Web Site Idea...

Status
Not open for further replies.
W

Werewolf

Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2003
Messages
4,192
Location
Oklahoma
I've been shooting for the past 34 years. During most of that time I owned 2 or at times only 1 firearm.

In the last year I've gotten very active in both the hobby and the RKBA issue. While acquiring various types of firearms and being internet savy I attempted to find good info in the form of firearm reviews on the internet.

To make a long story short reviews are in short supply or difficult to find. Magazine reviews (assuming the mag even web publishes them which is the exception not the rule) read like advertisements. Info on manufacturer's sites are detailed at the specification level but don't really do more than display specs and list features.

What I was looking for was real reviews on specific firearms by people who owned that particular weapon and had fired more than a mag or a cylinder two of ammo out of it. I wanted info on ease of maintenance, reliability, quality of fit and finish, accuracy, trigger, customer service etc.

And thus I found the High Road where all that info is available - one has but to ask. But as knowledgeable as THR's are even then one has to wade thru numerous posts (sometimes) or no posts at all. When there are numerous posts ones has to read between the lines and sort the chaff from the wheat so to speak.

So I thought to my self - SELF "I sure wish there was a web site where one could find a review for just about any weapon out there one might want to buy that was written by a genuine bonafide gun enthusiast who knew what he or she was speaking of". So far I've not found one.

And then I thought why not build one. I've run a successful gaming site before that was popular (for as long as the game was popular) as well as written well received and quoted game reviews on a popular gaming site. Why not set up a gun review site where one could find honest reviews on weapons. No advertising, a search function to find the weapon you are interested in (or a drill function), no subscriptions just a site that contained honest comprehensive reviews of the weapons we own and love.

If such a site existed would it get visited? Would you use it?
Would the traffic justify the work involved in maintaining such a site?
I can write 11 reviews myself on weapons I own or have owned - would you guys be willing to submit reviews of weapons you own with no compensation other than a by line?

What's your take? Good, bad or indifferent? Does such a site already exist (Mad Ogre comes to mind but the number of weapons reviewed is limited).
 
I have quite a bit of info from my own range reports ... and I never try and describe other than what I subjectively experience. So - I'd be available probably to offer up some efforts. I have been shooting altold since teens but consistently over 25 years .. and have a fair selection of pieces.

I do web work already .. and could supply ''ready-to-go'' html with pics .. tho it might not have same formatting. Will watch re progress on this .. I am sure plenty of people would go read .. probably way better stuff than gun rags or ''Gun Tests''!!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To add ...... in fact ... if supplied with the hard data .. and if a server hosting was set up (tho I could fix that) - I'd even offer to build the site!! I think it'd be worth doing. If time became a problem it could always be transferred to someone else willing to take it on.

Possible domain name? .......... ''gunownersreviews.com ?? honestgunreviews.com??? ..... haven't checked network solutions but .. something along this line.
 
A suggestion--all submitted reviews are edited for all basic grammar rules, spelling, and the like.

if its all writed liek this than not manyppl r goin to read it lol lol :rolleyes:

AND IF IT'S ALL IN CAPS THEN IT'S JUST LIKE HAVING A DRILL INSTRUCTOR IN YOUR FACE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE POST. :cuss: :banghead: :fire:

Sorry... I've been browsing Gunbroker.com a lot today... :uhoh:

As for the site itself, I'll give reviews on whatever I can... my guns are few, though. :(
 
It would be nice if it had a rating like system as the one on Amazon.com and others showing most popular firearms by section.
 
Okay...

I'm going to go ahead and give this a shot.

I will create the page(s).
I will initially write up 3 or 4 of the 11 firearms I own as reviews with pics and appropriate links to manufacturer's sites.

My initial ideas for structure will be to create a drill down process, for example, if someone is looking for a Marlin 25N they'd go to Marlin/Rifles/Rimfire/25N.html. Marlin would be on the front page.

