Future

Cutter's Log – Stardate 0102.40.70
Current Song – While my Guitar Gently Weeps (George Harrison)


Yesterday's personal disappointment made me want to think about my recent future. As mentioned, I consider myself a free agent in the high school sports journalism world. Actually, I've been a free agent since August 2004.

Unlike LeBron, I won't wait.

I have decided to go at least one more year with Northern Illinois Sports Beat. After that, the future seems more open.

Could the 2010-11 season be the final season for NISB? Maybe. Then again, maybe not.

I have certain expectations for NISB for the upcoming year. If they are met, good. If they aren't met, the future is uncertain.

What do I mean by this, exactly?

NISB is pretty much a “second job” for me. My “first job” is with Johnson Oil. I get paid there. I don't get paid for NISB, that's because I run it. I have always tried to find a way to make NISB something where money can flow. I just haven't been able to find a way that will not aggravate people.

Right now, the only thing I charge for is past stories. I recently decided to permanently archive stories of the past two sports seasons. All Fall 2009 stuff will be archived at the start of Fall 2010, for example. All stories and information are mostly free, except for the archived stories. I really do not feel like charging people for fresh information.

So in the coming days, I will think about things that I could do make the “second job” feel like one. As long as it doesn't harm the website traffic.

The middle ground will be found soon.