The industry - Part "Won"

"While this author truly enjoys writing about racing, riding, the old school bad asses, and the new school punk asses..."


This week was supposed to be this site's coming to fruition. Instead, some recent wake up calls in the sports downward spiral really changed my goals as a person. More on that next post.


If you have not voted, do so now! It's on your right.....


While this author truly enjoys writing about racing, riding, the old school bad asses, and the new school punk asses, no one likes working at a loss. Recently, I emailed MXA in hopes of a job. Actually, I emailed MXA in hopes of the opportunity to get more recognition, and did so fully intending upon asking nothing but my name on my work, no pay, no free "swag", no strings attached.

Here is what I sent, keep in mind I sent it through their site's contact box....probably the worst place to type something!




Hello MXA editor:

My name is XXXXXX, and I have a couple things I would love to run by/ask/and comment on. First, is I currently run a website called eternaltwostroke.com.

A couple of my "blogs" have been bounced around some forums, and lately I have been getting a decent amount of site hits despite my lackluster posting schedule. It has always been my life's dream to be involved in motocross, and while I am a fairly good rider (upper natl B level, middle local A) I had a couple major injury set backs, financial set backs, and life set back that never made riding as my involvement possible.

I have always enjoyed reading and writing, and my site began as a result of trying to get some direction in my life towards and industry job. Of course my site is a blog so to speak, and while I try to keep it non blog like, and more article like, the truth in the matter is I just write my thoughts/opinions on the provided entry form, proof it once, and post it. So it's far from edited and grammatically perfect, I would never submit one of those to any of my university classes without a little revision, if that makes any sense at all.

First, I have talked a little with RacerX, and it seems that I am slowly developing a relationship with them, but no luck as to a job I would enjoy. Vurb moto and I also collaborated a little, but I felt I was getting used for ideas and money production with no gain for me, so I closed those doors.

Lastly, I would like to work with you guys. Let's be honest, you are no longer the go to mag for all things moto, but you are the ONLY mag that tries to objectively review bikes etc...and you have a core following that respects that. I love the fact that you guys are fairly technical, though sometimes (being a small shop owner myself and knowing the technical) you are a little off IMHO (and other feel your dead on!). Is there any room for involvement, I do not ask for much, maybe a chance to contribute with my name on the contribution, no more than that!

For instance, I live in Texas, and could have been around for the honda intro etc...or sx coverage when I am already attending the race and same for nationals.

On a final note, as a shop, what does it take to get a product review? I may have something of interest that I would love to have tested, but I will be entirely honest, I am NOT paying to have it tested!! I will of course provide any services free of charge etc....I am guessing that's how it works for you guys.

Thank you for your time, I hope to hear from you soon.

XXXXXXXX





Now, if you are ever interviewing for a job, note the host of mistakes made on my part. Never, ever, criticize a company you are not a part of. In fact, don't ever bring new ideas, constructive criticism, cynical criticism, humor, blatant honesty, or any semblance personal insight. That was not sarcastic, and I mean it. Also, don't resume build by showing your blunders. It doesn't get you far.

Now here is a response from MXA's driving force, Jody the "weasel" Weisel (OK sorry for the cheap shot).





XXXX,

Thanks for your letter and offer, but you need to read your letter a little more closely.
(1)You tried to get a job at RacerX.
(2) Then you tried to work for Vurb.
(3) Now, you are willing to work for us, even though you don’t think that much of what we do.

Just so you know, it is much harder to get a job at MXA than it is at any other magazine. We ony hire full-time motorcycle racers. Every editor races every weekend. We are dedicated to what we do and would expect the people who would want to work for us to be any less dedicated. And we don’t have people work for us for free.

On a final note, we don’t charge to test products. We’d be interested in looking at your products, but perhaps you should send it to racerX or Vurb first.

Hope this helps,

Jody



"The line between smart ass, and just plain ass is a thin one, but one person is not enough to decide..."

Of course, MXA must receive a hundred job requests per day, not to mention a thousand letters a day. How is it fair of me to expect a personalized response?

But I must admit, it saddened me to see the lack of professionalism, candor, or even a true smart ass response. While MXA has been known to be the wise crack "smart asses" of the industry, their response was both terrifically dull, and predictable. The line between smart ass, and just plain ass is a thin one, but one person is not enough to decide.

Now first thing I did when I received the response was go into full attack mode. Within ten minutes I must of had five pages typed, non of which had anything nice to say, or any sentence devoid of those fun but nasty four letter words. Of course, the "gods" stepped in, and while attempting to hit send, my finger slipped and I deleted the entire entry. I may have saved myself years of banishment in that "mistake", as they say, better lucky than good.

"At least that way I will get a minimum review of an 8/10 and more reader exposure than sending it to you..."

Thankfully, after conversing with a good "elder" on his opinion, he managed to steer me clear of rash responses. However, I was still not satisfied. I had ton's of great smart ass responses, ton's of great comebacks, and tons of emotion to motivate my response still cooped up inside. It's like walking away from a fight you know you will win. But the next day, you are glad you walked away, as the repercussions would certainly make you loose the battle. But how can one win the battle?



Well, I realized that despite my contact with MXA, they never checked my site, and never intend to. Hmmm....the brain started churning.


Here is a small burb from my unsent response



"Thanks for interest in my products, but on second thought, I may just send them to racerx or vurb, who knows, maybe even transworld. At least that way I will get a minimum review of an 8/10 and more reader exposure than sending it to you. Guess in hindsight I would rather send it there. Thanks for the recommendation."




While I really felt I wanted to post my unsent response, it still burns bridges for me. But if your interested in reading a rant, but all means email me and I will send it your way.

attn: rant
eternaltwostroke@gmail.com

However, if enough readers respond, I will consider sending this:




Jody: Sincerely thank you for your thoughtful response and undoubtedly considerable time spent returning my email. It really made me want to go ride and buy accessories I see in your magazine! Take Care and God Bless!

P.S. Do you need a janitor, or pool boy? I have since decided writing is not write---OOPS!----right for me....what was I thinking!




Instead of posting my rant, I decided to post my criticism of the magazine industry as a whole.

Check back in part two to see why:


You don't need the aftermarket
You Do need a two stroke
Why the sport is in danger
And why the magazines are the ones who will kill it

Thanks for reading