We’ve been keeping you up to date since March 2009 on the FSWA’s planned hall of fame, and Tuesday brought the clearest public sign that the process is working.

The Fantasy Sports Writers Association has announced 14 finalists for its inaugural class, which will be rolled out Sept. 9 to coincide with the start of the NFL season. The names (listed alphabetically): Greg Ambrosius, Matthew Berry, William Del Pilar, Scott Engel, Dan Grogan, Kelly Grogan, Bob Harris, Emil Kadlec, Eric Karabell, Greg Kellogg, James Quintong, Brendan Roberts, Peter Schoenke and Ron Shandler.

With its focus on writers and content in general, the FSWA required that any candidate have at least 10 years experience on the editorial side of fantasy. More than just writers, though, this effort is might to acknowledge those who have made significant, lasting impressions on fantasy content.

We’ll have more on the process for whittling this group down to the inductees as well as some background on each candidate in the days to come.

For now, though, FSB.com congratulates everyone who made it this far. The fantasy industry is still new, but to be recognized as one of its most impactful contributors to date is an accomplishment in itself.

One of the most intriguing things to come out of last week’s FSTA conference in Las Vegas wasn’t necessarily part of the agenda.

Actually, I suppose it technically was, as the first instance came when IPSOS’ Aaron Amic presented some data from a Fantasy Sports Association-backed international study his company had done.

“It” is the prospect of more collaboration between the FSA and the Fantasy Sports Trade Association.

Although some companies have joined both and plenty of industry folks attend the conferences of each, the FSA and FSTA have operated basically independent of each other. It would be good to see that change, and Vegas provided some evidence that it just might.

In addition to Amic’s research, FSA chairman Rick Wolf took the FSTA podium at one point to formally announce the upcoming Interactive Sports Conference that the FSA will be sponsoring in Las Vegas and offer $50 discounts on registration to FSTA members.

“The FSA understands the value that FSTA brings to the fantasy industry,” Wolf told FSB.com. “Our focus on advertisers, sponsors, brands, their agencies and outside industries is complimentary so it makes perfect sense to work together to maximize revenues and growth in fantasy sports.”

Attempting to fully describe the value that each organization would bring to such a partnership would require speculation well beyond my actual scope of knowledge regarding the associations.

On the surface, though, the FSTA membership and leadership carries a wealth of experience in the fantasy sports industry. It comprises a large number of companies of various sizes, styles and ages. The FSA also brings plenty of industry knowledge — led by co-founder and president Greg Ambrosius — and adds a list of big-name members with ties to major sponsors and advertisers, which one can glean from the agendas of the annual Sports Media Conferences.

“I’ve been trying to work on more collaboration for a long time. Rick Wolf, has too,” FSTA president Paul Charchian told FSB.com. “The FSTA continues to welcome opportunities to work with the FSA.”

Here’s hoping that the work can produce the outcome that both leaders desire, which would benefit all of us who are trying to make a living in this industry.

Fanball and F+W Media announced this morning that Fanball has bought the National Fantasy Football Championship, National Fantasy Baseball Championship, Fantasy Sports Magazine and the “fantasy sports custom publications division” from F+W Media Inc.

The move comes roughly three weeks before draft day for the NFFC, a high-stakes football competition with a $100,000 grand prize.

In addition to transferring control of the two high-stakes events to Fanball, the deal brings Fantasy Sports Magazine and its four-issue annual schedule under the Fanball flag. The magazine has been hitting newsstands since 1989, about four years before its new parent company began as a fantasy sports magazine.

The acquisition also means fantasy veterans Greg Ambrosius and Tom Kessenich are Fanball employees.

FSB.com will check in with the various players in this deal to find out more about what it means. In the meantime, here are a few of the quotes from the news release:

Ryan Houston, Fanball senior VP of business development: “Fanball is leveraging our extensive online userbase to enter the fast growing live events business for fantasy sports. This enhances our product offerings and adds key personnel to our group as we continue to look at partnerships.”

Greg Ambrosius: “I’m excited and honored to be working with the Fanball team. This is the right move at the right time for our live events. With the great customer base that already exists with Fanball.com and CDM Fantasy Sports, the future is now brighter than it’s ever been for the NFBC, NFFC and other sports we look to be a leader in.”

Among other items, Ambrosius said via the release that aligning with Fanball should help to move along plans to launch live high-stakes events in fantasy basketball and hockey.

If Adrian Glass were a woman, his new concept might be met with a flood of marriage proposals.

The former accountant quit his job a little more than two years ago and will soon open a sports bar in Maplewood, Mo., designed for fantasy players.

A growing number of adult-beverage establishments have begun marketing to fantasy folks in the late summer, when many are looking for a place to fill their football rosters and add a few wing-sauce stains to their favorite jersey. Glass’ place, however, will go a few steps further.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “The Post will feature a draft room with a 60-inch TV where leagues can hold drafts and meetings … two computers for public use and $900 worth of high-end wireless routers to make sure any number of players can jump on their laptops … (and) a fantasy guru to talk patrons through trades and other draft issues.”

The Post is also reportedly working out a deal with Fanball — now based in the St. Louis area — whereby the company will provide custom software and fantasy games for the bar.

Glass aims to not only draw the draft-time fantasy crowds but extend its fantasy hospitality by catering to the growing market of weekly fantasy games.

Count Fantasy Sports Association president Greg Ambrosius among those who like the concept.

“They’re doing something that should have been done years ago,” he told the Post-Dispatch. “This guy may have a chance to be ahead of the curve.”

Of course, non-fantasy players won’t be turned away at the door (just snickered at).

“We’re a sports bar,” Glass told the Post-Dispatch. “If you’re not into fantasy sports, you won’t notice that we’re different.”

No details yet on how to apply for the position of bar fantasy guru, but you can bet that when I hear them, I’ll be keeping them a secret.

Talk about a dream job.