Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Site Changes, Uptime, Downtime...
You'll probably see a lot of changes (and a little downtime) over the next couple weeks. In some cases it will look like I stepped back, but the most important thing to me is getting old data to come over. Look and feel are down the road...
Some changes in the Blogger platform I used to update this site are coming that require me to host with Google or some other lousy alternative.
Plus I wanted to use a platform that offered more customization possibilities. I guess Google forcing the issue is as good as any other motive!
And, it may come with other changes as well...
Thanks,
Jason
Some changes in the Blogger platform I used to update this site are coming that require me to host with Google or some other lousy alternative.
Plus I wanted to use a platform that offered more customization possibilities. I guess Google forcing the issue is as good as any other motive!
And, it may come with other changes as well...
Thanks,
Jason
Labels: Site news
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
I'm (back) on Twitter
I'm back on Twitter, with a bit of a plan. I'll tweet bits of racing info, and photo stuff. Sometimes related, sometimes not at all. As you can tell, it will probably tilt toward the photo end, but I certainly don't forget my racing roots.
Either way - it's just a click.
Follow me at: www.twitter.com/jasonorthphoto
Either way - it's just a click.
Follow me at: www.twitter.com/jasonorthphoto
Labels: Site news
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
This site's future
After four seasons worth of "general" racing coverage, I've decided that it's time for a change.
You may have noticed I've quit posting results. Some tracks post nothing for days and even with transponders at some places, information is incorrect or slow coming. Sometimes drivers names are spelled wrong, sponsors names are incorrect.... No, it's not everyone in every case, but I would say it happens often enough to become an annoyance. Maybe I'm too picky.
I've lamented before about all the technological advancements such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace (if anyone's there), and the near ubiquity of text messaging being underutilized, and the halfway attempts are essentially worse than not doing it at all. Again, not everyone at every time.
The problem is, the downturns in the economy have forced many tracks to do more with less and one thing I've seen a LOT less of is advertising and press releases, despite all these new tools. Frankly, I don't have the desire to hunt the basics like results and upcoming event down and edit it like I used to, and to be honest - it wasn't what people were reading on the site anyway.
So, I'm going to focus the new site on two things: editorials and photos. There will be regular updates, news from tracks, and race recaps - but different in that they'll be from my point of view.
Writing my own pieces are probably the part I do best. So, the updates will be frequent, in many cases shorter, covering a variety of subjects, from interviews to thoughts on the food at the concession stand. Given my racing background I think the best way to start is with what I have a genuine interest in: dirt racing at the top level specifically sprints, modifieds and late models. Those classes will be the focus of this site in 2010, and races featuring those classes will dictate my schedule next year.
I've lamented before about all the technological advancements such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace (if anyone's there), and the near ubiquity of text messaging being underutilized, and the halfway attempts are essentially worse than not doing it at all. Again, not everyone at every time.
The problem is, the downturns in the economy have forced many tracks to do more with less and one thing I've seen a LOT less of is advertising and press releases, despite all these new tools. Frankly, I don't have the desire to hunt the basics like results and upcoming event down and edit it like I used to, and to be honest - it wasn't what people were reading on the site anyway.
So, I'm going to focus the new site on two things: editorials and photos. There will be regular updates, news from tracks, and race recaps - but different in that they'll be from my point of view.
Writing my own pieces are probably the part I do best. So, the updates will be frequent, in many cases shorter, covering a variety of subjects, from interviews to thoughts on the food at the concession stand. Given my racing background I think the best way to start is with what I have a genuine interest in: dirt racing at the top level specifically sprints, modifieds and late models. Those classes will be the focus of this site in 2010, and races featuring those classes will dictate my schedule next year.
