NEW Website Launch!

[Uwe W.]

Most of you will have noticed by now that the new website was launched today. I hope everyone takes some time to have a look and enjoy the new and improved features.

Some sections are sparsly populated at the moment, but as the summer progresses keep checking back for new content that will be added from tests and features. The video section, which is completely new, adds a different dimension to how magazine content will be presented to the reader. While the current sample videos are temporary, and are intended to test functionality, you'll soon be able to see another side to Cycle Canada.

As always, we would also appreciate your comments. Please let me know if you have any problems with the website, or if there's something that you would like to see added.

Thanks!

[TimP]

Ok, I realize this may paint me as a lazy bastard, and it's really not for me, because I'm not, you know, one of those, but do you have a link we could just click to go there? (All my bookmarks pointed to the old site, so I trashed them.)

Thanks in advance.

[grog]

Looks good so far, although that is in comparison to the old one. It might be a trick for some to search through to find the CC page and then the motorcycle content page (or vice versa).

Things seem to moving at a better pace with the internet presence since you went on board, Uwe! Great job!

[Uwe W.]

do you have a link we could just click to go there?

Sure Tim,

Main portal is at http://www.passionperformance.ca which will cookie your preference, or you can go straight to the motorcycle site at: http://www.passionperformance.ca/motorcycle/

By the way, thanks Grog, but I really didn't have a lot to do with it...

[KZDon]

Okay, but if I follow through the Passion Performance website, I get to this for CC
http://www.passionperformance.ca/magazines/en/cycle_canada/, which seems to go nowhere.

I found it rather interesting that I had a choice between English and French for the CC page as well.

[Uwe W.]

if I follow through the Passion Performance website, I get to this for CC, which seems to go nowhere.

The link you posted is for subscriptions (I'm assuming you got it by clicking on the magazine cover of the main page, or the hyperlink in the "Offer" box). It's similar to the "This month in CC" link that appears in the forum. I'm getting the French pages swapped with English versions tomorrow.

[TimP]

Thanks, Uwe, I'm all linked up now.

I do want to add my congrats and appreciation for your input to Grog's comments. You may not have had much to do with the website, but this forum has been turned around and, for better or worse, you're the most visible component (damn your two stars! I may be well behind you in the MotoGP standings, but those stars, those stars are within reach!).

I've also detected more frequent postings from Costa, and that's a very welcome addition, too. You guys are doing good things. Thanks.

[PassionPerformance.ca]

Hi everyone,

I am happy to see that you enjoy the new website. We still have many details to iron out, but it will become, I hope, one of the best site very soon !!

Sorry, I am more a car/boat guy. My dad is a doctor so motorcycles has always been banned from home !! :)

Sylvain (lcmaster on the previous forum)

Regards,

[Rain Rider 1]

The forum is really good so far, except that the storage capacity for pictures is way too low.

Seems like the moderator can post any size and any number of pictures he wants, but other users are restricted to very few and if you are at your quota you have to erase previously posted pictures, rendering a forum post pictureless (sp?) if you want to post a picture in a new posting.

[Rocking Couple]

I think picture storage memory was increased RR1, shortly after you posted a bunch, so check your storage again. I think you'll see you have lot's more room now. But one thing I would like to have is more than 25 (including sent) PMs. After a few contacts and assorted mails that don't all have all the contact info all in one spot, or trying to coordinate a hookup ride with half a dozen friends, fills that box in no time. Most sites start you off with at least 50 and many give ya 250! I'll bet is is just a case of clicking an option somewhere to give us at least a 100....250 is better. Then...if memory is a problem, then start cutting back the max number allowed.

Not to be finding fault though. The new forum is fun and Uwe's doing a great job, I'm only suggesting how it can be easily a little better, that's all.

[PassionPerformance.ca]

I think picture storage memory was increased RR1, shortly after you posted a bunch, so check your storage again. I think you'll see you have lot's more room now. But one thing I would like to have is more than 25 (including sent) PMs. After a few contacts and assorted mails that don't all have all the contact info all in one spot, or trying to coordinate a hookup ride with half a dozen friends, fills that box in no time. Most sites start you off with at least 50 and many give ya 250! I'll bet is is just a case of clicking an option somewhere to give us at least a 100....250 is better. Then...if memory is a problem, then start cutting back the max number allowed.

