Posted 10/7/08

Woohoo!!!  After just 7 months, Google has hit us with our own "sitelinks" or whatever people are calling them these days.  Are you wondering what the hell I'm talking about?

Go to Goolge and run a search for "sports dollar" or "the sports dollar" and you'll see our site listed now with mini "sitelinks" underneath. 

Check this out:

This is Google's way of saying, "Hey, you are here to stay, so let's give you an actual identity and make you look more legit when people search for you!"

It's my understanding that this usually takes about a year before they dish these out, so we are more than happy to receive them now.  And in fact, I haven't checked in a while, so we may have had them sooner!
 
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Posted 10/6/08

Seen the "Don't Vote" campaign/video/meme/thing-a-ma-jigg?  Make sure you register to vote.  Whatever your political preferences may be, this election year marks a pretty damn important time in all our lives. 

The video will tell you to send this video to 5 people in hopes of making the thing "viral" so that a ton of damn people will register.  Well bloggers are using it to link to 5 other blogs as a way to let 5 people know that they should be voting.  Here is my 5:

1.  NE Patriots Draft
2.  Blue Workhorse
3.  My Sports Rumors
4.  Busted Coverage
5.  Tailgating Ideas


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Posted 10/3/08

Another weekend is upon us!

I hope everyone had a chance to watch Governor Palin's attempt at dodgeball last night.  Have you ever seen someone dodge so many direct shots in such a short amount of time before?  Of course while dodging, she did manage to throw out random pre-rehearsed generic jabs and choppy small town lingo.  Dog gonn-it, what a hoot!  Did anyone know that Alaskans speak with southern accents?  News to me too!

See you all on Monday!


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Posted 10/1/08

This morning, I was looking back through old posts to see if there were old topics that needed updates and I realized we had done 313 posts!  I can’t believe it has been that many and that this blog has been up for so long.  It seriously seems like yesterday that this idea came to fruition and the SD was born.

Anyway, while looking back through old posts, we noticed a handful of posts talking about products and services that we suggested people should check out.  Sure enough, more than a few of these I would call complete flops or on the verge of becoming flops.  Some of these services preached big things and slowly fizzled and died off.

TNX.net

Remember this one?  I think this was some paid review we did and while doing the review realized how intrusive the service was.  They basically wanted you to completely manipulate your template code in order to get their whacky service up and running.  It may have changed now, and possibly became easier to use but we still don’t feel good about it.  Plus, Google hates these text-link-widget-selling site things.

BlogRush

Was this thing the scam of the year or what?  The BlogRush widget was everywhere!  Every blog on the planet bit on their idea to send you relevant traffic without having to do extra work and all that.  Of course, no one saw anything from it except the revenues of BlogRush growing exponentially. 

Top Hosting Center

We thought about using them to host us and even gave their affiliate program a shot, and then a close friend of ours actually moved over to them for hosting and things went immediately downhill.  A front page digg submission followed by and Extra Mustard hit and their site blew up on the first day!  Or better said, the Top Hosting Center server blew the hell up.  Another small company talking way too much game.

BlogRolled

Remember this one?  This was the site created by the ReviewME folks which was going to be a link buying exchange sort of program.  Instead of installing some nasty widget that Google would hate on, they claimed they would sell text links for you and then it was your responsibility to actually place them on your site.  Seemed great, and then no one had any links sold.  Flop.

Entrecard

We used it and so did you!  Has anything been a bigger waste of bloggers’ time than this site?  I would argue, “hell no.”  The site is about to completely crash in the next month or 2 after the owner flip flopped on a possible sale only to regain his motivation for making it great.  Yeah, failure is around the corner.

Performancing Ads

Ok, so not a complete flop but it is inching close to it.  Initially, it started off well with so much buzz being generated from top blogs on the service around the blogworld.  Well, like all things, the buzz died off and now, no one cares about the site.  I think I sold 2 ads total through it and purchased a few more?  I’ve basically gone back to selling ads on my own, which works a hell of a lot better.

Any services you can recall that are/were complete flops?  I know we’ve touched on quite a few of them!


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Posted 9/29/08

The crew over at Untwisted Vortex dropped a review on us today that you should go check out.  They said some very nice things and even happened to like our little ol' blog somewhat.  (Always makes a blogger feel good when a fellow blogger says nice things!)

