Why Doesn't ESPN Want You to Contact Them?

If you remember, a few weeks back Joy Russo and THE Barry Melrose of ESPN mentioned this here blog on their podcast, the Melrose Line. I really appreciated the plug and wanted to contact them to say thanks and maybe talk some hockey.

Funny story.

You see, ESPN doesn't want you to contact their employees. If it seems like they're the only website in the known universe where you can't contact an author of a story, podcast or what have you, you're not alone. Apparently it's impossible to email some of these people.

That's not the case around all of the internets, as you may know. At the Miami Herald there is a running commentary between Dan LeBatard and his readers. Here at BMR there's a contact widget thingy on the left sidebar and I've talked to dozens of you. At other parts of ESPN you can contact writers. Bill Simmons, for one, has a handy dandy feedback form. And I don't think I need a hyperlink to remind you how much reader interaction John Buccigross has. But when it comes to writers who don't base many of their pieces off of reader feedback, they're nowhere to be found. Take Scott Burnside, Russo or David Amber and, well, you're out of luck. This leaves me completely confused. Maybe there really is a 'contact' link and I'm not looking hard enough. That could be it. But if not, what's wrong with a little chit-chat?

This isn't a knock at Russo or Melrose, either. There's a good chance that they don't have much choice in the matter. Since ESPN is a corporation, it could be that it's a decision made high up on the ladder. Maybe not. Who knows... So guys, if you're reading this, drop me a line at melroserocks [at] gmail [dot] com if the mood strikes you. I'd love to hear from you. Otherwise, well, thanks for the mention and have a nice weekend! (that wasn't sarcasm)