August 1, 2011

Belated thoughts on a birthday

4wdNewz recently celebrated its first birthday in this format. The Mark One version was a dot-com site, started with the intention of generating income … at which it was a dismal failure. Despite building excellent numbers only a couple of companies ever wanted to pay to put their products on the site. To be honest, it's better not having to worry about commercial aspects. The site can say what it likes within the laws of libel and not have to worry about offending a client whose likely reaction will be to withdraw.

A cornerstone has been to welcome comment from readers and to publish all those that do not cross the lines defined by either the law or good taste. There's been no lack of comments and, looking back, more than half have been negative, either slagging the site generally or an item in particular. Oh dear. I think some people expect 4wdNewz to be a hard-winchin' all-action site and don't mind expressing their disappointment that it isn't. There's probably an opportunity for a good site on all types of off-road competition.

Thanks to everyone who has visited, commented and, in particular, to those who regularly visit. Your input is always welcome as we lurch into year two.
Phil Hanson
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8 comments:

  1. John at WaitaraAugust 2, 2011 at 3:55 PM

    Well done - I always enjoy the site.

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  2. ACLAugust 3, 2011 at 9:00 AM

    Congratulations on your first milestone with many more to come. Don't worry about the negative comments, probably all from same person but it shows he keeps coming back to read the site!

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  3. Graeme OAugust 3, 2011 at 10:16 PM

    I enjoy the site. It has a lot of interesting content.

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  4. AnonymousAugust 8, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    This site is a hell of a lot more interesting than the local 4WD magazines, keep it up.

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  5. CraigAugust 11, 2011 at 4:11 PM

    Agree with Anonymous, but the site could be a lot better with posts on places to go, with directions and video. Just a thought.

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  6. Phil HansonAugust 11, 2011 at 4:14 PM

    Thanks for the suggestion, Craig. I've been hoping someone will start a site that's basically an online version of the 4WD North and South Island books. There's a good one in Australia, but maybe it isn't going to happen on this side of the Tasman.

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  7. Cameron BensonAugust 15, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    Just wondering, did you not used to run the 4WD magazine?

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  8. Phil HansonAugust 15, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    Cameron: No, but I used to have an involvement with it.

    ReplyDelete

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