Is The Athletic Worth It?
For those who have subscribed to "The Athletic," is it worth it? I've found myself in need of more content that fits my unique interest and taste in writing/coverage. The Ringer is great with what it covers, but it isn't what Grantland was IMO. Anywho, thoughts?
I think so and especially if ur a guy like me who grew up in one area of the country and live in another.
I follow bay area teams (lived there in the 80s), Detroit pro teams and Michigan obviously and everything northern Ohio.
Yes, love it. The writers they have are spectacular and is getting to become a must for all college football fans. That said, I really wish UM had the beat writer OSU has, he seems to constantly put out new content, even during slow times. UM has a new beat writer since June, jury is still out on him.
Yeah it's hard to say so far but he's been fine. I read his post big ten media days article and glad it wasn't some stupid "1-5, 3rd place, need to git r dun" crap.
I would say so. The writing is high quality and it seems like the writers have better inside connections. Its a must get if you like hockey coverage.
I think it's worth it. The price is pretty negligible and I feel like it's worth supporting the model. The UM coverage was great for basketball with Quinn and it seems like they are working on it with the new football guy. The national football and basketball stuff has been good as well. If you're looking for content it seems like there's always something to read.
Also, the zero ad, clean web and app appearance is great.
I haven't used my subscription a whole lot so I haven't gotten into the comments but one person made a good point: you get a lot less trolls and total idiots when the people there are all people who have paid for a subscription.
Question about pricing - can you lay out the pricing model, and also if it goes up after a year or whatever? Do you have to call to cancel down the line if you want? I have been considering getting it.
I have a thing about a web subscription. It's not that it's bad or unreasonable, but it's like when you get a $50 gift card and suddenly all this stuff you never thought about getting becomes an option and you can't decide how to spend it.
To make the choice to spend a few bucks on a website would be tough for me in part by deciding what not to get.
Alas, I'm budget-tight right now, and so even the few bucks they charge is something I can say no to. But I'm hoping for things to loosen up in the fall, and I'm giving it serious thought.
I think they're accumulating too many columnist types and not enough analysis, but I really appreciate what they're trying to do, and the move to open up all publications to subscribers rather than forcing you to pick one was a smart choice. They're trying to make this work, and I hope they do.
Mgrowold's point about living out of area is a good one, something I would probably benefit from, too.
Affirmative - some of the best content out there. They have committed to hiring talented writers and you get in depth pieces that sets it apart from other sources. Brendan Quinn, Stewart Mandel, Ken Pom, and Cody Stavenhagen are a few names that come to mind that make it worth it to me.
I forgot Seth Davis as well - his stuff is excellent, too.
Yes, it's like 3.0 with daily long-form content and no underwear ads.
I know everybody has their own financial situation, so it's tough for me to say how you should spend your money. If I were still in college, I probably wouldn't pay for any service.
That being said, now that my situation is different, it's definitely worth the money. I think Quinn is worth the money himself. If your a fan of features and generally good content, go for it. It comes out to about $4 per month.
August 1st, 2018 at 12:02 AM ^
Yes. I think i pay $3.99 a month. Totally worth it. Great content and user experience.
August 1st, 2018 at 12:18 AM ^
Never legitimately thought about this, but wow these positive reviews are overwhelming! I might have to get this...
August 1st, 2018 at 12:31 AM ^
My thoughts exactly. Wasn't expecting this response at all. Now my millennial FOMO is kicking in....
August 1st, 2018 at 12:45 AM ^
I was an early subscriber and love it. They have a great roster of writers and they cover really interesting angles, not just the usual fluff pieces. The Michigan coverage in particular has been excellent and Faux Pelini does a regular advice column that is awesome.
Not until they fire that whiny asshole, Mandel.
Ok so I'll admit I've only heard good things but Jesus Christ, his bias against JH is far too extreme. Mandel acts like a jealous child towards Harbaugh. Having said that, these reviews are even making me consider it.
Lol you realize he runs the cfb part right?
Mandel isn't bad. He's even said himself he's poked fun at Harbaugh sometimes because Michigan fans get so riled up so easily. He's made the point that Michigan was an inch away versus OSU and unlucky against State. He hasn't joined the dumb media narrative. He's generally reasonable and not prone to hot takes. The article he wrote after Big Ten media days was critical of Meyer handling the Zach Smith situation. People who think he's got it out for Michigan sound way whinier than him frankly.
I've been a subscriber since they went live. I've read Steward Mandel (editor of the All-American, the college football portion of the Athletic) forever it seems. They have Bruce Fledman, who I used to read at ESPN, years ago and a bunch of other really quality writers. They have a couple writers who used to write for the Michigan Daily (Nichole Auerbach and Chantel Jennings) as well. It's very much worth it, imo.
Absolutely worth it. Great website, consistently great content.
I was an early subscriber and found I didn't use it. Not sure if my subscription has run out or not. I don't read it.
I'm really bummed Rick Reilly is stuck behind a paywall now.
Brendan Quinn is worth it, alone.
Tremendous writer.
Yes, it's definitely worth it. I subscribed shortly after the website went live last year and my subscription auto-renewed a few days ago, which I was surprisingly happy about.
August 1st, 2018 at 10:01 AM ^
I got it at 40% off which is essentially the regular price since they constantly run that offer. I’m not sure if I will renew. I would def not pay any more than I am. There are some pretty good articles but I have found myself forgetting about it more and more. I like the model and hope they succeed, but I’m not sure it is worth it for me. I bought a year, so my opinion could change.
August 1st, 2018 at 12:17 PM ^
Great site, especially if you have an .edu email address (subscription is $30/year)
Yes.