One of the other things I'm wanting to do is take my photography to the next level. After some feedback from professional sports photographers, one comment is that I need to focus more on the human element. To do that I need to specialize a bit...I also need to spend time off the track, and thus missing some classes. Speaking of photography, I need to improve order fulfillment dramatically. But I also believe in editing images and not dumping the entire memory card online. To do that I need to spend more time working on images and less on editing press releases and such. Therefore it will be my best work, fully edited and available to order online in 2010. Click and buy, from the printer straight to you - ASAP. And possibly, I'll include gift items in that as well.
So does that mean "Heartland Race NEWS" isn't so much that - if it only covers certain classes? Maybe, but a name change is likely anyway. In fact I've already purchased the domain name I plan to relaunch under. I'll announce it soon, continue posting here until it's ready and cross post between the two sites shortly after the release.
It's been an enjoyable four seasons and I think this new approach will keep me going for several more.
Jason
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
What's Up
Nothing much right now - but I've had issues with email lately. LOTS of spam for some reason. Trying to get the filter tweaked has been a mess.
Bear with me. I've got a few things, mostly just some off-season thoughts.
Bear with me. I've got a few things, mostly just some off-season thoughts.
Labels: Site news
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Three Years Old!
Hey everyone – didn’t think I could do it, but this site is three years old now and I have all the desire to keep it going for 2009! I’ve received a lot of feedback from everyone, and it’s been a blast. I’m still looking for new things, and new ideas. If you have any, shoot ‘em my way! I’m pondering video, ads and certainly more interviews.
I want to say THANK YOU to everyone for helping me keep this going. Here’s to a safe, happy, and fun 2009.
-Jason
I want to say THANK YOU to everyone for helping me keep this going. Here’s to a safe, happy, and fun 2009.
-Jason
Labels: Site news
Saturday, October 11, 2008
What's Up
After getting a few emails, I'm alive and well - I just hadn't really had much updating to do, but I haven't had time or desire to go through other track's sites and convert their results from another service to something I can post online.
I hear there's a race this weekend out west, but I didn't get anything about it.
What's it take to just write a simple 5 w's release? And you wonder why the paper doesn't write anything about you...
But I digress.
Anyway, I do have a few things in the pipeline, including a couple of editorials...one has been sitting on my laptop for about 3 months now. I also think I have a few photos I never put online...
I hear there's a race this weekend out west, but I didn't get anything about it.
What's it take to just write a simple 5 w's release? And you wonder why the paper doesn't write anything about you...
But I digress.
Anyway, I do have a few things in the pipeline, including a couple of editorials...one has been sitting on my laptop for about 3 months now. I also think I have a few photos I never put online...
Labels: Site news
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
What's Up
A quick little update:
Work's been crazy and I've been working late so I haven't had time for the site.
Work's been crazy and I've been working late so I haven't had time for the site.
- I've got photos from Saturday's and Sunday's events at Eagle
- One or two editorials
- And once other tracks get stories updated - maybe some of that too.
Labels: Site news
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Some clarification
When I said I wanted a recess, that didn't mean I would be abandoning this site completely. I'll still have photos, editorials and other goodies. The recess would be in combing the sites for results and other material and/or editing it for presentation. For that information, please check each track's website, linked on the right.
For now, the best way to get stuff to me on site is to send it to me directly (email's on the front page) in a clear, spell-checked, newspaper style release (who, what, when, where, why) without "first person" verbage as in "I" when you mean "Joe Blow, Promoter of XYZ Speedway" and "you guys" when you mean "drivers and owners."
One comment I heard from an editor of a racing paper is that editing content is getting to the point that it's making it difficult to get the info into print. Do yourself a favor and take one minute to turn that message board post into a real release.
Follow the examples of USMTS, NRP/I-80, and Randy Lawrence's info for Team Dover and see how they put everything together when it comes to advance info. You're only helping yourselves.
For now, the best way to get stuff to me on site is to send it to me directly (email's on the front page) in a clear, spell-checked, newspaper style release (who, what, when, where, why) without "first person" verbage as in "I" when you mean "Joe Blow, Promoter of XYZ Speedway" and "you guys" when you mean "drivers and owners."
