But the order totals continue to climb, and the counter starts to spin at a blur, and the happy faces quickly turn into expressions of dread. The message is clear: there is no way the handful of employees at that tiny company can fill all those orders. Another case of "Be careful what you wish for, because you may get it."

I experienced a similar feeling after the release of the last issue of the TSL Extra. TSLX #5 hit like a bomb and finally generated the word-of-mouth I had been looking for, and subscriptions to the TSLX spiked in the last month. Issue #5 brought in over 225 new subscribers, and as I write this, the total list of subscribers is now over 700, thanks mostly to issue #5.

But now I have to produce a worthy follow-up to that issue. Gulp. After that home run, I'm just hoping to eke out an infield single. Anything less, and last month's spike in sales will be this month's chasm in non-sales.

So it is with a little trepidation that I present to you issue #6 of the TSL Extra. As I prepared this issue for release and read over the articles one more time, I realized that this issue has a more "global" view than previous issues of the TSLX. Sure, the emphasis is still on Virginia Tech, but many of the articles hinge more on the goings-on that surround Virginia Tech and define Virginia Tech's place in the world of college athletics.

The centerpiece of this issue, and the next few issues actually, is a series of articles on finances in college athletics. I was fortunate enough to receive spreadsheets containing some detailed financial data for approximately 250 Division 1 athletic programs. The figures, which are from 1998-99, are a bit dated, but they are nonetheless fascinating to peruse, and they say a lot about the financial state of college athletics. This issue brings you the first of a series of articles that analyze the data, break it down, and identify the trends and truths that lurk within the data. It's very interesting stuff.

Beyond that, there's a hodge-podge of articles that I can't even begin to describe in thirty words or less, except to say that they cover everything from agents and athletes to conference realignment to -- get this -- Rutgers recruiting (don't worry, it's an interesting piece, and if you don't agree, at least it's short).

So you'll just have to sift through this issue and decide if it's a hit or a miss. Hopefully, if you thought last issue was a home run, you'll at least think this one is a double. As always, drop me a line and let me know what you think. The TSL Extra has made great strides since issue #1, and the only way it can continue to get better is with your feedback and suggestions � and oh, yes, story ideas. I get lots of great story ideas from the TSLX readers.

As always, folks, thanks for supporting the site by subscribing to the TSLX. Please wrestle your non-subscribing friends forcefully to the ground, and don't let them up until they agree to subscribe to the TSL Extra. Don't forget to take advantage of your 10% TechLocker.com discount (particularly if you need to buy a graduation gift for someone) � and enjoy issue #6.

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