RealGM

Hello everyone. I'm Matthew Gordon, feature writer for RealGM on both the NFL and NBA sites. (If you want to read a sample of my work, I wrote the piece on Jay Cutler that's currently on the NFL main page.) I'm here today to bring you a brand-new concept for RealGM - what I've decided to call Fan Panel.

NFL fans, this is your chance to get your voice published! What I'm planning to do for each NFL Fan Panel is to get a fan of each of X different teams (could be anywhere from 2-5, depending on the issue) and ask those fans about a key issue facing all of those teams.

How does it work?

I will provide an opening question. During this period, fans can apply. Selected fans will then be asked follow-up questions in at least two, maybe three, rounds. (This Fan Panel will have two rounds, but future Fan Panels may have three.) Questions will be based on the responses of the selected fans, as well as the responses of the other teams' fans. When all questions are answered, I will post the answers in a logical order on the NFL main page.

How can I apply?

Just send your name (first and last), location (city, state/province if in Canada or the US, country), team you are choosing to represent out of those given, and a cogent answer to the opening question at the bottom of this post. If you are selected for the article, I will send you follow-up questions. If not, I may or may not get back to you depending on the number of applicants and the timeframe in which I have to work.

All applications can be directed to matthewpmgordon@gmail.com. I check it multiple times per day.

How much time do I have to spend on this?

It all depends on how much work you want to put into it and how you want to represent your team compared to what might be rival fans. Only one paragraph per question is required, and any answer over a paragraph will be trimmed down to a paragraph, so make sure to be concise. The paragraph answering the opening question can be a little longer, perhaps 100 words, while all follow-up paragraphs should be around 50-75 words. Rounds of questions will not appear more than once per day, or if they do, that just gives you extra time, because deadlines will certainly not occur more than once per day. You will have to answers daily for two days, but it won't be overwhelming.

What if I'm not selected?

Don't worry. There will be more NFL Fan Panels, and I'm specifically hoping to have a different person each time a team is repeated. If you aren't accepted at first, don't take it as an outright rejection, as I have to have only one fan from each team.

When will this be published?

I want this to come out in time for the upcoming NFL Sunday. That said, I'm trying to pick more ongoing issues so that missing a Sunday won't be a big deal. Expect to have applications in by 11:59PM on Thursday, December 3. The first round of questions will be due on Friday, December 4 and the second round of questions will be due on Saturday, December 5, again, before 11:59PM. I'll then have the final product up on Sunday, December 6, before the games begin.

What do I get for doing this?

You will get your name in a RealGM feature article and no one will ever doubt your fandom again.

What is this Fan Panel's opening question, and which teams' fans should be represented?

This will be decided once I've built up a fan roster. To enter for the roster, please email me with your name and team you follow.

Let the applications begin!

If I'm not a fan of any of those teams, can I write one about a different team, Rooster?

Edit: Nevermind, Rooster. I got it now. Thanks for the help, pal.

You can elect to write about a team you're not a fan of, as long as you know enough about that team and present the team in a fair light. Alternately, you can always wait until your teams are represented - I'm going to make a point of representing all 32 teams within the next six months. Good teams are likely to show up more often, but all will be covered.

Can I write an article 10 things I hate about the NFL Panel?

No, that would make Rooster sad, since he has to read all the articles. You don't want to make him become sad by reading that. This is for writing about NFL teams only.

The Dolphins, Jets, Texans, and Titans are 1 game behind the rest of those teams with 5 games left to play. Why leave them out?

I guess this explains why you've been so busy lately; i hope it is successful.

Rooster wrote:Hello everyone. I'm Matthew Gordon, feature writer for RealGM on both the NFL and NBA sites. (If you want to read a sample of my work, I wrote the piece on Jay Cutler that's currently on the NFL main page.) I'm here today to bring you a brand-new concept for RealGM - what I've decided to call Fan Panel.

FakeScreenName123 wrote:

Rooster wrote:Hello everyone. I'm Matthew Gordon, feature writer for RealGM on both the NFL and NBA sites. (If you want to read a sample of my work, I wrote the piece on Jay Cutler that's currently on the NFL main page.) I'm here today to bring you a brand-new concept for RealGM - what I've decided to call Fan Panel.

???

if you want to include the texans, i can handle that

I'm the authority here on the Texans.

I think you 2 should have a face off

Quick, who was more awesome, Seth Payne or Robaire Smith?

Payne, easily. Now register yourselves - Bleeding Blue, that applies to you too. I'll be needing a Colts fan during the playoffs.

do you only want one fan per team?

I'll do the Texans.

hermes wrote:do you only want one fan per team?

The more on the roster, the merrier. I'll only pick one fan per panel, but as I said, I'll give priority to fans who haven't been picked yet.

that list.. Revis 29 is a joke.

I didn't write that list.

I encourage you to register for Fan Panel though.

what if you are a real homer?