One comment I heard from an editor of a racing paper is that editing content is getting to the point that it's making it difficult to get the info into print. Do yourself a favor and take one minute to turn that message board post into a real release.
Follow the examples of USMTS, NRP/I-80, and Randy Lawrence's info for Team Dover and see how they put everything together when it comes to advance info. You're only helping yourselves.
Labels: Site news
Monday, April 07, 2008
Slight delay
I'll try to update with some pics and a little bit of my thoughts from the weekend later this week. However my paying job is going to keep me busy day and night for the next few days - but I get to watch basketball games so it isn't that bad!
Labels: Site news
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Back home
I'm back from the 'Sunshine State' (Florida) - and the weather was actually colder than in Nebraska.
Anyway, I've got sleep (got home really late) to catch up on and some more work. But, I've got the following:
Anyway, I've got sleep (got home really late) to catch up on and some more work. But, I've got the following:
- Stickers are DONE. I'll have them ready at Eagle's Icebreaker this weekend
- Some USMTS photos from this past weekend at JMS
- An editorial
- Whatever else seems to come to mind
Labels: Site news
Monday, February 18, 2008
2008 Special Events Schedule
I've compiled a list of some of the big events in a roughly 4-hour radius of Lincoln, NE. I noted the feature class (AKA, the class that's the reason you're paying more money to get in). I didn't include "sub specials," that is, events where there's no real bonus or outside sanction such as "Mid-Season Championships," "Fan Appreciation nights," etc.
For convenience, I've attached the schedule as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file.
If you see any additions or changes, let me know.
Here's the link to the PDF file: 2008 Special Events Schedule
For convenience, I've attached the schedule as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file.
If you see any additions or changes, let me know.
Here's the link to the PDF file: 2008 Special Events Schedule
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Happy Anniversary to me...
It's been a little over two years since Heartland RaceNews.com got started. The hits and visits continue to grow and I'm looking for an even bigger 2008. Last year saw over 2 million "hits" to the site - double the traffic of 2006.
Some plans for 2008 include
- FINALLY getting some stickers out. Last year with the hectic summer, the move to Omaha (and then back to Lincoln) kind of put a damper in that plan. This year I plan on getting stickers ready before the season. I MAY even think of having a third-party (such as cafepress.com) do HRN-related merchandise (tees, sweatshirts, etc).
- Ads - I'm going to start selling ad space on the website. The goal: pay a little bit of internet bills, fund some newer ideas I have for the site, and yeah - maybe a little gas money for some of the races. I haven't quite figured out pricing.
- More driver/owner/promoter/etc. interviews. At the very least, I may do a "10 questions with so-and-so email." Give each person the same 10 questions and see how they answer. I think it would be a fun way to get to know the people involved in racing. If you're interested in participating, let me know with an email
- Video? Maybe, but I'm not sure about how to implement that. Those who know me personally know I'm a huge photography buff and I'm partial to still photos. Plus, I'm not sure I'll have time to do much video editing. What I may do is shoot the victory lane interviews and post them to the site for starters. On the subject of of photos...
- Online photo ordering - no more emails/delivery at track/etc. I'm looking to set up with an online ordering system where the billing is handled externally and the pics are shipped to you. Continuing with photos...
- Shooting more candids/people shots - Action stuff is fun, and there will be plenty of it but I'd like to get more shots of people in the pits doing the things they do to keep the show going. There may have nights were the action stuff is thin and I may take the camera up to the pits/stands and do some shooting there. Drivers: you may see me wandering around your pit area a little more this year - but I'll keep out of your way!
- Changes to the look/feel of the site. These will be implemented slowly though. I MAY think about providing a "mobile" version of the site formatted for cell phone/PDA, if it can be done easily.
- Creating something along the lines of Chris Moses "Oval Operators." The plan is that anyone running a Heartland Race News sticker on their car would get a link to their driver home page/dirtdrivers driver page/and if the driver has neither, a brief "blog post about the driver" that would have a link on the "links" section of the website.
