Big idea: The Mile High Sports Magazine “Boys of Summer” issue.
“…they would be breaking every stereotype in the macho world of sports publishing.”
I love Mile High Sports Magazine. It’s a unique publication the likes of which very few sports cities have. It’s like a Sports Illustrated specific to the Colorado teams. What could be cooler than that? I have been fortunate enough to meet and collaborate with the founders of MHSM on various small projects. They’ve even been on the South Stands Denver Fancast! I have some unsolicited advice for them.
I have in the past been somewhat critical of the Mile High Sports Magazine “Snow Angels” issue – not because it’s not excellent; it is. I have only questioned why the publishers felt the need to produce something so racy when the monthly product is already so damn good. A contributor to MHSM, the lovely Robin Carlin, once explained to me that Snow Angels is the issue that justifies the other ones they produce each year because of the impressive advertising revenue it generates. There’s no question that the Snow Angels Issue is the sharpest arrow in the MHSM quiver.
People do tend to enjoy seeing people of the opposite sex almost naked – especially when those people are athletic, toned and gorgeous. I’m no prude. I get it. But some people in Denver prefer to see people of their same sex splayed out on the hood of a Bentley, lustily stirring a pot of steamy noodles or leaning provocatively over a pool table. Whenever Pride Fest rolls around I get to thinking that Mile High Sports Magazine should do the opposite of the Snow Angels Issue for summer. I would call it the “Boys of Summer Issue” and aim it at women and at Colorado’s gay male population. It’s a million dollar idea. Well, a half-million dollar idea anyway.
MHSM would undoubtedly have another annual hit on their hands with “Boys of Summer Issue”. Additionally, they would be breaking every stereotype in the macho world of sports publishing. In today’s rapidly evolving sports environment where acceptance is the order of the day MHSM could move right to the front of the line in terms of progressiveness. The issue could draw National media attention and accolades from all corners of the country.
“Boys of Summer” could be done tastefully and still be sexy. The issue could include profiles of gay athletes as well of straight ones comfortable enough in their own skin not be concerned about being ogled by gay guys. Kenneth Faried comes to mind. There could be all kinds of lifestyle-oriented features, interviews, sports-related recipes and reviews of cars and motorcyles. The advertising possibilities for this issue would be virtually endless since gay men are renowned for their spending ability. If I were managing sales for “Boys of Summer” I would start by picking up an issue of Out Front Magazine and start calling the same advertisers that are drawn toward it.
If Snow Angels is the most important issue of the year for MHSM I am convinced that “Boys of Summer” would be their second most. It could coincide with the beginning of summer – and with Pride Fest and be released at the end of June. Thousands of copies could be distributed at the Pride parade and placed in businesses all around downtown. The issue might turn off a fringe few of MHSM’s readers but the gains the magazine would enjoy in new readership would be staggering.
