You know the type of site I’m describing. You once found something really interesting there, or the concept of the site is great – but after visiting a few times you realize that it leaves you a bit disappointed. (Heck, you might even have that reaction to this site! ;-)
***Backpacker
(http://www.packpacker.com/) – I subscribe to the print version of this magazine, in which the writing quality ranges from juvenile to outstanding. There is enough of the good stuff to keep me subscribing. (See articles on Ansel Adam’s Sierra, backpacking in Alaska, etc.) Unfortunately, the web site mostly features reruns of cut-down versions of the same articles that appeared in the print version… sometimes years earlier. And, if you watch the site for a few months, you realize that the web versions of the articles are frequently recycled as well, maybe every few months. This is not the most productive way to position a magazine web site. Ideally, the print version should drive people to the web site… and the web site should drive people to the print version. To accomplish this, each version must complement the other one. When I go to the web version of Backpacker I should find something there that I have not already seen in print – perhaps reader-provided current conditions and news or features that are both compelling and not found in the print magazine. Why I keep coming back: I’m not sure. I guess I hope that Backpacker will eventually get it and provide something really exciting at the web site. Hint to backpacker: It won’t be one of your online contests, nor your online store.
***Joe’s Ultralight Backpacking
(http://www.ultralightbackpacker.com/) – It would be unfair for me to pick on Joe, since he is just one dedicated outdoor enthusiast who started a web site dedicated to the notion of going ultralight. I first discovered his site when I was beginning to work on lightening my backcountry loads, and I found useful information at the site along with links to other useful resources. But it turns out that Joe has a life beyond his web site and recent updates have changed from weekly or semi-monthly to semi-annual. Most of them begin with “Sorry I haven’t posted lately but here’s why…” Why I keep coming back: I like Joe’s site and his attitude about backpacking. Plus it doesn’t hurt that his home page features a picture of him in one of my favorite places on the planet. I enjoyed his descriptions of his adventures… and hope he’ll find a bit more time to post them on a more regular basis.
***Sierra Club Daily Scoop
(http://www.sierraclub.org/scoop/) – Great source of news on current environmental issues and a slash-and-burn approach to uncovering the anti-environmental policies of our current administration. But shouldn’t a web site called the Daily Scoop be updated… uh, daily? Why I keep coming back: It really is a great site and there are news tidbits there that I don’t get anywhere else.
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November 9, 2003
Posted by gdanmitchell |
Commentary |
Comments Off on Disappointing outdoor websites that I still visit
Dan's Outside 
Disappointing outdoor websites that I still visit
You know the type of site I’m describing. You once found something really interesting there, or the concept of the site is great – but after visiting a few times you realize that it leaves you a bit disappointed. (Heck, you might even have that reaction to this site! ;-)
***Backpacker
(http://www.packpacker.com/) – I subscribe to the print version of this magazine, in which the writing quality ranges from juvenile to outstanding. There is enough of the good stuff to keep me subscribing. (See articles on Ansel Adam’s Sierra, backpacking in Alaska, etc.) Unfortunately, the web site mostly features reruns of cut-down versions of the same articles that appeared in the print version… sometimes years earlier. And, if you watch the site for a few months, you realize that the web versions of the articles are frequently recycled as well, maybe every few months. This is not the most productive way to position a magazine web site. Ideally, the print version should drive people to the web site… and the web site should drive people to the print version. To accomplish this, each version must complement the other one. When I go to the web version of Backpacker I should find something there that I have not already seen in print – perhaps reader-provided current conditions and news or features that are both compelling and not found in the print magazine. Why I keep coming back: I’m not sure. I guess I hope that Backpacker will eventually get it and provide something really exciting at the web site. Hint to backpacker: It won’t be one of your online contests, nor your online store.
***Joe’s Ultralight Backpacking
(http://www.ultralightbackpacker.com/) – It would be unfair for me to pick on Joe, since he is just one dedicated outdoor enthusiast who started a web site dedicated to the notion of going ultralight. I first discovered his site when I was beginning to work on lightening my backcountry loads, and I found useful information at the site along with links to other useful resources. But it turns out that Joe has a life beyond his web site and recent updates have changed from weekly or semi-monthly to semi-annual. Most of them begin with “Sorry I haven’t posted lately but here’s why…” Why I keep coming back: I like Joe’s site and his attitude about backpacking. Plus it doesn’t hurt that his home page features a picture of him in one of my favorite places on the planet. I enjoyed his descriptions of his adventures… and hope he’ll find a bit more time to post them on a more regular basis.
***Sierra Club Daily Scoop
(http://www.sierraclub.org/scoop/) – Great source of news on current environmental issues and a slash-and-burn approach to uncovering the anti-environmental policies of our current administration. But shouldn’t a web site called the Daily Scoop be updated… uh, daily? Why I keep coming back: It really is a great site and there are news tidbits there that I don’t get anywhere else.
—–
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November 9, 2003 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on Disappointing outdoor websites that I still visit