Not to be finding fault though. The new forum is fun and Uwe's doing a great job, I'm only suggesting how it can be easily a little better, that's all.

Changed !! PM is now up to 75 for forum supporter and 50 for members !

[Rocking Couple]

Hey that's cool...thanks Sylvain!

[Uwe W.]

Seems like the moderator can post any size and any number of pictures he wants, but other users are restricted to very few and if you are at your quota you have to erase previously posted pictures, rendering a forum post pictureless (sp?) if you want to post a picture in a new posting.

I don't have any more storage than you do Steve. What I'm doing that might be different is using images already stored on other servers, and posting a URL that points to the image.

For example: If you go to this page in the new website http://www.passionperformance.ca/motorcycle/articles/261/ and you want to post that picture of Costa dragging his knee, just right click on the image and click on "Properties". Copy the URL address listed under "Address". Click on the insert image icon when you're creating a post, and paste that URL in the box that opens (be sure to paste over the http:// that opens in the box by default). And voilà, there's your image, and it doesn't count against your quota.

http://www.passionperformance.ca/motorcycle/img/photos/2007_KTM_Supermoto_image_0_3025.jpg?460x287

[Rain Rider 1]

good to know

[KZDon]

Okay, now who's going to volunteer to take Sylvain's dad out on two wheels for a rip?

Sylvain, cars are for grocery shopping and the kids' soccer practices. For all other things, there are motorcycles!

[PassionPerformance.ca]

Okay, now who's going to volunteer to take Sylvain's dad out on two wheels for a rip?

Sylvain, cars are for grocery shopping and the kids' soccer practices. For all other things, there are motorcycles!

LOL !!! :D

[Malks]

The new website looks great. Here I thought that the only new area was the Forums. I am quite impressed with the webpage layout; still getting used to the French only banner ads on the English side, but that is really just a small issue.

There is one thing that seems a little odd. I have bookmarked the forums area and continue to get onto the site that way. When I click on the Motorcycle/Scooter tab I am taken to new webpage, which changes the entire page. However, when I click on the Forum tab to return to the forums, another smaller window just opens on top of the webpage. I am not sure if this is how it is supposed to work. No big problem, just wondering.

[Sidecar Bob]

Sorry, I am more a car/boat guy. My dad is a doctor so motorcycles has always been banned from home !!
Now there's a case of false logic if ever I heard one. More people die or are injured walking than on motorcycles, so did he ban shoes too?

You really should educate him - idiots will get themselves killed or injured, no matter what kind of vehicle they have. Operator education makes more difference than vehicle type.

I know of one fellow (a doctor, as it happens) who has almost killed himself three times in his car in the last 10 years (always single vehicle, never alcohol related). I have been involved in one mva in 23 years of operating motorcycles exclusively (I don't drive cars) and it was the fault of a car driver. Based on this, which type of vehicle should be banned?


you can go straight to the motorcycle site at: http://www.passionperformance.ca/motorcycle/
How come that isn't the same page that clicking on Cycle Canada at the top of the page takes you to?

I'm sorry, but I find the page too busy. It will look much more professional if you clean it up a bunch. And what's with the animated ads? Is LC in that bad financial shape that they have to sell advertising on their websites?
If you have to have ads they shouldn't be animated - that takes the viewer's attention away from the content. If the first thing I notice when I look at a webpage is the advertising I am not likely to go back there.

Why is the link to the forum in the Offers section? The forum is proabably the most important part of the site (if you don't believe me look at the hit numbers from past versions) so the link should be located more logically. There should also be a clearly marked link to the Cycle Canada on every page of the CC section of the forum (& similar for the other sections).

BTW: If you don't believe me that this is the CC forum, look at who is here - I don't think you will find anyone that isn't a CC reader.

At any rate, you won't hear much from me on the subject anyway - I have the forum in my Favorites and go directly there, as (I think) do most of the rest of us.

[Uwe W.]

I have bookmarked the forums area and continue to get onto the site that way. When I click on the Motorcycle/Scooter tab I am taken to new webpage, which changes the entire page. However, when I click on the Forum tab to return to the forums, another smaller window just opens on top of the webpage. I am not sure if this is how it is supposed to work. No big problem, just wondering.

Malks, try deleting that old link you're using for the forum, then save this link in its place: http://www.passionperformance.ca/community/forum/

I tried to duplicate what you were doing, but wasn't sure which tabs and pages you were talking about, so if the new link doesn't work, give me a couple of extra details so I can chase this problem down. Thanks.

By the way, are you going to Lawrence Hacking's book signing? I figure it's only a few minutes from where you are.

Added at 2:50pm:

I think I've found what you're talking about now. The problem seems to be that the Forum always wants to launch into a new window. I'll see if there's anything that can be done to fix that. Thanks.

[Uwe W.]

How come that isn't the same page that clicking on Cycle Canada at the top of the page takes you to?

The Cycle Canada links are intended for subscription sales as the page that they're located on is already the Home Page.


Why is the link to the forum in the Offers section?

The links found in the Offers box are temporary; eventually that area will be populated with true "offers", but for now there are just a few test links in there. I'm sure you've noted that most of the advertising is in French. The focus was to launch the site and get it fully operational first and worry about advertisers second. This is a completely new project and represents a large investment in resources for LC Media, so it will take a little while for us to get into a rhythm for both content and advertising. I ask that everyone be a little patient while we find our legs - we're working hard to make this a really good website for Canadian motorcyclists.


I'm sorry, but I find the page too busy. It will look much more professional if you clean it up a bunch. And what's with the animated ads? Is LC in that bad financial shape that they have to sell advertising on their websites?

Again, the ads are going to change over time. I've already discussed the issue of animated and scrolling ads with the programmers, and IF it's possible we're going to keep them to a minimum.

Advertising is a a reality of websites, like it or not. I challenge you to provide me with a link to a motorcycle website that is void of advertising, and I'm not talking about fringe user groups or non-profit clubs. It's also got nothing to do with a company's financial condition. The biggest motorcycle magazine's in the world have websites packed with advertising. Running a website costs a great deal of money, and to expect revenue received from ads placed in the magazine to offset those costs is unrealistic.


The forum is proabably the most important part of the site (if you don't believe me look at the hit numbers from past versions) so the link should be located more logically.

Actually, that's not true. The hit numbers for articles posted on the previous website far exceeded those of the forum. I don't think you realise how many readers are only interested in magazine related content on the website and not the forum.

The link to the Forum is already very prominent: 1. It's on the main menu bar at the top of the page. 2. There's a dedicated box in the middle of the Home Page that has links to the latest posts made in the Forum. Anyone that visits the homepage can see at a glance what is currently being discussed on the Forum.


BTW: If you don't believe me that this is the CC forum, look at who is here - I don't think you will find anyone that isn't a CC reader.

No one is arguing that point. We're all readers, and the plan is to have a lot more of them in the forum in the future. You weren't around at the time, but it was the forum that was first to receive a rebuild, long before the website the was launched. That should give you an indication that everyone at LC understands its importance.


At any rate, you won't hear much from me on the subject anyway - I have the forum in my Favorites and go directly there, as (I think) do most of the rest of us.

I'm sorry to hear that Bob. If you're only interest is in forums, then that's one thing, but I'm hoping there are readers that want to read up on what's new in motorcycling from a Canadian perspective. Surely some of you will be interested in reviews on new products and additional content for features that were found in the magazine?

[Sidecar Bob]

The Cycle Canada links are intended for subscription sales as the page that they're located on is already the Home Page.
Great. If that's the case it should say Subscriptions, not Publications. Having the title Publications on that section of the page indicates that they are links to the webpages for the magazines.


This is a completely new project and represents a large investment in resources for LC Media, so it will take a little while for us to get into a rhythm for both content and advertising. I ask that everyone be a little patient while we find our legs - we're working hard to make this a really good website for Canadian motorcyclists.
I understand that, but you did ask us what we thought and you know I won't pull any punches if I don't like what I see.


Again, the ads are going to change over time. I've already discussed the issue of animated and scrolling ads with the programmers, and IF it's possible we're going to keep them to a minimum.
That's good to hear. A lot of web designers don't seem to realize that there are still a lot of areas where the only internet connection available is dial up and there are a lot of us who have better things to spend our money on than upgrading our computers every 2 or 3 years. (Like $1.20+ gas for our bikes.)


