I want to thank everyone for supporting this blog over the last year, and for making this new venture possible. This does not happen without your readership and all the kind words since my departure from the team in May.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. We're gonna have some fun. I'll (hopefully) break some stories, write until it hurts and try not to embarrass myself too often.
I have lots of plans for how you can get involved. Spread the word, please. And as a reminder, I'm on Facebook. Look forward to seeing you there and around the rink...CB
Here's the official word:
“Islanders Point Blank” Blog Debuts on September 25th
Independent site by former team VP Chris Botta to provide 24/7 coverage for hockey fans
Plainview, NY, September 15, 2008 – Providing fans alternative and independent coverage of their team, the New York Islanders will be a primary sponsor of a new blog with round-the-clock commentary of the Islanders and the NHL. “Islanders Point Blank” will launch on Thursday, September 25 and will be run by managing editor Chris Botta, the team’s former longtime Media Relations Vice President. Botta’s opinion pieces, breaking news reports, rumors, rankings and feature stories on Islanders Point Blank will not be subject to approval by team management.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for the fans to receive in-depth, nearly around the clock coverage of the team,” said Islanders President Chris Dey. “Chris Botta will provide the fans with a perspective and insight that they've never had before. Hopefully this develops similar arrangements with other highly qualified journalists throughout the league."
In addition to his 20-year career in the Islanders’ front office which ended last spring, Botta was a color commentator on radio broadcasts in the mid-’90s, co-authored (with Stan Fischler) the book “Pride & Passion” on the team’s first 25 years and has been a freelance contributor to publications including Sports Illustrated and The Hockey News. In his final season with the Islanders he created the NYI Blog Box, of which Richard Deitsch of SI.com wrote, “I predict Botta will be proved a visionary when it comes to the relationship between professional sports teams and bloggers.”
“The goal of Point Blank is to provide constant coverage and honest analysis of the Islanders from an original perspective,” said Botta. “Having worked for the team for so long, I have a lengthy list of contacts around the NHL and I have so many stories to share. I hope to inform and entertain hockey fans, and there will be plenty of opportunities for them to get involved on the blog.”
Islanders Point Blank (www.islanderspointblank.com) will debut on Thursday, September 25.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
23 comments:
Good luck! I'm assuming that with the URL switch the RSS feed will change as well.
Congrats CB - sounds like a great venture & I can't wait to check it out!
Great news Chris!! I was praying you'd stay on somehow! (I knew it was too ingrained in your blood to let it go.) Anyway, this is outstanding news for Isles fans as they can get both an inside and fair perspective of what's going on in Isles Country. Keep up the great work!
Congrats and welcome back to the circus!
(Another prog rock reference for you...)
Congrats Chris! Your insight into the Islanders organization has been a compelling read over the past few months. Look forward to the new point blank!
good luck Chris. I'm sure it will be successful.
Chris, I believe this is a fair question: Just how objective can you be with your replacement, Chris Dey (and his Uncle) now watching over your shoulder?
24/7 coverage? Damn... I already wondered if you ever slept. Now you'll prove you don't. This is a gift to Islanders fans everwhere.
REALLY? This is GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!
Chris, I am so happy to hear this.
Whooo! :D
That's fantastic news man! Great to know you're still going to be around!
OMG . . .WAY TOO COOL. Congrats, CB. The perfect gig for you. Somehow, in my heart I knew you would wind up involved with the Islanders again. I'm so happy for you and can't wait for the 25th.
Mary
Congrats on the "new" point blank Chris, I'm very excited to start reading this and your insight and opinions into the team will be awesome!
welcome back
"cheers"
Congrats Chris- I'm happy to hear that you are sticking with hockey and I'm sure the hockey blogosphere will quickly show their support for your Islanders blog!
CB,
Although I don't comment on your posts that much, I have read every piece you've ever done. Congrats on finally getting the recognition you deserve. Hope to see you around the rink and the blogosphere.
Sincerely,
Doug Davidson
IslesOfficialsOutlook.blogspot.com
While I certainly congratulate you Chris - I love your stuff (even as a Ranger fan) - you have to be kidding me. "Independent" coverage of the team that is sponsored by the team and written by someone who is friends with most of the team. Now I know bloggers are given a lot of leeway in regards to journalism ethics but this sounds ridiculous. What will make it different than any of the other blog boxers? more access? the fact that they get paid in access to games and you will get a paycheck? I'm confused.
Congrats Chris...
The "Botta Love Fest" has begun. Check everyone's entries (including mine!) and here's one you may not know of http://islesofficialsoutlook.blogspot.com/
can ya TELL we're all HAPPY!!!
Congratulations! I will celebrate the official launch by putting you in the sidebar at my blog on the day. (Just what you always dreamed of, right?) Thanks to you, it's been much easier keeping up with Isles news here in the hinterlands of Jersey - I hope that you have continued success!
Best Islanders related news in recent memory. Congratulations Chris!
Congratulation Chris. I look forward to reading your open and honest blog. I've enjoyed reading your blog to date, you give critics that are true with no added Bull Sh_t added. You also give good insight to the innerworkings of an NHL team. One thing I'd like to see on here is your opinion on the radio station deal. Personally I think it stinks. I live in Western Nassau County and can't get 94.3, I usually listen to the pregame in the car, but now won't be able to. I don't think the Islanders did their homework on this. Can you even get reception at the Colesium? Look forward to the response on this as well as your future contributions to us Islanders fans.
Dan Sec 303
I am so excited to hear about this! Finally the isles are stepping in the right direction with their PR and to connect with their fans. Well deserved, Chris. Can not wait to read the blog during the season!!
Hey Chris, any chance you lobby for Butchie the way you did Brandon????? Butchie should be our head coach, but if not, why not give him the oppty to be the assistant if he would actually accept that. After all, his resume is insane, and he should not be jobless
Post a Comment