View Full Version : My Query to Black Belt Magazine for an MMA Wagering Guide
As some of you may have gathered, I sometimes do a bit of writing. I actually just queried (or "pitched" if you prefer) the editor of Black Belt Magazine about the possibility of writing an MMA wagering guide for the publication. For those who are interested, here is the query:
March 3, 2010
Robert Young
Black Belt Magazine
Dear Mr. Young:
Once UFC 100 cracked 1.5 million Pay-Per-View buys, we all knew that MMA's popularity had transcended the arena of the fringe, underground sport that it once was and had officially gone mainstream. As one would expect, the money follows. Even a cursory glance around fight time at MMA fan forums like Sherdog make it clear that more and more people are betting on MMA through sites like Bodog, Bookmaker, and 5dimes. Not coincidentally, mixed martial arts media outlets like MMA Junkie and MMA Mafia are providing fans with tailored wagering information, such as Eric Foster's (Performify) analysis for UFC events.
Where is Black Belt in all of this? I have noticed that the magazine has been covering more and more MMA stories in the last couple of years, which is exactly what I think most of today's generation of martial artists want. I also believe that many of your readers are in the same position I was in barely more than a year ago: Interested in throwing down some cash on the sport they love, but unsure of where to start.
I'd like to write a 1500-word guide to wagering on MMA for Black Belt, which I would be happy to submit on spec and could have ready and on your digital doorstep within one week. Topics covered would include:
* recommended online sportsbooks
* what a betting line is and what it means
* how to break down a fight and understand a fighter's strengths and weaknesses
* how much to bet and why
* responsible betting and why it's important to stay in control of your hobby
Being successful at betting on MMA is not overly difficult, but it does require a passion for the sport and a firm understanding of proper wagering principles.
You'll remember that you published my article "Movies That Inspire" in the Aug. 2007 issue (my first publishing credit in fact, and I'm still proud that it was in Black Belt, a magazine that I've been reading since I was a child). I'm currently a journalism student at Salt Lake Community College and have since been published a number of times in our student newspaper, the Globe, as well as a handful of times online, including wagering analyses for UFCs 102, 103, and 108, currently available at mmaunderdogs.com.
Thank you for your consideration and I hope to hear from you soon!
Sincerely,
Chris Cockrell
I'll have you guys know that if he bites you fuckers are going to have to help me out with it by giving me ideas and doing some proofreading.
LOL Your name has Cock in it.
^^^ You can suck my COCK while you're making jokes, just so you know. . .
But seriously, that's very well written and good luck. Sounds fun. I'm not familiar with Black Belt Magazine, what's it about?
But seriously, that's very well written and good luck. Sounds fun. I'm not familiar with Black Belt Magazine, what's it about?
Thank you.
Black Belt is actually the oldest continuously published martial arts magazine in publication (I think they've been around since 1949 or something like that). They're focus has typically been more on traditional martial arts, but they've been real MMA heavy lately, so I hope this grabs the editor's attention. We'll see. The biggest roadblock I could see would be the gray area legality of online gambling.
More about Black Belt here: http://blackbeltmag.com/
LOL Your name has Cock in it.
::lmao::
If they bite I'd be more than glad to help
First two rules in MMA betting:
Never bet Vera
Never bet Jardine
j/k
Mr. IWS
03-04-2010, 08:35 AM
Good man, I hope you get it. I will help out wherever you need it.
triathlete
03-04-2010, 09:11 AM
Yeah, no kidding. I hope that works out for you. Your article in SLCC's paper get published?
High5
03-04-2010, 10:31 AM
Hey SPX, Way to be agressive.......Good Luck!
Ya know, I don't post but I had to when I saw we were neighbors. I live in the Ogden area.
Hope it works out for you....
Yeah, no kidding. I hope that works out for you. Your article in SLCC's paper get published?
Not yet. I actually haven't even submitted it yet. I should be sending it in tomorrow and it should come out in next Wednesday's edition.
Hey SPX, Way to be agressive.......Good Luck!
Ya know, I don't post but I had to when I saw we were neighbors. I live in the Ogden area.
Hope it works out for you....
Awesome! Triathlete is up in Park City. Us Utahns are going to run all these other fuckers out of here.
Stick around and post more often!
Mr. IWS
03-04-2010, 11:50 AM
when your writing for ESPN, dont big time us and forget to shout us out.
::shake::
triathlete
03-04-2010, 12:14 PM
Hey SPX, Way to be agressive.......Good Luck!
Ya know, I don't post but I had to when I saw we were neighbors. I live in the Ogden area.
Hope it works out for you....
