What Exactly Is ESPN's "Who's Now"?

by Seth C on Jul 9, 2007 10:02 PM CDT

I'm sure that I'm not the first person who question this, but what exactly is the "Who's Now" feature at ESPN and why would anyone care? I really don't get what I'm voting on here, I'm supposed to vote for the most "now" sports figure? What does that prove or show or how is that relevant to sports? Am I being to thick-headed about this and should I be more of a simpleton? Should I be arguing with people as to whether or not Shaun White is more or less "now" than Dwyane Wade? (It's so Shaun White, he's so rad!!) I'm so confused.

I think I get ESPN's concept, but I don't understand the purpose, however, I'm sure that someone much smarter than me knows that this will be a huge hit.

Update [2007-7-10 6:39:55 by Seth C]: Minnesota blog, Paging Jim Shikenjanski, also has some thoughts on ESPN's awesomeness along with some other links.

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espn is unbearable

sports fans are repeatedly treated like juvenile idiots and are expected to love it

the core, are they real?...no... well thats not weird

by kmacsm on Jul 9, 2007 11:59 PM CDT reply actions

My main concern

is that ESPN still influences people. Those of us raised on sarcasm and wit on SportsCenter of yesteryear carry that with us. Many of those viewers are insulted or disenfranchised by the ESPN of today, notably here as relates to the NOW awards, which couldn't be more ridiculous.

But isn't there some 11 year old watching ESPN now that thinks this is what sports is all about, having been told that is the case by the dominant sports network? Am I going to be having an argument with someone my age 10 years from now over the most "Nowest" athlete?

I guess their thinking is anything that gets people interested in sports is good for sports. I do not welcome that development.

by Red Blooded @ Double-T Nation on Jul 10, 2007 10:33 AM CDT reply actions

Doesn't this type of programming offend the

sensibilities of most people? My little brother is the youngest person that I know and he doesn't watch SportsCenter, hell, I don't even watch SportsCenter, but I will watch ESPN News.

But you raise a good question, with all of the social networking and hotornot.com and rating or people and the idea of social status being such a big part of the media, it's not such a crazy idea that kids really are arguing over Shaun White v. Dwyane Wade.

One of the best things about being in Ireland was that I didn't hear the name Paris Hilton for 8 straight days. That in itself was a blessing.

Go Raiders . . .

by Seth C on Jul 10, 2007 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions