The Moto Journalism Community

Moto East Mag
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3462
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Arlington, VA, USA
Edited Date/Time 1/26/2012 4:20pm
Just occurred to me today how incredibly lucky the motocross community is to have the journalists we do. (and this doesn't include me).
Trust me, tracking down interviews, tromping around moto tracks in every imaginable weather condition, shooting and editing video, endless hours on the phone and at the laptop.Dealing with industry attitude at every level you can imagine. It's one of the toughest jobs in the industry.
And why do they do it? You're damn straight it's not for the money. Most people think it's a gravy job, but it's the opposite. If you don't have an insatiable love for all things moto you won't last a week.
So hats off to Coombs, Weisel, GuyB, Cox, Weigandt, Izer and Kelly, Matthes, Maeda, Lewis, Eric Johnson, Tom Webb, and the legends of years past like Miller, Hertfelder, Krause, Seimen, the other Cox (Ketchup), Clipper, Kariya, And all the guys I grew up reading and all the guys I forgot to mention.
Probably more than journalists they are the ultimate moto fans.
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Chris O'Neal
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Location
Essex, CT, USA
2/3/2011 6:38pm
That's for sure. I try to do a privateer profile on Racer X once a week just to help riders get exposure. I don't get one cent out of it. The only reason I do it is cause I'm a die hard moto fan and enjoy helping riders out that really want to succeed. It would be nice to do a different type of write up that wasn't the same thing over and over again, but at the end of the day the rider that I cover is so happy its worth it to me.
mxb2
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Bowie, MD, USA
2/3/2011 6:44pm
That's for sure. I try to do a privateer profile on Racer X once a week just to help riders get exposure. I don't get one...
That's for sure. I try to do a privateer profile on Racer X once a week just to help riders get exposure. I don't get one cent out of it. The only reason I do it is cause I'm a die hard moto fan and enjoy helping riders out that really want to succeed. It would be nice to do a different type of write up that wasn't the same thing over and over again, but at the end of the day the rider that I cover is so happy its worth it to me.
Would it make you feel better if you bought me a new exhaust for my 450 LOL!, On the serious side i agree totally, its almost like police work you do your job unoticed, but as soon as you fuck up , everybody wants to give their advice on how to do your job! Keep up the good work guys.
Moto East Mag
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Arlington, VA, USA
2/3/2011 6:53pm
Yeah, and also a shout out to the gazillion underpaid/free lancers out there. They don't call it "free"lance for nothing.
The biggest illusion you can have in this industry is that you can jump in and make a bunch of money writing about motocross and taking photos. But at the same time the opportunities are limitless. That's why these guys bust their ass night and day.
mxb2
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Bowie, MD, USA
2/3/2011 6:56pm
So what about my exhaust? LOL!

The Shop

lumpy790
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9/18/2007
Location
York, SC, USA
2/3/2011 7:25pm
Its funny you posted this ....I was just watching the JT photo shoot video and was thinking about Benjamin from Eastern dirt shooting the Husky at Iron City.
Homey
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Location
Niles, MI, USA
2/3/2011 8:31pm
Amen Brotha...
Chris O'Neal
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Location
Essex, CT, USA
2/3/2011 8:36pm
mxb2 wrote:
So what about my exhaust? LOL!
Sorry I can't help you out unless your trying to qualify! But a huge shout out to Jardine for helping the privateers wayyyyyyy more than anyone else!
2/3/2011 9:36pm
Let's not forget about the future of moto journalism - he's young, he's blindly enthusiastic, he's thick-skinned, he already posts race reports (amongst many other things) on this forum, and now he's looking to borrow his aunty's camera to shoot photos as well.

GuyB, isn't this how you started out?
Nerd
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USA
2/3/2011 10:36pm
That's really cool, dude. I'm honored to be included, deservedly or not.

Smile
stillwelding
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3237
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1/22/2007
Location
Santa Clarita, CA, USA
2/3/2011 11:06pm Edited Date/Time 2/3/2011 11:07pm
Just occurred to me today how incredibly lucky the motocross community is to have the journalists we do. (and this doesn't include me). Trust me, tracking...
Just occurred to me today how incredibly lucky the motocross community is to have the journalists we do. (and this doesn't include me).
Trust me, tracking down interviews, tromping around moto tracks in every imaginable weather condition, shooting and editing video, endless hours on the phone and at the laptop.Dealing with industry attitude at every level you can imagine. It's one of the toughest jobs in the industry.
And why do they do it? You're damn straight it's not for the money. Most people think it's a gravy job, but it's the opposite. If you don't have an insatiable love for all things moto you won't last a week.
So hats off to Coombs, Weisel, GuyB, Cox, Weigandt, Izer and Kelly, Matthes, Maeda, Lewis, Eric Johnson, Tom Webb, and the legends of years past like Miller, Hertfelder, Krause, Seimen, the other Cox (Ketchup), Clipper, Kariya, And all the guys I grew up reading and all the guys I forgot to mention.
Probably more than journalists they are the ultimate moto fans.
As a former Moto Journalist, I'm surprised you can get that many huevos in your boca and still breath long enough to type that message Woohoo , just sayin'
teggers
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3721
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Location
Winter Park, FL, USA
2/3/2011 11:44pm
Every once in a while, a MotoDrive GEM!
2/4/2011 12:22am
Just occurred to me today how incredibly lucky the motocross community is to have the journalists we do. (and this doesn't include me). Trust me, tracking...
Just occurred to me today how incredibly lucky the motocross community is to have the journalists we do. (and this doesn't include me).
Trust me, tracking down interviews, tromping around moto tracks in every imaginable weather condition, shooting and editing video, endless hours on the phone and at the laptop.Dealing with industry attitude at every level you can imagine. It's one of the toughest jobs in the industry.
And why do they do it? You're damn straight it's not for the money. Most people think it's a gravy job, but it's the opposite. If you don't have an insatiable love for all things moto you won't last a week.
So hats off to Coombs, Weisel, GuyB, Cox, Weigandt, Izer and Kelly, Matthes, Maeda, Lewis, Eric Johnson, Tom Webb, and the legends of years past like Miller, Hertfelder, Krause, Seimen, the other Cox (Ketchup), Clipper, Kariya, And all the guys I grew up reading and all the guys I forgot to mention.
Probably more than journalists they are the ultimate moto fans.
I'm for sure not in anyones mentions as a mx journalist yet but I've been at it for 4-5 weeks and you are right. It's not easy and for sure has not been monetarily rewarding yet (probably won't be anytime soon) but I absolutely love writing about anything and everything moto. I've literally written about 40,000 words worth of write ups in last 4-5 weeks, and look where I am 2 hours after turning in my A2 preview for LPmotocross.com. On vital writing more.. Ha ha Woohoo If all I get out of it is a press pass once in a while I'll be all good. I've been really lucky with rider interviews because they have been with the coolest guys in moto like JT$, Jimmy Albertson, Wil hahn and Ronnie mac but I can imagine they won't always be that cool.
2/4/2011 4:55am Edited Date/Time 2/4/2011 4:55am
you'll definitely never get rich doing it (feel free to break into my house, but please don't take any of the dogs, okay?
you get to ride all the bikes you can cram into your garage.
your wife/gf will hate you because you have more gear than she has fancy clothes and you take up more closet space.
your home always smells like new leather and new plastic.
you are a god to the local kids due to your never ending supply of stickers.

one of the things that i've seen slowly disappear is the relationships between the writers and the riders.
we used to be able to plop down on the tailgate of a truck and talk with riders.
or pick up the phone and call them at home.

two things happened: the money for riders got bigger and Don Jones came along.
he was the first guy to bring out a little mini motorhome to the races.
before that, riders really had nowhere to hide. cab of the pickup was about the only spot.

now we have never-slept-in, 44 foot, multi pop-out, dualie tag rear axle estates with two bathrooms and a fireplace.