I definitely agree with the reviewer over the thought that we are not an MMO blog but lean more towards the sports niche.  We are simply here to talk sports and talk about how to make your sports blog better.

If you'd like a review by them, stop by their site and submit your info.


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Posted 9/26/08

The weekend has finally arrived!  Kellex and the SD need some much needed beach time, so I'm out for the weekend.  Next week we should be back to our full schedule of regular posts and I apologize if this week was lacking.

The NFL season is rolling, the NBA is almost upon us and I can't wait for it all.  Times will be busy for a while, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  Have a great one all, and we'll see you back here on Monday morning.


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Posted 9/22/08

The Google logo today welcomed everyone into Fall!  As many of you know, Google tends to change their logo for events they've deemed as significant.  The last one being for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) which, to tell you the truth, is a little scary.  Although I have no real idea what it is.

They also ran a series of logos for the Olympic games which we documented.


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Posted 9/16/08

How about a little fun on a Tuesday?  Think about some of the major blogs out there, and then think of what type of cocktail they might be.  We see comparisons like this all the time, but I don't think anyone's gone this metro!


The Jack Daniels Straight Up

These would be the blogs that burn as you suck them down.  They are not real smooth and you feel a little dirty as you squirm through them, but they definitely do the trick.  We've all sucked some down from time to time but we don't necessarily remember it or like to brag to everyone about it.

• Busted Coverage
  
• Deadspin
• With Leather
  

A Shot of Tequila

When you need a quick fix to pep up that night, your shot of tequila always does the trick.  You can toss 3 or 4 in a row to prepare you for the rest of the evening.  Of course if you get too much, you become that annoying guy that knows way too many funny internet tid bits.

• SPORTSbyBROOKS
• The Big Lead
• SI:  Extra Mustard
  

The Spanish Coffee

The blogs that really put on a show.  Their glass gets lit on fire, some cinnamon is shook over the top, and the whip cream is just the finishing touch you were looking for to go with that 151 rum.  Fun, spicy, hot and entertaining are these blogs.

• Cuzoogle
• World of Isaac
• Epic Carnival

The Martini

A little elitist, but the quality is still superb.  They have reason for tasting so damn good in that pretty little glass.  They've worked hard and have been in the game for quite some time while always remaining classy.  Cheers.

• True Hoop
• Ball Don't Lie

The JagerBomb

You know that drink that guys order at the bar that makes you just laugh and shake your head?  Well that's where this cocktail sports blog category takes us.  This is in no way me taking a shot at these blogs, but is simply categorizing them as funny as hell.

• Kissing Suzy Kolber
• Hugging Harold Reynolds
• Awful Announcing
  

The Cosmo

As a dedication to the wonderful world of women in blogging and this fruitful little pink drink, we bring you the Cosmopolitan category.  So sexy, sweet and curvy.  How can you go wrong here?

• And One
• Women Like Sports
• Babes Love Baseball
  

The Whisky Ginger

This would be the category I created especially for myself.  Seeing as this is the greatest drink on the planet and the fact that it doesn't really fit into a category, I thought I'd leave it open just for me.  So tasty, refined, yet still completely random. 

• The Sports Dollar
  

So now, tell me, what kind of cocktail is your sports blog?


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Posted 9/15/08

I wasn't sure that I had ever actually pointed this out, but the program we use to edit all of our images and logos is a nice and free program called GIMP that I stumbled on a couple of years ago. 

As a program that is obviously not Photoshop, it sure as hell comes pretty close.  There are countless programs out there that claim to edit images and what not, but this is by far my favorite free one.

So for those of you that don't want to fork out the cash for those overpriced Adobe products, aren't into hacking proggies, or haven't found a steal of a deal on a license, you should check out our little buddy, GIMP.


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Posted 9/12/08

Just wanted to leave a quick note going into the weekend for everyone by reminding you all to have a fantastic time! 

There are so many big time games happening that if you aren't enjoying the last few days of sunlight and warmth, then you could easily be slumped on your sofa cheering on USC to dominate Ohio State!  What do you think? 

This week's recap:

• Don't forget that we released our winners to the Contest of Sports Sexi-ness.  Check it out to see if you've won anything or if you OWE anything.

