Welcome, College Basketball Fans

In October, I started a new project.

I talked with my friend Joseph Nardone, and we decided to attempt to build a huge college basketball section at ClutchPoints, where we both were already working as editors.

Since we were spending countless hours running independent websites on our own with very few resources, we figured we’d try something different and join forces to run a mini-site within a bigger site.

After building and experimenting for a few months, we discussed the biggest takeaways. Ultimately, we realized something was missing.

That has led both of us to try something different. Again.

The Realization

Here’s what I realized (Joseph echoed this in his newsletter): I’m a writer who enjoys the process of writing.

Building and growing both Southeast Hoops and the ClutchPoints CBB section often involved more non-writing work than writing work. That was no one else’s fault. It’s just how it works when building an online platform from scratch.

But for me, nothing can compare to the actual process of writing and telling stories.

The managing part of websites and sections of websites has been my focus for a few years. But the writing part is what I do best. So, I’ve decided that I need to get back to focusing on that.

I’m still an editor for ClutchPoints, a contributor to Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook and Athlon Sports, and the host of approximately 478 podcasts (or maybe it’s 479).

But here at Substack, I’m going to focus on the basics of writing and telling good stories in the two areas I’ve enjoyed covering the most throughout my career: SEC and college basketball.

As for the frequency of new posts? It will be quality over quantity. That, in my opinion, is what readers will always prefer.

I’d rather write fewer stories that make a bigger impact than more stories that make no impact.

To give potential supporters a better idea of what to expect, I’ve uploaded links to some of my most well-received work from previous projects.

You can find those on the Archive page.

Why Choose Substack?

For starters, it’s an absolutely beautiful platform. Like this thing looks good.

It’s a platform for writing that focuses on the writing and nothing else, which creates an awesome experience for readers.

It also promotes a direct connection between the writer and the reader. For me, that was a huge selling point. I want to write for the people who support my work because they’re the ones who matter most.

Additionally, this platform allows for conversations and discussion threads to help connect writers and readers even more (plus, you can comment on each post).

Substack also has the technology to upload podcasts and audio interviews, and you guys know how much I love doing that.

How You Can Support My Work

All you have to do is enter your email address below to get new posts directly in your inbox.

I’ll still share my work on Twitter (@theblakelovell) like I always have, but signing up via email is the easiest way to keep up with everything.

And just as a note: Substack does allow the option for both free and paid content for subscribers (think Patreon). If I ever decide to offer the latter, I’ll give readers the details on how to convert to a paid subscription for access to additional stories and podcasts.

But for now, everything is free. America!

If you choose to subscribe, please consider sharing with a friend to help create a fun community for SEC and college basketball lovers.

As an independent writer, your support means the world to me.

Thanks for your interest in my writing, and I hope you enjoy this exciting platform.