Web 2.O Accessible

Back in the 50s and 60s, long before the days of multi-million dollar contracts and 12-man entourages, professional athletes were much more accessible to the fans. Many could be found down at the corner bar after the game, acquiring their role in the crowd of regulars. The birth of ESPN, fantasy leagues and $20 million annual contracts changed all of that. The line between the common man and professional athlete has continued to swell to the point that one could doubt the fact that the line ever existed.

As the convergence to Web 2.0 continues, some athletes have taken the opportunity to become regular posters on personal weblogs. This trend could lead to a resurgence in accessibility for fans. Although it is not face-to-face interaction, reading the candid reflections of their favorite athletes will help to bolster the relationship between the players and the fans who help to pay their salaries.

A few notable blogs:

Curt Schilling's blog, 38 pitches, offers readers insight on how he felt during a game and how he perceived his performance. Schilling's outspoken nature also leads to some interesting posts about life, politics and steroids in baseball.

Mark Cuban's blog, blogmaverick, offers an in-your-face perspective on all things - life. The Dallas Mavericks' owner is notorious for getting into trouble with NBA Commissioner, David Stern, for things that he has said via the media. His blog talks basketball, technology and recently went so far as to recap his trip to the proctologist.

Greg Oden's blog, hosted by Yardbarker, a social networking site focusing on sports fans and their blogs, offers the candid perspective of the mind of a young man as he prepares to make the leap to professional sports. Oden is widely considered to be the #1 pick in Thursday's NBA draft, and it is refreshing to see someone with so much talent exhibit such humility.

Atlanta Falcons Take Flight Online

After a dismal 2006 season, the NFL's Atlanta Falcons are looking to revamp their Web site with the help of Digitaria, a full service digital marketing and technology firm. This site looks to be the first of its kind.

According to eMediaWire, the team's marketing group has partnered with Digitaria to provide fans with a new kind of interactive Web site. The site will use a social networking platform with multiple web 2.0 features and help to create an innovative community for fans to engage in open communication, and contribute to the site's information.

The new site is scheduled to launch this summer and from the looks of it should provide fans with an amazing overall experience. This further proves that allowing consumers to start a conversation with one another is one of the most effective interactive marketing tactics.