James Mortimer
Analyst I

James Mortimer

Syndicated Writer
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About

A sportswriter who has been writing since 2007. Have my writing spread across numerous sites, proudly have my own site at www.rugbycountry.net, Community Leader of Bleacher Rugby, most published writer on www.sportingo.com, contributor to Roar and BBC 606 forum, feature writer for Heaven's Game. I'm also the official writer for www.allblacks.com

Love rugby, but am comfortable writing about a variety of sports, including union, league, cricket, formula one, tennis, and others.

But Rugby Union remains my first love.

I think that sports, for all of their progress, still have a long way to go with the way they are run.

The game is about entertainment, but equally, as all sports rely on their public - it is about transperancy. The lack of this by some operating bodies is what affects the individual sports success.

I hope to make a difference about this one day, as I believe sport is a crucial element of our lives.

Like to write with a style "to tell a story", and take alot of pride in my researching ability. Understands the game of rugby and other particular codes and enjoy understanding it in a watch it now fashion - not a "this is like what happened 50 years ago...."

However, I am a keenly honourable when it comes to the history and statistics of a sport.

American sports adapt and evolve to keep audiences and viewers hooked, other international sports could learn alot by this.

Have a career of nearly 15 years in hospitality, with my own advice site at www.hospitalityimprovement.com, but want to also branch out into one of my great loves. A keen business enthusiast, I hope to translate my numerous skills to sports, and media.

"If you do what you love, or work in what you love, you will never work a day in your life". An adapted comment based on a sentence by Oscar Wilde - yeah, it sounds a bit wank, but it is so true. It is something I ignored for many years.

Also a budding model - I workout like a soldier - training six days a week, five of those twice a day. This itself is beginning to pay off. Even if nothing comes from this particular enterprise, it is fantastic to feel great, and know deep down you are healthy and treating yourself with respect.

Am happy to help with anyone who needs help with sportswriting.

Short List

  • Favorite Athletes

    All time probably Michael Jordan. Big fan of Jonah Lomu.

  • Favorite Sports Teams

    All Blacks, Wellington Hurricanes, Chicago Bulls, Green Bay Packers, Ferrari, NZ warriors, Australian cricket team, New Zealand League team

  • Favorite Coaches

    Graham Henry, Rod Mcqueen, Daniel Anderson, Phil Jackson. Hate hearing about coaches though with poor people skills - who might be portrayed as legends but are actually **********

  • All Time Sports Moment

    New Zealand winning the rugby league World Cup 2008

  • Most Memorable Game Attended

    All Blacks V Wallabies, Athletic Park 1996 Wellington, NZ - 2003 Rugby World Cup had some excellent games in Brisbane

  • Most Unbreakable Sports Record

    Which one which one?

  • Ruth or Mays?

    Got to be Ruth.

  • Unitas or Montana?

    Montana.

  • Jordan or Russell?

    Jordan all the way!

  • Gretzky or Orr?

    Probably Gretzky

  • Pele or Maradona?

    Pele, Maradona was just a bit too much with his "habits".

  • Federer or Sampras?

    Federer, one of the most humble champions I have ever seen.

  • Tiger or Nicklaus?

    Tiger, for his achievements, but think he's a bit of a wanker.

  • Petty or Earnhardt?

    Earnhardt.

  • Schumacher or Senna?

    The iceman 100%. Miss his racing.

  • ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Pac-12 or SEC?

    What exactly is the question? Can't give a insightful answer as they are all so different.

Bulletin Board

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  • Miss Annie posted 785 days ago

    Miss Annie

    Cheer up, it's Christmas!

    A WWE Christmas Party (Humor)
    http://bit.ly/4E7tVr

    Check it out please! Thanks.

  • Sean Stebner posted 836 days ago

    Sean Stebner

    Hey James,

    I couldn't think of a good way to word double space/single space so an example seemed more appropriate.
    Double space. Like this.
    Single Space. Like this.

    In terms of sentence lengths, I find, and for the most part B/R believes, that short, simple sentences get the point across more effectively.

    By no means should you avoid impressive vocabulary, but generally if you can get the same point across with less words or less sentences, you should probably do so.


  • Dan Delagrange posted 850 days ago

    Dan Delagrange

    Thanks James. As for the question concerning dates, I go by the rule that you do not include "st" or "th" with an specified date ("Today is Oct. 19."). Hope that helps!

  • Ryan Droege posted 878 days ago

    Ryan Droege

    There is nothing I enjoy more than explaining the series comma (aka the Harvard comma).

    When items are being listed, the series comma is the comma that comes before the word "and" (She loves socks, ice cream, books, and God).

    A few styles call for its removal, but I'm a staunch supporter of it, as is BR.

    Why am I for it? Glad you asked. One of the first rules of editing is consistency. Consistency is king.

    And in that vein, since there are times when the Harvard comma is needed*, I put it in every time, for consistency.

    *Example: "After winning her award, Mary thanked her parents, Tina Turner and the Pope." Without the Harvard comma, this sentence is saying that Mary's parents are Tina Turner and the Pope.

  • Ryan Droege posted 885 days ago

    Ryan Droege

    Why thank you, sir. But the honor is all mine.

    Yes, staff editor means I'm contracted by Bleacher Report to edit articles to help maintain a consistent house style and format throughout the site.

  • Andrew Smyth posted 902 days ago

    Andrew Smyth

    Woops, sorry mate, I meant to say your the least biased writer (most unbiased writer).

  • Andrew Smyth posted 902 days ago

    Andrew Smyth

    Come back bro, all is forgiven, please, I'm begging you. Seriously though, your definately the least unbiased writer that I've come across in yonx.
    You make sense mate, pure depth in your articles concerning rugby irrespective of which team wins or loses.

  • Mohamed E.M posted 909 days ago

    Mohamed E.M

    Hi Mate this my latest article..interesting I hope:-)
    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/240144-child-souvenirs-between-sports-and-fear-humor

    Thanks in advance for ur time and comment!

    Mohamed.

  • Dann Khan posted 917 days ago

    Dann Khan

    hey james

    I am trying to make the cricket section more popular. So I am keeping a few awards for cricket writers. I hope you can read this

    Also if possible participate

    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/235650-announcing-cricket-awards

    Thanks

  • Andrew Smyth posted 925 days ago

    Andrew Smyth

    Hey James, your by far the most informative unbiased rugby writer on Bleacher Report. I'm trying damn hard recently not to comment any further on Sanjay's biased articles because if I do I'll look like having sour grapes due to the AB's performance or lack of. Again we lost due to our unforced errors although the Bok's played well. Come on Ozzie, thrash the Bok's to put Sanjay in perspective. I question whether Sanjay knows anything about tactical rugby.

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