Awesome! Triathlete is up in Park City. Us Utahns are going to run all these other fuckers out of here.
Stick around and post more often!
Haha... no kidding, eh? Two on TUF, three on here... boo yah.
Donny Osmands Hair
03-04-2010, 01:28 PM
UTAH IN DA HIZZY ::butkick::
UTAH IN DA HIZZY ::butkick::
Best user name ever ::lmao::
Welcome man
Mr. IWS
03-04-2010, 02:34 PM
WAR the hair!
Well shucks:
Sir,
Thanks for the query.
However, I don’t believe a story on UFC betting would go over well with our readers.
Take care.
RY
I'm not entirely surprised. It seemed like slightly racy content for Black Belt.
Sorry SPX
It's all good. I may approach some MMA specific publications and see how it goes.
triathlete
03-04-2010, 04:46 PM
Damn... ah well... you never the know the answer until you try.
Just sent this back:
Robert,
You know doubt know Black Belt's readership better than I do. Judging by the magazine's recent shift in content, however, I can tell that we both know times are changing. I myself am a reader of the magazine and I would certainly welcome such an article, and I imagine that there may be a greater audience for such content than may at first be obvious.
Nevertheless, thank you for the prompt reply. It's much better to receive quick rejection than one that comes weeks later. If by any chance you change your mind, do let me know. If nothing else I could submit a draft to you and see what you think before I offer it to anyone else.
Thanks again,
Chris
I'm going to start looking at the writers' guidelines for FIGHT, Ultimate MMA, and whatever other MMA mags I can find, and I'll query any that seem suitable.
Mr. IWS
03-04-2010, 05:54 PM
You wan write it and ill create a separate web page for you to put it up here if you want.
You wan write it and ill create a separate web page for you to put it up here if you want.
I'm going to try to keep querying every magazine that might be interested and if we run dry then we can just throw it up here on the site.
I actually just sent off another query to Real Fighter Magazine (http://www.realfightermag.com/). Hopefully they'll respond quickly, whether it be yay or nay. Nothing worse than waiting weeks for a response.
Seems I've gotten a bite!
I refashioned the query for Ultimate MMA (www.ultimategrapplingmag.com (http://www.ultimategrapplingmag.com)) and the editor just wrote back and asked, "BTW, when do you anticipate sending this in?"
I replied and said that if he was interested then I could have it in within a week. Now I'm just waiting to hear back and get the go ahead to start working.
Mr. IWS
03-17-2010, 11:51 AM
Great news man.
Just got another response from the Ultimate MMA editor. He wants to see it.
Bear in mind that doesn't mean it will get published. I'm submitting "on spec" (on speculation) which means that if he sees it and he doesn't feel like it's right for his publication or whatever then he can turn it down. But if he likes it then it should go to press.
I've already started writing it. Will you guys proofread for me? I have a week to turn it in so I want to get it as polished as possible. I'd like for this to be a community effort.
Mr. IWS
03-17-2010, 01:09 PM
Ill proof read it for ya.
triathlete
03-17-2010, 10:30 PM
I'd be more than happy to give it a read. .
Okay, so I've done fucked some shit up a little.
In my query, I mentioned a "1500 word article." The editor has since informed me that features should not exceed 1200 words. My "Complete Guide to Wagering on MMA" currently sits at 2,827 words. (Yeah, I misjudged the length from my outline.)
Thankfully, the editor did tell me that if it exceeds 1200 words and "the content is outstanding" then it can be broken up into two parts, but that still means I gotta chop this down 2400 words.
I'm a little stressed now.
Okay, so I've done fucked some shit up a little.
In my query, I mentioned a "1500 word article." The editor has since informed me that features should not exceed 1200 words. My "Complete Guide to Wagering on MMA" currently sits at 2,827 words. (Yeah, I misjudged the length from my outline.)
Thankfully, the editor did tell me that if it exceeds 1200 words and "the content is outstanding" then it can be broken up into two parts, but that still means I gotta chop this down 2400 words.
I'm a little stressed now.
Take out all the words "and" and "the"
problem solved ::handshake::
Take out all the words "and" and "the"
problem solved ::handshake::
Okay, yeah, makes sense!
I'm off to do that right now!
Okay, well the die is cast. I just sent it off.
Thanks again for everyone's help in proofreading and offering suggestions.
Mr. IWS
03-23-2010, 02:34 PM
Okay, well the die is cast. I just sent it off.
Thanks again for everyone's help in proofreading and offering suggestions.
GL
Okay, well the die is cast. I just sent it off.
Thanks again for everyone's help in proofreading and offering suggestions.