Of course, if you have ideas for things you want to see - let me know by sending me an email
And finally THANK YOU to the readers, the drivers and tracks for making this whole thing possible and one of the most enjoyable things I've done.
-Jason
Labels: Site news
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
What's coming up
Well, I'm now moved BACK to Lincoln, and need to get stuff unpacked.
I've got a few things coming up:
1. pics from Wednesday's USAC/POWRi midget show at Junction
2. pre-rainout pics from Saturday at Eagle
3. maybe an editorial or a GUEST editorial...
I've got a few things coming up:
1. pics from Wednesday's USAC/POWRi midget show at Junction
2. pre-rainout pics from Saturday at Eagle
3. maybe an editorial or a GUEST editorial...
Labels: Site news
Monday, June 04, 2007
Update
On one hand - here's your new poll.
On the other, no stickers. Soon...soon.
Editorials and photos to come.
On the other, no stickers. Soon...soon.
Editorials and photos to come.
Labels: Site news
Friday, April 13, 2007
Delays
I may be offline a bit this weekend as we make our move to Omaha.
Labels: Site news
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
New members of the Heartland Race News family
As part of my effort to expand coverage, I'm proud to add Shelby County Speedway and Adams County Speedway to the Heartland RaceNews.com group. Guess I'll have to take that "Southeast Nebraska" off the site!
I've also added links to GOTRA and the Outlaw Vintage Lites series.
I've also added links to GOTRA and the Outlaw Vintage Lites series.
Labels: Site news
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Changes are coming
With the new season approaching (specials are "pre season") there are a few changes that are coming to the site. One is a change I mentioned on the site's birthday in January and that is I plan to expand my coverage out east. It's going to help since I'm moving to Omaha in May. It's been something that me and my wife have been wanting to do for a while. As for the site, I don't see anything changing except some more coverage.
Speaking of more, there is going to be some Heartland RaceNews merchandise coming. Probably stickers at first then maybe some t-shirts. We'll have to see, but definitely stickers are in the near future.
More than that I'm really thinking hard about a photo annual for 2007. If...IF the tracks get results to me, I'd include those too. The new print-on-demand technology has grown a LOT since I worked in the industry in the late 90's and color reproductions are much better and affordable now. If the money's right I think I can make it happen.
The other thing I'm considering is adding a video component or a podcast feature. I do not plan to go exclusively to video (I like still photography too much), but perhaps a few clips along with maybe the trophy presentation with some rundown afterward - kind of like a sportscast. We'll see about that; I've got some things to learn about video yet. At the very least, perhaps a "slide show" with sound. This probably won't come until Summer when I get settled in the "Big O."
Labels: Site news
Monday, March 26, 2007
Site Issues
Monday, January 15, 2007
One year old!
Heartland Racenews.com launched today one year ago. I'm surprised I stuck it out this long.
I appreciate all your comments, good and bad as well as look for new ways to improve the site. In just one year, it's been a "cute little site" (according to one person) and it's grown to something that's widely read by many of the movers and shakers in racing media...as I know from my emails.
This year I'm looking to grow bigger and stretch my legs out a little more. I'm surprised by the amount of traffic even during the offseason, and much more during the regular season. The site is well over 1.2 million "hits" (though that's an antiquated measurement).
Maybe, just maybe there will be some Heartland RaceNews.com merchandise.
Again, thanks for all the readership and your support.
I appreciate all your comments, good and bad as well as look for new ways to improve the site. In just one year, it's been a "cute little site" (according to one person) and it's grown to something that's widely read by many of the movers and shakers in racing media...as I know from my emails.
This year I'm looking to grow bigger and stretch my legs out a little more. I'm surprised by the amount of traffic even during the offseason, and much more during the regular season. The site is well over 1.2 million "hits" (though that's an antiquated measurement).
Maybe, just maybe there will be some Heartland RaceNews.com merchandise.
Again, thanks for all the readership and your support.
Labels: Site news
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