Advertising is a a reality of websites, like it or not. I challenge you to provide me with a link to a motorcycle website that is void of advertising, and I'm not talking about fringe user groups or non-profit clubs.
Product websites are advertising. CC's website should advertise only the magazines published by LCMedia. Most commercial sites do not have anything on their homepages about products that they do not sell.
If I go to http://www.hbcycle.com/ (for example) I see only motorsports & motorhomes, not ads for cars & online shopping.


The biggest motorcycle magazine's in the world have websites packed with advertising. Running a website costs a great deal of money, and to expect revenue received from ads placed in the magazine to offset those costs is unrealistic.
Just because lesser publications do it that way, does that mean that you have to? If they jumped off a bridge, would you? :-)

Do it right! Make it simpler and pay for it from the advertising budget.


Actually, that's not true. The hit numbers for articles posted on the previous website far exceeded those of the forum. I don't think you realise how many readers are only interested in magazine related content on the website and not the forum.
OK, I stand corrected.
So what content is there on the site that isn't in the magazine? Has it occurred to you that some of them may be looking at the site to decide whether it is worth driving to Wal-Mart to buy this month's issue?


I'm sorry to hear that Bob. If you're only interest is in forums, then that's one thing, but I'm hoping there are readers that want to read up on what's new in motorcycling from a Canadian perspective. Surely some of you will be interested in reviews on new products and additional content for features that were found in the magazine?
If I want to "read up on what's new in motorcycling from a Canadian perspective", the best publication there is arrives in my mailbox every month. Will there be any content on the site that isn't in the magazine? (Other than the forum?)

Based on comments I have read on other forums that have homepages, a lot of forum users go directly to the forum instead of looking at the homepage first. How about a poll to see how many of us ever look at the home page?

I am not much impressed with most websites, so don't be overly offended at my comments. I find that most sites spend too much effort trying to be slick & flashy to get the point across.
In the case of the CC site, it's point should be that there is a Canadian bike mag that is more literate and more informative than any of the U.S. mags.
The forum is there to sell the CC reader lifestyle (if they look at the forum and think "I would fit in there - those guys are like me" they will probably subscribe) and as a service to readers who want to communicate with others with similar interests.

[Uwe W.]

There is one thing that seems a little odd. I have bookmarked the forums area and continue to get onto the site that way. When I click on the Motorcycle/Scooter tab I am taken to new webpage, which changes the entire page. However, when I click on the Forum tab to return to the forums, another smaller window just opens on top of the webpage.

OK Malks, this should be fixed now. Please let me know if you have any other problems. Thanks for your help.

[Uwe W.]

Great. If that's the case it should say Subscriptions, not Publications. Having the title Publications on that section of the page indicates that they are links to the webpages for the magazines.

Agreed. It's being looked at for a solution.


Product websites are advertising. CC's website should advertise only the magazines published by LCMedia. Most commercial sites do not have anything on their homepages about products that they do not sell.
If I go to http://www.hbcycle.com/ (for example) I see only motorsports & motorhomes, not ads for cars & online shopping.

I'm not sure we'll ever agree on this one. The website you cited is for a dealer that is trying to sell motorcycles and RVs on-line, and stands to profit from people visiting their site. While motorcycle magazine websites will hope for subscription sales, they're also offering the reader additional content at no extra charge. Content costs money to provide, and this is offset by advertising; I think you need to re-jig the way you're approaching this formula. Imagine the website is another magazine, only you don't have to pay to subscribe to it.


Just because lesser publications do it that way, does that mean that you have to? If they jumped off a bridge, would you? :-)

If anyone is going to jump off a bridge, it would be the guys that don't have any advertising to support their on-line activity. :D There's a very good reason every other magazine has ads.


So what content is there on the site that isn't in the magazine?

There will be more timely news items, different perspectives on tests, more in-depth coverage of long-term models, different features, photo galleries (photos that didn't appear in the magazine), and videos.


Has it occurred to you that some of them may be looking at the site to decide whether it is worth driving to Wal-Mart to buy this month's issue?

Yes. You're not going to replace the magazine by only visiting the website. There will be abbreviated pieces on the website that support what will be in the magazine, and then there's the unique content. Besides, I never liked the idea of taking a laptop with me to the throne.


