same thing there is to dislike about coverage of everything everywhere - a surplus of people who push their own agenda and opinions and prejudices, and a shortage of actual reporting. This is not a knock on Richard Griffin, by the way - Griffin's job description is columnist, he's being paid to have opinions. But this is another reason I like Millson.

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?

I'm interested in the history of the game. But if I want to read about, oh, the 1920 season, I can always write the story myself.... I may be the wrong guy to ask.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?

Well, I came this close to not being "Magpie" - I almost opted for "Stratocaster Man." So you could begin and end with music, if you want. Politics, literature. Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

6. What do you do for a living?

It changes on a regular basis...

Matthew E - Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 09:41 PM EST (#140044) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?

I subscribe to the weekend Globe, and we very occasionally buy the Globe or Star on weekdays or Sundays. I also check all papers for Jays-related news daily. My favourite is the Globe.

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?

I'd certainly give it a try. After the first few, it would depend on the quality and timeliness of the magazine - if it was no more timely than the scorebook magazines they sell outside SkyDome, I wouldn't go out of my way to get it.

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?

I don't like the way certain writers often try to persuade me that I'm a sucker for being a Blue Jays fan.

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?

I tend to prefer analysis and commentary over player profiles and stuff. But it's all good.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?

Superheroes. Generational studies. Canadian history. Listening to music.

6. What do you do for a living?

SAP programmer.

PlatinumSombrero - Thursday, January 19 2006 @ 11:22 PM EST (#140047) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?

Never, I read them online. And I prefer the Globe and Sun's sports coverage.

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?

No. But if it were online I would read it.

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?

Anti-Ricciardi writers who don't make any effort to understand sabermetrics.

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?

Maybe have a road trip section... guide to visiting ballparks, road teams, stuff like that.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?

I prefer not to answer this question.

6. What do you do for a living?

Graduate student.

Alexander - Friday, January 20 2006 @ 01:28 AM EST (#140050) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?

Daily. Globe for the quality of the Jays coverage. Just a shame there isnt more of it.

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?

Yes.

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?

There is not enough of it. Thats my biggest complaint. Not every Candian wants to hear about hockey all hours of the day, every day.

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?

Lower - tier leagues. More coverage of whats going on at the grassroots level.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?

Film - books - friends - wine - women - song!

6. What do you do for a living?

Actor/Raving lunatic

rikley - Friday, January 20 2006 @ 07:49 AM EST (#140053) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?

I do not purchase any of the 4 main TO papers

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?

Yes. However, I am living overseas but I would certainly fork out the money if their was an online edition.

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?

The coverage is not indepth enough and there is far too little positive pieces.

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?

I would like to see more reports about the day-to-day things that ball players do. A sort of behind the scenes look into baseball whether it be at the minor or major league level.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?

I enjoy jogging, travelling, watching movies...
6. What do you do for a living?

I am a English Language Professor in South Korea

Ryan B. - Friday, January 20 2006 @ 12:32 PM EST (#140069) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?

Once a month.

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?

Yes.

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?

How "anti-Jays" some reports are. They seem to have a bone to pick with the company and can't get passed that when looking at things the team has done.

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?

A SWOT analyisis. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?

Huge wrestling fan. Enjoy video games, playing Baseball/football/basketball/hockey and talking Jays with my friends.

6. What do you do for a living?

Student.

tuzo - Saturday, January 21 2006 @ 02:17 AM EST (#140092) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?

Subscriber to The Post. Globe is probably the best.

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?

Not sure...maybe. Probably not if it was The Star. If it was the Globe it would be a value add in that there would be a high probability of finding other interesting content inside. :)

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?

Not enough coverage. Biased, negative coverage with (not so hidden) agendas.

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?

Prospects. Irreverent coverage ala Bill Simmons? Tell me stuff I don't know!

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?

Music, Family.

6. What do you do for a living?

Computer Programmer.

Paul - Saturday, January 21 2006 @ 04:07 PM EST (#140102) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?
The Star. The Globe and Mail.

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?
Yes.

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?
Alot of negative coverage... should try and be like the bostonhearld.

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?
Prospects, as well as fantasy baseball related stuff.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?
Baseball. Baseball video games.

6. What do you do for a living?
School. Part time job.

Brian - Monday, January 23 2006 @ 11:55 AM EST (#140142) #

1. How often do you purchase one of the four main TO papers? Which is your favourite for Jays' coverage?

I read newspapers on-line so I do not purchase any paper. I prefer the Globe's baseball coverage because of Jeff Blair but also read the Star to laugh at Griffin.

2. Would you purchase a paper once a week simply to get a free Blue Jays' magazine?

If the quality was there I would buy it.

3. What do you like least about the current Jays coverage in TO?

Some columnists seem to be trying to find negative things to write. I understand it is there job to make their columns interesting and unique but there are some that go overboard criticizing the Jays management.

4. What would you like to see publications cover more of (baseball related)?

More league wide coverage would be nice.

5. What are your main non-baseball interests (hobbies, what you do in your free time, etc.)?

classic cars and computers.

6. What do you do for a living?

Information System Security Analyst

williams_5 - Tuesday, January 24 2006 @ 02:51 AM EST (#140157) #

1. No...The Globe (though I'm not as familiar with the others)
2. If I liked the first (few) issue(s) I would continue to purchase it.
3. Not as in-depth, very few interesting articles other than those taken from other sources.
4. Behind-the-scenes stories and information.
5. Playing/watching other sports (basketball, hockey, tennis, golf...), poker, reading
6. Student

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