Dear readers,
There is little doubt that the amount of writing to appear on The 24th Minute has decreased over the last year. That's not by desire, but it's not by accident either.
The simple truth was that a site that was once moderately profitable, then a break even proposition, now loses money. It costs money to run CSN. I lose money -- by virtue of not being able to pursue paid writing -- when I post to CSN.
So, I've been forced to go with a quality over quantity approach. Although I'm happy with the stuff I've produced over the last year (especially some of the stats articles, which are a developing area in soccer writing and, to me, help us understand the game better) I am not happy with the amount of writing.
I'm especially not happy because I remember how good CSN was and know how good it can be again -- the site that lead the way on CSA reform, broke trades and signings (JDG, to name one) and was the first to report that top flight soccer was returning to Vancouver (and Portland).
I want the site to be that again. I know, based on how many people read the site then, I'm not alone.
But, that requires support. I realize people can't give money everywhere, but I also know that between this site and the three different podcasts (two current) I've been involved with over the years I have also provided a lot of material that has entertained, amused and enraged you. Hopefully I've enhanced your TFC and national team viewing.
So, I'm asking for readers to support the 24th Minute. It's the first time I've done so since 2009.
Over the next month I will attempting to raise $2,400. That works out to $200 a month for 12-months. With that I will guarantee the following for the rest of the year:
1) A minimum of 10 unique posts a week
2) Expanding coverage to include all pro teams in Canada and League 1 Ontario
3) A return to enterprise reporting
4) The debut of one, long-form magazine style story per month.
You will see what this looks like starting tomorrow as we will operate in that fashion during the fundraising efforts. Additionally, I will hold a 24-hour blogging marathon sometime in the next week as part of the fundraising effort.
I will also be trying to raise $1,500 for the Two Solitudes podcast (to be split with Kevin Laramee). With that money I will upgrade the sound quality and expand the show to two regularly scheduled podcasts a week. Title sponsorship of the podcast for the next 12-months is available for that figure.
I also will guarantee that I will not request support again until Victoria Day weekend 2015. Once a year is fair. More than that is begging.
There are four ways to support this, ranked below in order of preference.
1) EMT money transfer to CSNDonation@gmail.com (make password BloodyBigDeal)
2) PayPal donation to dgrollins@gmail.com
3) Cash donation provided in person at TFC event (or if for podcast, to Kevin at an Impact game)
4) A mailed cheque (email me at DuaneGRollins@gmail.com for address)
In terms of what's an appropriate donation, that's up to you. No amount is too small. Larger amounts can come with promotional benefits attached. Please indicate if you wish the donation to be only for the podcast.
The reality is that without this support I will very likely be forced to stop at the end of the 2014 season.
Thank you for your consideration and for reading over the years.
Duane Rollins
Victoria Day weekend, 2014