• We decided to give away some cheap advertising to our readers, so make sure to contemplate that idea.  I promise, it's a pretty sweet deal.

• A lot of love and praise was given out to our fellow sports bloggers for not being completely obnoxious toolboxes!

• Our trend of posting about the newest Google Logos continued and some random political site picked it up giving us 5,000 visitors in about 2 hours yesterday.  That little ride was fun!

• And of course today, we found ourselves even more impressed by our good friend Apryl of Women Like Sports when she gave us this gem to end our week with.  (Thanks again Apryl!)
  

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9/10/08

Did you notice the new Google Logo today?  It would be a picture of a Large Hadron Collider (LHC)...

Yeah exactly, what the hell is that?

• Wiki Page for Large Hadron Collider
  

Don't forget that Google also ran a series of Olympic Logos for each day that the Olympics were running.  You can check those out HERE.


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Posted 9/5/08

While watching Roddick get smacked around last night in the US Open, I realized that tennis players have had some ridiculous hairstyles throughout the years.  You know how, during almost any broadcast you get old school pictures of McEnroe and Jimmy Connors in their "hay day" sporting those elite helmets.  Well I scrounged together a few, because there are just so many horrible ones.

And yes this is completely off topic, but I still thought it needed to be presented...


Andre Agassi

 

Bjorn Borg

James Blake (with a little Roddick on the side.)

Boris Becker

Goran Ivanisevic

Jimmy Connors

John McEnroe

Vitas Gerulaitis

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Posted 9/3/08

Our favorite topic, “3 Questions” is back!  Of course, just like the first episode, we would like our readers to answer all three questions, but if you think that sucks, then just answer 1 or 2 and we’ll still love you! 

I would have to say that my favorite part of blogging is listening to readers and what they have to say about specific topics. This seems to be a great outlet for everyone to speak their minds and possibly brag a little bit.  So let me have it!

1.  As a young blog, we tend to fall back on social media for most of our traffic which we then hope to grab and hold onto as return traffic.  What tricks are you using to keep that quick burst of traffic returning?

2.  Stumble Upon and BallHype tend to be our biggest players in the social networking/media world.  Are there new services you’ve really taken a liking to such as Yahoo’s Buzz?

3.  What is your single biggest day from a social media site?  I want numbers people; it’s “blow your own horn” time!


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Posted 8/29/08

My opinion of McCain's remarkably ignorant choice in Sarah "Barracuda" Palin.

BARACK for Prez, FACIAL.

Nice job of shooting your campaign in the foot old man.  You really thought the Hilary supporters would come running now that you have a redneck, inexperienced, and crooked woman by your side?

And yes, I'm allowed to rant and rave my personal views on random crap from time to time!


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Posted 8/29/08

What a great week it's been!  Not really sure why I feel so good about it, but there is just something in the air.  Maybe it's the 3 day weekend ahead, or maybe it's the fact that my 6 Types of Sports Bloggers is doing really well?  Whatever it is, maybe it has something to do with what when on here at the Sports Dollar this week!

• Team USA finished off a surprisingly well run Olympics by taking down my new "most hated team on the planet" in Spain.

• Our boy Cuzzy kicked off his Pigskin Picks Challenge which we will dominate.

•  We introduced you to a fantastic new pro athlete bloggin site called Prolebrity which will soon be a household website name.

• Don't forget that you have another chance to win a free XBOX360 through I'm Writing Sports!

• Part 4 of our 6 part series on how to run a contest came out; stay tuned for the final 2 parts in the next couple of days!  Ebook to follow?

• And finally, a sad day for horny tennis fans.
  

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Posted 8/28/08

Yes, it has been a very sad last hour now that I've fully realized I won't be seeing Ana for the rest of the US Open.  It was only the second round, and that really sucks especially seeing as the chick that beat her is going to get romped in the 3rd round by fellow countrywoman Amelie Mauresmo.

Ana loses 3-6, 6-4, 3-6 to Julie Coin, a big booty'd French chick.


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Posted 8/28/08

When we first thought of doing this, we were going to link to some example blogs, but then we decided to just run with it and say pretty much whatever we thought of each type of blog which in turn made us decide to leave out examples.  I guess you'll just have to do some searching!