....with a doorbell.



ps; dan, please tell your dad hi for me. he'll 'member.
David Izer
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1459
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Location
Atlanta, GA, USA
2/4/2011 8:23am
Jason,
You have been one of the kindest and most supportive people behind our fledgling effort. It's much appreciated, sir.

Also, seeing your passion, on and off the track, while pursuing Moto East was very cool to see. I've always considered you part of the media, and proudly so. Your passion speaks for itself.
2/4/2011 8:40am
Speaking of journalists what we really need right now is a live feed from the SX race...
KAWboy14
Posts
6502
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12/31/2007
Location
Austin, TX, USA
2/4/2011 8:46am
And why do they do it? You're damn straight it's not for the money


wow you guys are just like the majority of the racers that follow the series!.........bad business people! but hey thanks for the interviews!
Moto East Mag
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3462
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Location
Arlington, VA, USA
2/4/2011 8:56am
David Izer wrote:
Jason, You have been one of the kindest and most supportive people behind our fledgling effort. It's much appreciated, sir. Also, seeing your passion, on and...
Jason,
You have been one of the kindest and most supportive people behind our fledgling effort. It's much appreciated, sir.

Also, seeing your passion, on and off the track, while pursuing Moto East was very cool to see. I've always considered you part of the media, and proudly so. Your passion speaks for itself.
Thanks a lot Dave. Keep up the great work. Rock and roll.
MBBadgers
Posts
1173
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10/6/2010
Location
Madison, WI, USA
2/4/2011 9:04am
Photographers come to mind for me, Tom Corley, Mitch Friedman, Vick Kerley, Frank Hoppen and many more...die-hard moto guys for sure.
2/4/2011 9:04am
Just occurred to me today how incredibly lucky the motocross community is to have the journalists we do. (and this doesn't include me). Trust me, tracking...
Just occurred to me today how incredibly lucky the motocross community is to have the journalists we do. (and this doesn't include me).
Trust me, tracking down interviews, tromping around moto tracks in every imaginable weather condition, shooting and editing video, endless hours on the phone and at the laptop.Dealing with industry attitude at every level you can imagine. It's one of the toughest jobs in the industry.
And why do they do it? You're damn straight it's not for the money. Most people think it's a gravy job, but it's the opposite. If you don't have an insatiable love for all things moto you won't last a week.
So hats off to Coombs, Weisel, GuyB, Cox, Weigandt, Izer and Kelly, Matthes, Maeda, Lewis, Eric Johnson, Tom Webb, and the legends of years past like Miller, Hertfelder, Krause, Seimen, the other Cox (Ketchup), Clipper, Kariya, And all the guys I grew up reading and all the guys I forgot to mention.
Probably more than journalists they are the ultimate moto fans.
You mean they don't do it for the great pay?Wink Been there and done that the freelance version, it's fun, it's cool, but watching the races through a viewfinder is not the same but when you get some good results it is rewarding. The cover shot and and photo/story credit kind of makes up for some of the bs involved. Too bad I did it back in the day when seveal rolls of Fuji 50 cost yer ass good to see your results though.
pmcc
Posts
722
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9/17/2006
Location
Lisburn, GB
2/4/2011 9:18am
I honestly believe most media guys love the sport more than the riders! When talking to quite a few riders it seems like they want to talk more about other things rather than mx but talk to any media guy and normally that is all they talk about!!!
2/4/2011 9:42am
pmcc wrote:
I honestly believe most media guys love the sport more than the riders! When talking to quite a few riders it seems like they want to...
I honestly believe most media guys love the sport more than the riders! When talking to quite a few riders it seems like they want to talk more about other things rather than mx but talk to any media guy and normally that is all they talk about!!!
Yep for sure. A lot of riders when they quit racing will walk away from the sport like it was never there. That's not a bad thing it just is what it is. 99% of racers didn't choose to start racing. Their pops usually chose that for them so it is not surprising that all of them are totally in love with the sport. Writers are about as addicted to SX/MX as any one person could be. Healthy or not MX/SX is all they know, or want to know for that matter.
WhipMeister
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Location
Big D, TX, USA
2/4/2011 10:15am
You mean you guys aren't in it for the fame and fortune? Who knew?
alphado
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Location
Erie, PA, USA
2/4/2011 10:42am
Jason, you are a rare find. You actually paid your contribitors.
Nerd
Posts
6155
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4/1/2008
Location
USA
2/4/2011 10:58am
pmcc wrote:
I honestly believe most media guys love the sport more than the riders! When talking to quite a few riders it seems like they want to...
I honestly believe most media guys love the sport more than the riders! When talking to quite a few riders it seems like they want to talk more about other things rather than mx but talk to any media guy and normally that is all they talk about!!!
Yep for sure. A lot of riders when they quit racing will walk away from the sport like it was never there. That's not a bad...
Yep for sure. A lot of riders when they quit racing will walk away from the sport like it was never there. That's not a bad thing it just is what it is. 99% of racers didn't choose to start racing. Their pops usually chose that for them so it is not surprising that all of them are totally in love with the sport. Writers are about as addicted to SX/MX as any one person could be. Healthy or not MX/SX is all they know, or want to know for that matter.
I don't advocate that moto is all anyone should know...