How about a poll to see how many of us ever look at the home page?

Sure. I'll post it right now.


I am not much impressed with most websites, so don't be overly offended at my comments. I find that most sites spend too much effort trying to be slick & flashy to get the point across.

I understand. KISS is something I try to stick to, but everyone has their own opinion on web design. I do appreciate your comments Bob.

[sportbikecalgary]

It's got some nice work to it. I found several things that I could nit-pick. Initially I thought I'd do it in the members area rather than in the public eye. That’s why I started that thread in the members area that duplicated this thread. I posted and then thought (typical) that I’d be nicer for a few days. So I editied it out and put in the nice comment. Now that the shine has been buffed off a bit, here’s my biased opinion.

I'm disappointed at how little the CycleCanada name is shown. It looks like a Canoe website with a little CycleCanada info tossed in. It seems the presentation of the Passion Performance brand is more significant than where the info is coming from … Cycle Canada. On a 1024 x 780 screen the top 1/2 of the screen is taken up with what looks like advertising. It's not very appealing

Here’s the banner add layout Top to Middle:
Canoe Banner
LC Media Banner
Annoying enlarging banner ad
Passion Performance - Motorcycle Banner
Menu line
.... it takes 1/2 the page!

The annoying enlarging banner ad. You guys figure this is a good sales technique. eh? In a matter of minutes I was annoyed with the drop down and enlarge ad. Didn't the spin-o-rama bike parking platform ad teach you about annoying your users? Your web master might like it ‘cause it looks cool and the sales guys can talk about increased ad space, but for users… it’s just annoying.

There's a lot of info as you scroll down. But you have to scroll down a ways for it. Some chunks are info, some are advertising. It's ok, but seems to be more self promotion and advertising than actual information. No doubt you guys have worked out ratios for sq cm's of ad space vs information space. But it feels like more ads (including subscription renewal ads) than info.

In the model info section, I'd show the models you have info on rather than a bunch of models and hopefully you've got stuff under the selection. When you change search manufacturers, the whole page refreshes. You shouldn't have to refresh the whole page just to update the search section.

So I go to find the words ‘Cycle Canada’ and click on the words Cycle Canada in the LC Media banner ad. It takes me to a French Cycle Canada page for renewing subscriptions. ok.. I can click on the word 'English' and I can change it to English wording. Can't your guy program for browser detection? You shouldn't have to make that selection. It CAN be automatic with a change available to the alternate non-auto selected version.

I'm hoping the newsfeed section is from a news feed publishing service and not relying on the guys at CC to keep it updated. Past experience shows the page can take sometime to get updated.

To me it's a reasonable template that needs some tweaking. The big question is… Why the %$&^ would you launch without having the English side set up to run smoothly? I suspect your English readers outnumber the French. Please prove me wrong and I'll shut up about that.

The info provided by Cycle Canada staff seems to be second to the ad space. The cyclecanada.net web site has been reduced to a re-direct to the PassionPerformance site. To me, it's as if the Cycle Canada identity is being marginalized. This new site feels like a Passion Performance site with info being provided by Cycle Canada. What's going to happen when the accountants find they can get their motorcycle info from a cheaper source. The could drop the Cycle Canada contributions and other than (gratuitous pat on the back here) a reduction in quality, the site wouldn't change that much.

Finally, it's as if the Cycle Canada brand is being buried under the Passion Performance name. This is so they can draw on several magazines to populate their web pages with current info. It's good idea... but to me, it weakens the Cycle Canada name for a stronger web front sponsored by Canoe. . ...and why and I complaining?? I guess I want to see a strong Cycle Canada site and not have to share it with the auto and atv people. Economics obviously show that they have to combine to survive. How long will it be before the Cycle Canada mag is dropped for the publishing of a Passion Performance mag?

Summed up (for those that scrolled to the bottom) I give it a 7 out of 10. I feel the Cycle Canada brand needs more prominence. It's not just a motorcycle site, it's a motorcycle site with info from Cycle Canada.
Good effort but needs more work.

[Uwe W.]

Thanks Neil. You made some good points, most of which are already under discussion. Some of the other issues you've raised have already been addressed in my replies to SCB's posts.

I agree it's a little rough right now, which is why I asked for a little patience in a previous post. The structure is in place and it's working fairly well, so now we'll set ourselves to the task of fine tuning it.