6.  The Newbie

This sports blogger has no idea what they are doing.  They have no identity, and are not sure exactly how this whole deal works.  They write some linkbaiting pieces, recaps, and link to some blogs, but are struggling through the beginning stages.  We've all been here, and that's why this blog was created!  (Yes that was a cheap plug.)

5.  The Recapper

This is the blogger that probably annoys the sh*t out of me more than any other type of sports blogger.  You see, this is the blogger that thought ESPN, Yahoo, Sports Illustrated and Fox Sports were all doing horrible jobs at bringing you game recaps.  They lack meaningful opinion, interesting topics, and even pull half their posts from the AP which, of course is where everyone else gets their info.  Why does anyone read this garbage?

4.  The Stat Machine

These are the bloggers that are simply way too freakin' talented.  They probably shouldn't be blogging, but should be attending MIT and telling people like me how ignorant I am.  Stat Machines even make the big dog sports sites' stat people feel like morons.  On a side note, if you ever wanted to remember what it was like to be a virgin again, I'm sure these guys could answer some very straight forward questions.

3.  The Entertainer

The Entertainer's entire goal is to be the most creative sports blogger on the planet.  They create new and interesting top 10 lists, poke fun at everyone, run caption contests, call athletes by clever nicknames and simply love every single minute of their blogging life.  I think we all enjoy the creativity of these bloggers, but damn do they make us sick.  Why can't we all come up with this stuff!

2.  The Video Snatcher

A somewhat new breed of sports blogger is the Video Snatcher.  This would be the blogger that spends hours a day looking for that next big video that they can hopefully make viral.  Once found, the video is posted to their blog as if they had created the video themselves!  I guess we all have our vices right?

1.  The Offensive Tool

The blogger with no conscience! They post naked chicks, show private lives of athletes, spread rumors, and have a following as hideous as the Jim Rome Show.  Their life is based on being the most obnoxious toolbox of any sports blogger.  Sure, some things are entertaining, but when the same schtick goes on day after day, the act gets a little old.

And a quick "What up!" to one of our favorite blogs, Epic Carnival, for a list it looks like they did almost a year ago!


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Posted 8/27/08 - Joshua

Aside from being a writer, I also happen to be a business manager. At the moment I am managing myself, as a sports writer. So day and day out I am looking for new and interesting ways to grow my brand.

I would say in any given week I am looking for at least one deal to do just that. Let us not forget I have a wife and son to feed so the pressure sometimes can be immense.

Last week was a particularly bad week in that task. I had two pretty big deals brewing, and I really thought at least one of them was going to work out. That is always the hope, to get the deal I want, and then a backup deal to ya know, make me feel good.

Due to a breakdown in communication and a real lowball offer neither of my deal last week worked out. To say that was a blow to my confidence would be a drastic understatement.

The question then becomes how will I get over that?

Well I took the weekend to regroup since I still have a few irons in the fire for new opportunities, but the one that I lost was important to me personally. It was something I really wanted to do, beyond any monetary rewards.

To be a writer one has to have very thick skin. I get turned down for stuff far more often then I get accepted for stuff. Sometimes it just is the wrong place at the wrong time, sometimes it is actually something beyond my abilities as a writer, and sometimes it was a bull crap job to begin with.

No matter what though, each serves as a blow to my confidence as a writer, and I look for something to restore that confidence. This week it came in the form of an e-mail; an e-mail notifying me that the Reuter news service is going to start broadcasting my NASCAR blog entries over on there site.

This is a good amount of exposure for me, and hopefully will help get my name out there as a serious NASCAR writer. Or it is just the temporary confidence booster that I need to keep writing this week.


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Posted 8/24/08

The last Google logo for the 2008 Beijing Olympics!  A closing ceremony, cute.

Check out the rest of the Beijing 2008 Olympics Google Logos at our running thread.


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Posted 8/23/08

The Google Olympic logo decided baseball was its sport of choice for August 23rd!  Interesting seeing as the Olympics are winding down and this will be the last stand for baseball.  Sad, especially since sports like BMX racing are taking spots up...

Check out the rest of the Beijing 2008 Olympics Google Logos at our running thread.


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