I keep learning a lot about writing for an online audience. One lesson is that I can not always predict what stories will play the best on Gilman on Sports.
Somewhat morosely, deaths of local figures have been very popular, numbers-wise. We all like to remember those icons from our past, especially if they played a role in our own development.
The death of longtime North Salem coach Kenny Slack is a prime example. His story rose above and beyond any other story published here thus far… over 10 thousand hits. That isn’t to say it is my finest work, but the subject matter is compelling—with Kenny’s 40 years in the Salem-Keizer area, many folks knew him and loved him. Kenny was easy to love. Several people did take a moment to share their thoughts about the Coach in the comments section.
The KS stickers worn on North Salem football helmets were to honor him. I finally obtained one to put on my mixer board in Ken’s memory.
This is my wordy, roundabout way of encouraging all you readers (again) to leave comments about what you read here. Sometimes the subject matter helps with this because it is a little controversial… like shot clocks for prep basketball, or power rankings for the state football playoffs. A reader from Grants Pass had some definite opinions about those rankings.
Still others have said some nice things about the topic or the photos from us.
Currently, there are two volunteer photographers who provide me with pictures to go with the stories about games. These camera bugs are very important because as a broadcaster, I can not actually take photos while I am calling the game on the radio, and even if I could do that, there are other games elsewhere needing coverage. And by the way… they do a GREAT JOB.
There is a former Salemite who now lives in Washington State that said some very kind things about the images “my” photogs provided recently. I passed along those comments to the pair, and one was decidedly grateful in response.
“This is so awesome!!! It just made my day.”
See how much of an impact you can make??
In addition to providing some warm fuzzies to the producers of the content, your suggestions can also be useful in pursuing other individuals to interview.
I can’t speak to all the story ideas I have received, but one that panned out very well involved a Salem-area athlete whose family moved to Idaho during the pandemic to allow their daughter to play her best sport—softball—and in the process, Delaney Keith became her new state’s best player not once, but twice. She now plays softball for a Division One program (Coastal Carolina) on the East Coast. Here is a link to that story»here.
Readers wanting to contact me directly about our content or new story ideas can do so through a newly established email: gilmanonsports@gmail.com. I am not “sitting on top” of this email, so give me a little time to get back to you—but I will get back to you.
Bottom line: I do want to hear from you—we want to hear from you. Keep it civil—always. Communication is key for me to get better with my new craft. At the bottom of the stories, find the heart emoji and click on it to like/love a story; add comments in the same location. If you need to contact me, use the email as listed above.
Thanks everyone.