I might have proof read it had you ever sent it like you said you were going to
I might have proof read it had you ever sent it like you said you were going to
I did, homey! I was wondering why you never got back to me.
I just double-checked and your GMAIL address is in the ricipients list on the e-mail I sent out.
I'll send it again. . . I'd still like to get your thoughts.
Just re-sent it, Luke. . .
got it this time but never got it last time
OMG this might take me weeks to read LOL
OMG this might take me weeks to read LOL
Ha ha, it's not as long as it looks because it's double-spaced and shit.
Zak said it took him "like 5 minutes."
OMG this might take me weeks to read LOL
Ha ha, it's not as long as it looks because it's double-spaced and shit.
Zak said it took him "like 5 minutes."
well that means it should take me about an hour
Mr. IWS
03-23-2010, 06:03 PM
Seriously, only took about 5 min for me.
Seriously, only took about 5 min for me.
Must have scanned it. . .
What up, homeys? I would just like to announce that this e-mail just hit my inbox from the Ultimate MMA editor:
MMA Hey ...
This will run in our next issue, but it has to be two parts. It’s too long as it is.
Do you shoot at all?
D.
WOO HOO!
I expect all you bitches to go out and pick up a copy. . .
Mr. IWS
04-06-2010, 02:54 PM
::thumbdown::
Is this magazine Dana White approved? I can't buy it if not.
Mr. IWS
04-06-2010, 04:51 PM
Seriously, good work man.
Ill have my kid grab me one at the store he goes to, if they dont have it, Ill get one off the website.
Mr. IWS
04-06-2010, 04:52 PM
Will you autograph my copy?
Seriously, good work man.
Ill have my kid grab me one at the store he goes to, if they dont have it, Ill get one off the website.
Thanks. I was at least a little surprised that I was able to actually pull this off. It's never easy to get anything published and the fact that I was able to come up with the idea and see it all the way through is nice.
I've found Ultimate MMA both at Barnes and Noble and grocery stores here in SLC so it shouldn't be hard to find, I don't think.
Will you autograph my copy?
LOL
Yeah, sure.
I'll read it if you buy me the magazine and mail it to me
triathlete
04-06-2010, 11:18 PM
Nice! What did he mean about shooting? Photos?
Nice work... they have the mag at Fresh Market by my place... I'll be sure to go get one.
I'll read it if you buy me the magazine and mail it to me
Bitch, you buy your own damn magazine!
Nice! What did he mean about shooting? Photos?
Nice work... they have the mag at Fresh Market by my place... I'll be sure to go get one.
Hey, he comes out of the woodwork!
And yeah, by shooting, he meant photos, which I unfortunately am not qualified to do. (Gotta get on that.)
I'll let you know when the issue's out. Still a little surprised I'm going to be in the shit. But it'll hit me when I see it.
I'll read it if you buy me the magazine and mail it to me
Bitch, you buy your own damn magazine!
::lmao::
Mr. IWS
04-07-2010, 08:35 AM
I'll read it if you buy me the magazine and mail it to me
LOL
Mr. IWS
04-07-2010, 08:36 AM
And yeah, by shooting, he meant photos, which I unfortunately am not qualified to do. (Gotta get on that.)
Just log into the forum, then take a picture of it with your camera phone.
::handshake::
triathlete
04-07-2010, 04:07 PM
Nice! What did he mean about shooting? Photos?
Nice work... they have the mag at Fresh Market by my place... I'll be sure to go get one.
Hey, he comes out of the woodwork!
And yeah, by shooting, he meant photos, which I unfortunately am not qualified to do. (Gotta get on that.)
I'll let you know when the issue's out. Still a little surprised I'm going to be in the shit. But it'll hit me when I see it.
Yeah... fuckin' finals. Gotta finish my shit up so I can get my master's on and move to the next looming task... Ph.D. (I bet you can guess what my statistics projects will be based on.)
That's great. Good to hear about that. Wonder what he wanted you to shoot? Where are their offices? SLC seems to have a decent hotbed of MMA activity... probably wanted you to go around to the gyms and take pics and write stuff up for them. I bet you could do it.
I'll keep my eyes peeled at Fresh Market. I think a new issue just came out a week or so ago...
3
Yeah... fuckin' finals. Gotta finish my shit up so I can get my master's on and move to the next looming task... Ph.D. (I bet you can guess what my statistics projects will be based on.)
I'm so ready for school to be done for a little while. Definitely looking forward to the summer in a big way.
How far away are you from getting your masters? I've barely even begun to work on my bachelors.