Just sayin'...

Smile
2/4/2011 11:33am
pmcc wrote:
I honestly believe most media guys love the sport more than the riders! When talking to quite a few riders it seems like they want to...
I honestly believe most media guys love the sport more than the riders! When talking to quite a few riders it seems like they want to talk more about other things rather than mx but talk to any media guy and normally that is all they talk about!!!
Yep for sure. A lot of riders when they quit racing will walk away from the sport like it was never there. That's not a bad...
Yep for sure. A lot of riders when they quit racing will walk away from the sport like it was never there. That's not a bad thing it just is what it is. 99% of racers didn't choose to start racing. Their pops usually chose that for them so it is not surprising that all of them are totally in love with the sport. Writers are about as addicted to SX/MX as any one person could be. Healthy or not MX/SX is all they know, or want to know for that matter.
Nerd wrote:
I don't advocate that moto is all anyone should know...

Just sayin'...

Smile
Nerd. You are always there to provide your journalistic wisdom.. TY ..

On that note I may have been exaggerating to make a point. Wink

Just sayin...Tongue
mccread
Posts
5934
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
2/4/2011 11:35am
The US media have a long year, and do as much travel as the riders which must be the most tiring part.. but it is still a pretty amazing job to get for them- getting paid to watch and write about supercross/motocross full time... jealous.. that said I would imagine burn out could be a problem just like it can for the riders. In my experiance the US riders are very media friendly too.
burnside
Posts
4096
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6/17/2009
Location
London, USA
2/4/2011 11:54am
Yeah we have it good right now! For me Matthes, the Weege & DMXS are fuelling my mx nerd habit a treat.
771
Posts
109
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10/20/2009
Location
USA
2/4/2011 12:41pm
I think it's easy as shit.
Moto East Mag
Posts
3462
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Location
Arlington, VA, USA
2/4/2011 12:48pm
It's funny- In my current job I occasionally interview members of Congress and elected officials. I would be WAY more nervous to interview James Stewart than Harry Reid. Don't know why. Guess I never put old Harry's picture on my wall.
jasonv43
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10294
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Location
Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
2/4/2011 12:58pm
It's funny- In my current job I occasionally interview members of Congress and elected officials. I would be WAY more nervous to interview James Stewart than...
It's funny- In my current job I occasionally interview members of Congress and elected officials. I would be WAY more nervous to interview James Stewart than Harry Reid. Don't know why. Guess I never put old Harry's picture on my wall.
Just the name Harry Reid makes me giggle. I would have a tough time interviewing him too.

Thanks for the breif look into the world of journalism in moto. All of you guys really do a great job and the coverage is soooo much better than it used to be.

Thanks again

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