[podonne]

Just looking around at some services liks Stats and XML Team Solutions and they all seem to be high-priced and focused on other websites, fantasy leagues, books, and aggregators.

Wondering if there's enough demand for a handicapper-focused information service, current and historical xml feeds of box scores and lines. Maybe provide a basic free scores only service and a premium box score\lines version. I've been thinking about putting together a first half\second half and by quarter database feeds as well.

What do you guys think? As handicappers are your xml data needs being met at a reasonable price right now?

Regards,
podonne

[FadePolice]

I think there would be some interest, might be a difficult thing to market though.

[murago x3]

catch no balls

[podonne]

I think there would be some interest, might be a difficult thing to market though.

There are lots of forums like these to talk about it on. If everyone else is like me, they're scraping what seems like a hundred sites at a time... Might be worth $10\month to download that info from some service in a nice xml feed. I'd sign up for that site if it existed.

Another one is logging in to check my sportsbook accounts. Love to set something up where you could send it an xml message to place a bet in an account and it would log on as you and place the bet. Check your balance, outstanding bets, etc... I don't that counts as bookmaking...

Anyway, just looking at the xml feed right now. Already have the scrapers for my own purposes, wondering if its worth the effort to setup a website to access them...

[brettd]

If you make it, you'll get customers. You can count me in if you do.

As long as it's appropriately priced.

[newbee]

as long as you make sure your data is clean and have high quality I am sure you will find customers... but then again, if you do your own betting, it is very valuable piece, why sell it for $10? Might not be worth it

[podonne]

as long as you make sure your data is clean and have high quality I am sure you will find customers... but then again, if you do your own betting, it is very valuable piece, why sell it for $10? Might not be worth it

Even if I bet myself, I'm not sure that providing easier access to information would negatively affect me. I'd hope that easier access will encourage more people to become sports bettors and more money for us guys that make money at it. Sort of like how poker players write books about poker strategy.

Besides, I have to write the code anyway for my personal use, so its not that much additional work to put it in a form that could be accessed by subscribers. Especially the half\quarter\period stats. I don't know anywhere that those are available for download...

Its frustrating to me that stocks have hundres of sites like http://finance.yahoo.com/ but I can't go anywhere for a simple chart of line moves for a game.

[Maverick22]

I think you should go for it.

I think even if noone buys/subscribes to it, the personal value is certainly worth it.

[mattberg]

Agree with Maverick that if it provides value to you personally, then what is the harm in trying? At least you will get something out of it.

Did that recently with an iPhone app, wanted something with detailed line movements, ended up building an app out of it. Even if no one downloads it I still use it every day.

[jgilmartin]

Agree with Maverick that if it provides value to you personally, then what is the harm in trying? At least you will get something out of it.

Did that recently with an iPhone app, wanted something with detailed line movements, ended up building an app out of it. Even if no one downloads it I still use it every day.

What is the name of the app?

[mattberg]

What is the name of the app?

Odds Insider

[Maverick22]

Market/Competitor Research

Comparison of what you have to offer vs what the other guys have to offer.

Consideration of the 'brand' also has an affect. But i doubt the OP has a 'brand' quite yet.

However I am not business guy, so my opinion isnt worth that much.

[mattberg]

Curious, would you be trying to focus more on historical data, basically just downloading data once and infrequently getting updates, or more current data like current lines, current game box score, something to check very frequently? Both are useful, just can be used in slightly different manners.

[mattberg]

hey podonne, any further developments on your xml box score service? got another app idea i think it would be perfect for...