To The Ruden Report Community,
Since starting the site six and one half years ago, the number of users and pageviews have more than tripled. It is up another 40 percent since the popular redesign launched last September.
The tremendous response has been humbling, save for one repeated complaint: “Why aren’t you covering us?” At a time when there are now just two print media outlets reporting on the FCIAC, the demand for news has never been greater.
I am fortunate to have a loyal base of advertisers that have supported me for years. But like all media companies, there are always challenges for growth. Expenses to run the business have tripled. This comes at a time when I want to get to more towns and more sports. I want to continue to have access to the best photographers, not pose shots using an iPhone. On days where there are often 15-20 games going on, I no longer want to have to choose just one.
I have looked into many ways to grow the company. I do not want to put up a paywall or go to a subscription model. Student-athletes should not have to pay to read about themselves. I don’t want to limit access to the site.
The best way to achieve my goals and service all of you, I believe, is to become both advertiser and reader supported. I think there are many of you who appreciate what I do, including recognizing athletes with my Player and Team of the Week awards, and would like to see me reach my goals of giving you more of what you want.
Thus, I am launching my own March Madness campaign. Instead of The Road to the Final Four, I am calling this The Road to Cover More. Every penny raised will go into the business to expand coverage.
What will that mean for you on a weekly basis? More game stories, human interest stories and commentary pieces. Covering sports that have been underserved. Continued top-quality photography, greater use of video and new features on my popular social media platforms. Providing more opportunities to the many talented students who contribute to The Ruden Report.
Giving you the kind of reporting on the FCIAC you have expressed a desire for.
I am asking you to consider making a donation of any amount you are comfortable with to help me in my quest. I have covered the FCIAC for 35 years and love all the athletes, coaches, administrators and readers. I want to take The Ruden Report to the level I think we would all like to see.
I truly appreciate your consideration.
Dave