Wonder what he wanted you to shoot? Where are their offices? SLC seems to have a decent hotbed of MMA activity... probably wanted you to go around to the gyms and take pics and write stuff up for them. I bet you could do it.
From what I can tell they are located in Annheim, CA.
As for photos, I know that it's just generally better if you can do both, because most articles require photos. He did say that he welcomed future ideas from me. I'm considering querying to ask if he'd like me to do a profile of the UCE, similiar to the article I wrote for the Globe. My angle would basically be that it would be cool to shed some light on the corners of the sport that aren't the big leagues and get some exposure for local and regional orgs. Not sure if he'll go for it, though.
I'll keep my eyes peeled at Fresh Market. I think a new issue just came out a week or so ago...
Sweet. I'll let you guys know when it comes out.
I'm still wondering
triathlete
04-07-2010, 09:49 PM
How far away are you from getting your masters? I've barely even begun to work on my bachelors.
I'm about 3 weeks from my masters. I start the PhD in the Fall.
My angle would basically be that it would be cool to shed some light on the corners of the sport that aren't the big leagues and get some exposure for local and regional orgs. Not sure if he'll go for it, though.
Not to mention two guys made it to TUF. I think only one got in the house... but that'd be worth exploring as well. Might be worth a series. Especially if you can find some of the minor leagues that produce some top MMA talent... maybe.
Proximity to Vegas, ability to high-altitude train. To be honest, I'm surprised more don't train out here. PC just got a BJJ place (just across the way from me) and has plenty of x-training places.
Ah well.
Hey, guess what. . .
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4646024570_d71ac37936_o.jpg
Svino
05-27-2010, 05:50 PM
Hey, guess what. . .
Congrats.
::thumbup::
Congrats.
::thumbup::
Thanks, yo. I was at Barnes and Noble today and found it.
If anyone's interested in checking it out, it's in the August issue. (Black cover with Shane Carwin on the front.) They must have JUST put it out so I'm not sure if it's out everywhere yet.
They split it into two parts, so part II should be in the next issue.
Mr. IWS
05-27-2010, 05:55 PM
Awwww shit, Nice man.
Awwww shit, Nice man.
Thanks. Kinda crazy that I came up with the idea to pitch it, discussed it with you guys, and now it's out there on the shelf.
MMA_scientist
05-27-2010, 08:16 PM
Full on propers my friend. Very nice work.
Congrats. This makes you kind of a big deal.
MMA_scientist
05-27-2010, 08:19 PM
in part 2 make sure you mention Lagasse's at the Palazzo.
You bad motherfucker you.
Full on propers my friend. Very nice work.
Congrats. This makes you kind of a big deal.
Ha ha, thanks. I appreciate it.
By the way, I should have two more articles in the mag for sure: An interview with Greg Bayne, who is doing a documentary on Jens Pulver, and an interview with Jens Pulver himself. And also an article about judging/scoring in MMA with comments from commissioners. (<-- this one was actually assigned by the editor, so that's a good sign they're going to want me to keep writing for them in the future.)
I just sent in the commissioners article today. Once I get a response back, I have a few more ideas I'd like to pitch, like a feature on the Christian MMA scene and the way that faith and MMA seem to often intersect. I've also talked to Gerald Harris, and he's ready to do something as soon as I can convince the editor that the time is right. And I've been trying to contact DaMarques Johnson and Alan Belcher. I think it's the right time to do something on both guys.
BTW if anyone has any ideas that they think would make interesting articles, then feel free to pass them my way.
in part 2 make sure you mention Lagasse's at the Palazzo.
Ha ha. Part II is done. They just took my 3,000 word article and chopped it into two.
I really would've liked to have gotten some mention of IWS in there, though. If I had had the latitude to make the article even bigger then I would've done a sidebar that mentioned MMA wagering communities on the Internet and I would've put IWS in there. It was not to be, though.
You bad motherfucker you.
Yes, I'm going to do my best to remember the little people. . .
triathlete
05-27-2010, 08:29 PM
Fuck yeah. That's some tight shit. I'm walking over to the Fresh Market to see if they have it. . .
Fuck yeah. That's some tight shit. I'm walking over to the Fresh Market to see if they have it. . .
Go look. They might not have it yet. I think B&N may have put it out early, because the UMMA site doesn't even have it up as the "current issue" yet.
Hey, guess what. . .
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4646024570_d71ac37936_o.jpg
Holy crap man thats badass Congrads
::clap:: ::clap:: ::clap:: ::clap::
We have someone famous here now ::dance::
I'll be waiting for my signed copy to arrive in the mail.
