That tweet was, for many, the first official notice that ESPN planned to introduce a new site geared towards the female sports fan. And, while it seemed like a bold move at the time, there were a few who thought it could just as easily be viewed as a condescending—what can espnW.com offer that ESPN, FoxSports, or CBSSports.com don't already? Seriously...what are we (women) getting?
While there is no harm in launching a site that promises to cater more to women who love sports, you have to wonder why any one deems such a site necessary? Honestly, what would be the problem with simply incorporating more women's sports and "human-interest" stories into the ESPN model that is already in place?
By developing a site for women and saying, "here, look what we've done for you", it sends a mixed message.
On the one hand, it's cool that ESPN recognizes there is a market (albeit small) for such a network. But, on the other, it seems a disgrace that the only way they can justify it's presence is by relegating it to some other platform—on the outskirts of their current programming model.
Let me be clear, I don't take issue with ESPN's attempt to make money off an audience that's obviously present and growing. No one else is doing it, and they will make a financial killing if they are the first to succeed at such a venture.
That said, don't sell me crap and call it sugar. There are plenty of high-quality female bloggers on the web who have a voice worth listening to—by both men and women—and most of them aren't trying to offer beauty tips along with box scores.
Hopefully ESPN has truly done their research here, it would be a pity to see this venture fail because someone behind a desk didn't truly realize its potential.
The site is due to launch sometime today.
