Booksquare

We know we make fun of the synergy concept. It’s like a big, fat target right in front of us. We couldn’t miss it if we tried (despite our notably lousy aim). However, we felt, well, not applause, but something like it, coming on as we read about ESPN’s new sports publishing unit. Not that other publishers don’t know anything about athletics; we just feel ESPN might have a unique perspective. Oh sure, we expect lots of pictures and glossy pages, but, then again, we like that sort of stuff.

• ESPN Sports Publishing Unit