As far as the CC vs. PP visibility is concerned, you have to keep in mind that both are owned by LC Media, and that they publish many other publications. PP is a common umbrella for the online presence for those publications.

[sportbikecalgary]

I agree it's a little rough right now, which is why I asked for a little patience in a previous post. The structure is in place and it's working fairly well, so now we'll set ourselves to the task of fine tuning it.

Nope... you have 12 minutes to fix everything or I'm cancelling my subscription. (haha) Having been in the systems development biz, I understand the complexities and pressures to produce. By not asking for and then addressing complaints; you end up with mediocrity. My opinions are representitve of me and others may be satisfied with the changes.


As far as the CC vs. PP visibility is concerned, you have to keep in mind that both are owned by LC Media, and that they publish many other publications. PP is a common umbrella for the online presence for those publications.

I didn't realize I was quite as passionate about the Cycle Canada brand until I was typing out that stuff. Like many subscribers, I would hate to see the Cycle Canada moniker get watered down to the point that the name means nothing. LC media may be the owner, but Cycle Canada has the history. Like someone that buys a heritage home; it's up to the current tenants to make sure the place is maintained and kept standing.

[John]

I feel that way about Cycle Canada, too. I have been along for the ride since, I don't know, maybe 1984 or so...? I means a lot to me.

John.

[Sidecar Bob]

Re CC vs PP: I agree with Neil & John. From what I have read about LC's financial troubles, it seems as if Cycle Canada is the most profitable product they have. If that is indeed the case, it would make a lot more sense to put what's making money (CC) out front and put PP into the background.

It reminds me of HD and AMF - when they started adding AMF logos to Harleys they lost a lot of loyal customers...

[Malks]

OK Malks, this should be fixed now. Please let me know if you have any other problems. Thanks for your help.

Uwe, as you had advised, I can now easily switch back and forth between the Forum and Web Page.

Thanks for the assistance with that.

[Malks]

Hey, I just noticed, the banner ads are now in English. I have no more issues.

[Uwe W.]

Hey, I just noticed, the banner ads are now in English. I have no more issues.

The programmers made a few changes to the forum today, which included the English ads that you noticed and if you've bookmarked the motorcycle section of the forum, it will be the only page that opens. They've also integrated the classified section into the motorcycle forum so that you don't have to keep you eyes on two different sections.

There is much more to be done with the website as well, so stay tuned.

[sportbikecalgary]

Hey, I just noticed, the banner ads are now in English. I have no more issues.
..about the website..right :) It's nice to see the english language ads show up. I feel like I'm reading a website that knows what part of the country I'm in.



There is much more to be done with the website as well, so stay tuned.

Good on ya! Never be satisfied with the site. As soon as you think it's good enough, plan for the next round of improvements. As it sits, its so far above the web presence you had before that one could get complacent. Luckily you have us to keep bugging you if you slack off. :D

Speaking of which:

http://68.146.12.230/Neil/Misc/cc-adspace.jpg

[Uwe W.]

Speaking of which: Do you think there's enough space dedicated to advertising?

Thanks, I needed a good laugh. I've already passed on your comments; the guys are pretty responsive to suggestions, but we'll see about this one.

[TimP]

SBC clearly needs a bigger screen. Tell the LC boffins that.

[Uwe W.]

SBC clearly needs a bigger screen. Tell the LC boffins that.

I was thinking the same thing, but I'm glad it was you that said it. Even my wee laptop is at 1280x800, and the desktop, WELL... let's just say the entire page fits. :D

[Sidecar Bob]

I agree with SBC. My 1024 x 768 screen is big enough for most applications, thank you very much.

As I said before, some of us have better things to spend our money on than buying a new computer every couple of years.

Like $1.20+/L gas.

[RoadRash]

Just signed up, new site looks pretty good for the most part. The advertising is a bit much at the top of the page as already mentioned, move some of it to a sidebar please...haven't really had a chance to go through it yet in detail, but first impressions are pretty good so far. Keep up the great work, and thanks for not going bankrupt this winter!! :eek::D:cool: Gas is $1.25 / litre locally here, but I don't care cuz its sunny and +16C this afternoon so off now to , you know... :) Cheers All!