Did you use your real name when writing it or no because it say" by" and looks like the intials SPX
I was just about to ask that.
I don't see Dickrell anywhere on there and the middle name is definitely Patrick.
I'll be waiting for my signed copy to arrive in the mail.
Paypal me $10 and I'll hook you up.
Did you use your real name when writing it or no because it say" by" and looks like the intials SPX
I was just about to ask that.
I don't see Dickrell anywhere on there and the middle name is definitely Patrick.
I do a lot of my writing under the name Soren Patrick Xavier.
S-P-X
FYI the name "Soren" is an homage to this guy:
http://www.memo.fr/Media/Kierkegaard.jpg
Soren Kierkegaard
. . . and the middle name is definitely Patrick.
The fact that you can read that is amazing to me.
I'll be waiting for my signed copy to arrive in the mail.
Paypal me $10 and I'll hook you up.
PM me where to send it to.
You'll sing it and mail it too correct ? and put cardboard on both sides so it doesnt get bent up
. . . and the middle name is definitely Patrick.
The fact that you can read that is amazing to me.
I could see it had the intials SPX but couldnt really make out what it said
PM me where to send it to.
You'll sing it and mail it too correct ? and put cardboard on both sides so it doesnt get bent up
Oh, hell yeah.
PM coming your way.
I could see it had the intials SPX but couldnt really make out what it said
That shit just looks like a bunch of white pixels that don't say anything to me.
You should go by Shadow Priest X. That's way more badass.
You should go by Shadow Priest X. That's way more badass.
You know, that username has been around for a long time. I'm sure I'm outgrowing it.
How about :
Soren "the shadow priest" Cockwell ?
Now that sounds like a MMA fighter or writers name?
How about :
Soren "the shadow priest" Cockwell ?
Now that sounds like a MMA fighter or writers name?
Sounds like a World of Warcraft character.
Cockwell ?
Nigga, you could at least get that shit right if you're gonna keep throwing it out there.
Cockwell ?
Nigga, you could at least get that shit right if you're gonna keep throwing it out there.
What is it then? I thought that was right.
I was serious about the name though
What is it then? I thought that was right.
I was serious about the name though
Cockrell. A fine English surname.
Did you really think it was Cockwell? I've always thought you were fucking with me with that shit.
What is it then? I thought that was right.
I was serious about the name though
Cockrell. A fine English surname.
Did you really think it was Cockwell? I've always thought you were fucking with me with that shit.
No I honestly thought it was Cockwell. I wasnt screwing with you
Sorry ::handshake::
No I honestly thought it was Cockwell. I wasnt screwing with you
Sorry ::handshake::
Ha ha. It's all good.
But I seriously thought you were fucking with me.
Ha ha. It's all good.
But I seriously thought you were fucking with me.
::lmao:: All the times I fuck with you and you had no idea and the time I'm not you think I am.
I love this place
Svino
05-27-2010, 11:47 PM
What is it then? I thought that was right.
I was serious about the name though
Cockrell. A fine English surname.
I'm just gonna leave this here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDy-k3Fk0FI
I'm just gonna leave this here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDy-k3Fk0FI
Thanks for that. I laughed quite a bit. ..
Mr. IWS
05-28-2010, 08:36 AM
I really would've liked to have gotten some mention of IWS in there, though. If I had had the latitude to make the article even bigger then I would've done a sidebar that mentioned MMA wagering communities on the Internet and I would've put IWS in there. It was not to be, though.
Maybe you can put something like
Soren Cockwell is a moderator of the Investwithsports.com MMA wagering forum.
Cockwell
Okay, now I know YOU'RE fucking with me. . .
Mr. IWS
05-28-2010, 10:51 AM
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2122/2177258522_dd381e2f89.jpg
triathlete
05-30-2010, 08:52 PM
Was in B&N in Costa Mesa, CA. Lo and behold, the mag is out. A fine read. Looks good. Funny seeing the SPX in the name. Good spread. Be proud for sure.
Was in B&N in Costa Mesa, CA. Lo and behold, the mag is out. A fine read. Looks good. Funny seeing the SPX in the name. Good spread. Be proud for sure.
Oh, kick ass, man! Thanks for letting me know. Glad you liked it.
Part II should be in the next issue along with (I think) the Pulver article and another one I did.
Just picked up this rag at the Hudson news and bam there was part 2 of your article , amidst a big ass spread of Aldo kicking Faber's ass.
Just picked up this rag at the Hudson news and bam there was part 2 of your article , amidst a big ass spread of Aldo kicking Faber's ass.
Oh, no shit? That's awesome!
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