Why do you write Team News?

[7teen]

Something I’ve thought about before. After reading one of Sean’s TN today I figured I’d post it.

You can pick two options. I think some of us could click 3-4. But what are the two main reasons you do TNs. If you have two. Or one.

If you click other, explain. Curious why else you may write.

[RonCo]

My "other" is that writing about my team makes me focus on it and think about it more deeply, which I then argue makes me a better GM.

[Jwalk100]

Helps learn all players and get a feeling for if they are slumping or on a streak. Their strengths and weaknesses.

[7teen]

I knew you guys would have some other reasons I couldn’t come up with!

[bcslouck]

I'd be lying if I said anything but the first option, at least current. I don't have the creative writing skills a lot of guys have here. Been finding it tough to come up with things anyway.

[johnd2442]

Helps learn all players and get a feeling for if they are slumping or on a streak. Their strengths and weaknesses.

I like this a lot. Looking at the lineups is one thing, but they do start coming to life when I write about the players, I have to admit.

My "other" is that writing about my team makes me focus on it and think about it more deeply, which I then argue makes me a better GM.

I need to take this tactic more; force myself to focus on my team more.

This is a great poll, and I'm interested in the responses as well. I generally don't like to masturbate about my team much; it holds very little appeal. But Ron's answer above makes a lot of sense and was an aspect I hadn't really considered before. That it doesn't have to be about masturbation, and actually critiquing and more analysis than just 'hey look at how good my team did, my team is so awesome'.

My answer was that I enjoy writing overall, and I do love the PP aspect of the BBA. However, now that I think about it more, giving life to the players on my roster holds great appeal too and I may try to start doing that more.

[7teen]

I’ve always enjoyed writing about my team. Even back in the old GBC days when it wasn’t required.

And I do agree with Ron. It helps me get to know my team better. And this season, since I have more time to do a sim by sim recap, understand my opponents better.

[drummerJ99]

Mainly because it's required and to get PP. My problem is I never know how short is too short, so if I just have a quick short tid bit I normally don't post it. In todays sports world most news is consumed in the twitter/facebook right to the point style. I consider our team news more like The Athletic, more in depth. So if I don't have a in depth piece figured up, I normally don't post. I need to maybe make "twitter" post that I just update with the short tid bits. I don't know.

[usnspecialist]

My brain is naturally more interested in big picture/league wide things, so I'm naturally more of a #1 guy.

[Fat Nige]

Helps learn all players and get a feeling for if they are slumping or on a streak. Their strengths and weaknesses.

Definitely this too, I have in the past been a “my team only” blinkered guy so covering my team like I do now improves my knowledge no end.

I wonder if the ones that voted “cos I have to” would really be better off in an import/export league rather than a writing league? To me it seems pointless being in a writing league if you don’t like writing?

[HoosierVic]

Here are a couple of points to explain my “other” response:

1. As Ron and others have said, writing about my teams - especially my minor league teams - helps my understand my system better. How prospects are doing, who’s improving, who’s declining, etc. I don’t expect anyone else to even glance at the minor league updates, but they’re invaluable for me.

2. The sense of immersion in the league. The TNs help give teams a personality, which brings the league alive beyond the W-L records and stats. And that’s really what I was looking for in an online league: the sense that it’s a living, breathing thing. To me, at least, that’s way more engaging than solo replays.

[jiminyhopkins]

I wonder if the ones that voted “cos I have to” would really be better off in an import/export league rather than a writing league? To me it seems pointless being in a writing league if you don’t like writing?

I was hoping that sarcasm was coming back into style, now that it has presidential endorsement.

[HoosierVic]

I was hoping that sarcasm was coming back into style, now that it has presidential endorsement.

Two words: TN injections.

[DugoutDesperado]

The only time that I get in the mood to write TN's is when I am sitting naked in my bean bag chair eating cheeto's a la Ron White.

[DugoutDesperado]

The only time that I get in the mood to write TN's is when I am sitting naked in my bean bag chair eating cheeto's a la Ron White.

Disclaimer - that was the vodka typing - not me.

[shoeless.db]

The only time that I get in the mood to write TN's is when I am sitting naked in my bean bag chair eating cheeto's a la Ron White.

You’re not the only GM who enjoys eating Cheetos nude.

[Dington]

My second vote went to "To entertain people". Haven't let the creative side get to me too much yet, but that will be the goal.

[Lane]

pretty much all of the above for me.

[Fat Nige]

I wonder if the ones that voted “cos I have to” would really be better off in an import/export league rather than a writing league? To me it seems pointless being in a writing league if you don’t like writing?

I was hoping that sarcasm was coming back into style, now that it has presidential endorsement.

#NotMyPresident

[FuzzyRawley]

Voted other. I have to write a lot of technical reports/memos at work and its mind numbingly boring. One of the things that attracted me to this leauge was that the required participation would motivate me to write about something different than groundwater.

I wish I could write way more and if I get laid off then I will for sure. For now, just write when I have the time and inspiration hits.