>>> A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT <<<

We are only a month away from introducing the first class of the FSWA Hall of Fame!
Earlier this month, FSWA Hall of Fame Selection Committee members received a ballot for the first round of the selection process. In a few weeks, a list of semifinalists will be announced, after which another round of voting will take place. The inaugural class will be announced during the first week of the 2010 NFL season.

It has taken us years to get to this point. Back in 2004, when the FSWA was established, there was discussion about having a Hall of Fame for fantasy writers, editors and publishers. Our first attempt was a failure due to a failed system. It took us a long time to build a process that can work. That said, I do not feel as though we are operating a perfect system yet. Through the years we have tweaked our writing awards process whenever we identified things that could lead to potential problems down the road. I expect to continue to analyze the Hall of Fame voting system in the same way over these next several years, and am open to suggestions from our membership. The goal is to create a fair system that rewards the very best, but one that cannot be manipulated or compromised.

We feel very good about how the first year has gone, but we know that it’s only the start of something we hope will have lasting value in the industry.

Survey
Please make note of the survey below and take the necessary time to fill it out. Mead Loop helps our organization and all he asks in return is our assistance in gathering data about fantasy writing. The FSWA will be given an opportunity to share the results of his work when completed.

Award Changes
In the September newsletter I plan to announce the changes for our annual writing awards. Most of the categories will remain the same, but the dates for when people can submit and a few of the requirements will change. Stay tuned.

- Mike Beacom, president & chairman


>>> 2010 FANTASY FOOTBALL IIL <<<

There are still a few spots open for the 2010 FSWA Industry Insiders League. There will be five 12-team leagues, with drafts beginning August 19. The leagues will be managed by RealTime Fantasy Sports, and the league champion will be presented with the annual ILL trophy. Anyone interested in joining should contact Mike Jones at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Be sure to put ‘FSWA Industry Insiders League’ in the subject line.


>>> SURVEY – YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! <<<

Two years ago, the FSWA membership participated in a survey of journalism ethics. Results of that study and a more recent one are included in the inaugural issue of the International Journal of Sport and Society (www.sportandsocietyjournal.com). I'm a fan of your work and the field of fantasy sports journalism, and my goal in research is to promote best practices and to promote its journalistic growth.

Would you consider participating in another 10-minute survey? I would appreciate it sincerely and would be happy to discuss the results of this survey and other research at your convenience.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FSWA

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration!
Mead Loop
Associate Professor, Journalism
Ithaca College


>>> FSWA BASEBALL AWARDS <<<

For the first time ever, the FSWA is recognizing the top performers in fantasy baseball. Much like the FSWA Football Awards, this year FSWA members will help to pick the official fantasy baseball player of the year, top fantasy pitcher and top fantasy rookie. During the month of September, the FSWA Board of Directors will help to construct the ballot. After that, members will have a couple of weeks to vote. The winners of this year’s awards will be announced during the World Series. More information will be released in the September newsletter.


>>> JOIN US ON FACEBOOK <<<

The FSWA is building a Web community on Facebook. To find us, simply search for ‘FSWA’ and request to join.


>>> JOB POSTINGS <<<

We are launching a new website that focuses on fantasy football in a unique and innovative way. As such, we are looking for writers for the upcoming 2010 season and beyond. Writers should have experience playing fantasy football and be able to write brief, creative content on a daily basis throughout the fantasy season.

This is not your typical fantasy football site but one that has potential to change the fantasy football landscape.
Please contact Josh at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more details on this exciting opportunity.

>>>>>

As usual, if you have any suggestions, comments or complaints, send them my way.

Mike Beacom
President & Chairman
Fantasy Sports Writers Association
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
715/340-0681