For the record, any "rivalry" between his and my sites were started by him ...or at least attributed to him.... several years ago. And I admit it
took me by surprise. The story goes like this...
While in the Saints press box one night I was told by some guy from the Winnipeg my "'competitor' had just left." I didn't know who he meant until he clarified that it was Keven Reichard. I was surprised since Kevin and I got along quite well and I never thought of there being any competition. (I also have to admit I've never confirmed if the "competitor" description was Kevin's or just the Peg reporter. Perhaps, if he remembers and/or cares he'll inform me/us)
Of course this was so long ago. Kevin was starting out and had his own NoL site (filling the same niche now expertly filled by OSC: press releases and news stories). At that time our sites' topics might have overlapped some, but it was only that we both were covering the same league but from different perspectives. I really saw the sites are "completementary" filling different niches and that remains true to this day with his many sites.
If you think there was any real competition going on, you could say "I won" since that site died a quiet death several years ago. I doubt I killed it since, as I've already said, our sites were complementary (and neither was it because I'm a great internet "cancer" or "killer" of other sites and forums as some want to believe). I think it was because he was having more success with his broader-based sites that generate money enough for him to hire (and pay) people to work on his site (like Dave Wright). I know he was proud of all the money his ad banners were making and how he bought a new digital camera (again this was when he was just starting out).
In the intervening years he's grown into a minor internet media mogul covering the entire country, multiple sports and other levels of baseball (going for breadth and broad market appeal where the money is). I've stuck to what I know and love following the Saints, the NoL and AA (going for depth). It's still a hobby site and not a business (though it might save me money if I chose to write off my trips as business expenses). We each have our niches, separate approaches each, and continuing success on our own terms.
Where there is/remains "overlap" there still is no problem.
If there is/was any real overlap, as someone pointed out to me by a fan years ago, it is/was BPD's original form "Ballpark Visits" which morphed into the BPD ballpark guides you see today (though some retain the same look as they did a decade ago). Even that's not a big deal since it's great to have multiple reviews and guides for ballparks.
It also shows the difference in our sites. After my latest trips I've now been to all NoL and AA ballparks and have (or will eventually) have guides for each of them (including defunct teams like CB) . I cover the leagues and will put the time and money into visiting ever ballpark in them. I want to know firsthand what those places are like and share those experiences.
Kevin & Co. cover "everything" which it a lot bigger, harder, and why he has a staff of several people. But that scope comes at price if you're looking for guides for some NoL and AA ballparks. They simply have not visited all ballparks (past and present). Even so, I'm sure they will eventually get around to visiting Telus Field, Foothills Stadium, Cohen Stadium, Fairgrounds and Fair Grounds Fields, Pelican Park or Port Arthur Stadium.
Bottom line
Kevin & I don't talk much (since he rarely visits Midway like he used to). I think things remain relatively unchanged and amicable. And I don't think he would have much to complain about. I constantly citie his site, stories and references. I provide direct links to his site from my sites' links pages. I introduce people to his site and driving traffic to his site in these forums. I'm driving a lot of traffic to his site (and banner ads).
I may nitpick some of his stuff, but he's certainly not a special target (except that I do hold him to a higher standard than an "ordinary joe" posting in the forums). He has his sources and resources; I have mine. Sometimes they conflict. When they do, I post my thoughts and interpretation. Hardly a big deal.
I also think the record shows, I've more often in agreement with him than not. I think his current questioning of the Clark's Burnsville plan and coverage of Sarpy Co. are really useful. I've nitpicked those attacking him (like the NoL threats to sue him over his FL departure rumors).
At the very worst, I figure he can safely ignore me if he wants since my site, forums and niche are no threat to his successful media empire.
While in the Saints press box one night I was told by some guy from the Winnipeg my "'competitor' had just left." I didn't know who he meant until he clarified that it was Keven Reichard. I was surprised since Kevin and I got along quite well and I never thought of there being any competition. (I also have to admit I've never confirmed if the "competitor" description was Kevin's or just the Peg reporter. Perhaps, if he remembers and/or cares he'll inform me/us)
Of course this was so long ago. Kevin was starting out and had his own NoL site (filling the same niche now expertly filled by OSC: press releases and news stories). At that time our sites' topics might have overlapped some, but it was only that we both were covering the same league but from different perspectives. I really saw the sites are "completementary" filling different niches and that remains true to this day with his many sites.
If you think there was any real competition going on, you could say "I won" since that site died a quiet death several years ago. I doubt I killed it since, as I've already said, our sites were complementary (and neither was it because I'm a great internet "cancer" or "killer" of other sites and forums as some want to believe). I think it was because he was having more success with his broader-based sites that generate money enough for him to hire (and pay) people to work on his site (like Dave Wright). I know he was proud of all the money his ad banners were making and how he bought a new digital camera (again this was when he was just starting out).
In the intervening years he's grown into a minor internet media mogul covering the entire country, multiple sports and other levels of baseball (going for breadth and broad market appeal where the money is). I've stuck to what I know and love following the Saints, the NoL and AA (going for depth). It's still a hobby site and not a business (though it might save me money if I chose to write off my trips as business expenses). We each have our niches, separate approaches each, and continuing success on our own terms.
Where there is/remains "overlap" there still is no problem.
If there is/was any real overlap, as someone pointed out to me by a fan years ago, it is/was BPD's original form "Ballpark Visits" which morphed into the BPD ballpark guides you see today (though some retain the same look as they did a decade ago). Even that's not a big deal since it's great to have multiple reviews and guides for ballparks.
It also shows the difference in our sites. After my latest trips I've now been to all NoL and AA ballparks and have (or will eventually) have guides for each of them (including defunct teams like CB) . I cover the leagues and will put the time and money into visiting ever ballpark in them. I want to know firsthand what those places are like and share those experiences.
Kevin & Co. cover "everything" which it a lot bigger, harder, and why he has a staff of several people. But that scope comes at price if you're looking for guides for some NoL and AA ballparks. They simply have not visited all ballparks (past and present). Even so, I'm sure they will eventually get around to visiting Telus Field, Foothills Stadium, Cohen Stadium, Fairgrounds and Fair Grounds Fields, Pelican Park or Port Arthur Stadium.
Bottom line
Kevin & I don't talk much (since he rarely visits Midway like he used to). I think things remain relatively unchanged and amicable. And I don't think he would have much to complain about. I constantly citie his site, stories and references. I provide direct links to his site from my sites' links pages. I introduce people to his site and driving traffic to his site in these forums. I'm driving a lot of traffic to his site (and banner ads).
I may nitpick some of his stuff, but he's certainly not a special target (except that I do hold him to a higher standard than an "ordinary joe" posting in the forums). He has his sources and resources; I have mine. Sometimes they conflict. When they do, I post my thoughts and interpretation. Hardly a big deal.
I also think the record shows, I've more often in agreement with him than not. I think his current questioning of the Clark's Burnsville plan and coverage of Sarpy Co. are really useful. I've nitpicked those attacking him (like the NoL threats to sue him over his FL departure rumors).
At the very worst, I figure he can safely ignore me if he wants since my site, forums and niche are no threat to his successful media empire.