It might be better to put weapon type on the front page and then manufacturer for example links on the front page would point to Revolver, Rifle, Semi-Auto Pistol, Shotgun and then manufacturer would be on next page,then weapon etc. I believe this can be done with cascading menus - I'll have to look into that.

I don't have the web expertise to set up a search function (yet).

IMO the front page should deliver the site name below which is a mission statement telling visitors what they can expect to find. Below that would be the initial links to the reviews as noted above.

Feel free to make structure and organizational suggestions as I will first concentrate on writing the reviews so I can get something up as an example and any suggestions could be implemented prior to posting the URL for review by you guys and going public.

Expect to see this within about a week.

I will set the site up initially on my ISP (cox) and if it takes off will spring for a domain name and move it to a more permanent place and foot the bill for that (unless the thing is wildly successful and sucks crazy BW like the THR in which case...).

For those interested in submitting reviews - and I hope you do - all I will do is review and edit for spelling. I will in general leave grammar alone unless the errors are glaring - for example it sounds like a 3rd grader wrote it - unless one actually did - that'd be a good way to piss off the antis huh? :p . (hey it's your name that will be on the review not mine).

Editing for content is a sticky issue. When I was writing reviews for a game site I always hated having my stuff changed (I even pulled one review and refused publication once) so editing for content is not something I'd do without exceptional reasons.

Reviews could be submitted in Word 2000 (or any previous version), text, rich text, or html. Using word would be the best because I can just save it to html once it's finished and then edit the resulting code as necessary. Other formats entail a bit more work but not much. I'd provide and FTP site to upload to or submitters could e'mail me their submissions providing they are less than 5MB in length. Pictures should be in JPG and use 50% or less detail to save space and increase load speed for dialup users (I've gone all the way down to 20% on many pics and you can't tell the difference between them and the original 100% pic).

Although gun reviews would be the primary focus I imagine that a review of any hardware firearm related would also be appropriate.

If folks are interested in writing up Op-Ed firearm related pieces I see no reason space couldn't be made for them too though I'd probably pass it around to 3 or 4 THR'rs whose opinion I've grown to respect (I know who you are - but you don't ;) ) for review prior to posting on the site.

Any suggestions for a site name? My previous site was the Wolf's Den which probably isn't descriptive enough for a gun review site. Graphics? Of course but even though I've got high speed access many don't - I think this site should load fast and be phone connection friendly.

A rating system is a good idea. How to implement? Have folks rate the weapon somewhat like a poll from 5 star to 0 star?

Any suggestions will be appreciated albeit may not be acted upon... :D

Thanks for the offer of the web space. If the effort is successful there is no reason the offer shouldn't be accepted.
 
Any suggestions for a site name?
Click to expand...

I'd throw "Real World" into the title: Real World Gun Reviews, Real World Guns, Real World Reviews, or something snappier. I'm waving the "Real World" flag because I think a sharp, definite line needs to be drawn between this and the hoohaw based on press releases that fills up the pages in gun magazines.
 
I’d be willing to try my hand at writing a review, although I don’t tend to write in an interesting manner that’s fun to read. Give me a buzz sometime, including approximate number of words and number of pictures (Also the sizes and resolutions that will fit the format of the site)

I know I’ll be reading there.

Thanks,

Nick
 
I can/would/(shall?) effectively write 4 reviews... Marlin 60, SAR-1, a modified Swedish Mauser (although I think I might have the only one in this configuration :( ), and a Mosin-Nagant M44.

As far as the "Real World" name suggestion, I think it's a good concept but reminds me too much of the cheesy MTV series. What about "TrueGunReviews.com" or the like?

When getting this site going for the first time, it might be really good idea to have a bunch of reviews already on tap for those (like me) who hate "Under Construction" signs... and the source for these? Ask any/all authors of a range report here on THR or over on TFL if you can use their work on your site, giving them full credit of course. It'll keep us annoyingly impatient readers something to chew on. ;)
 
Consider using a Wiki. Easy content management, already written and ready to go. Some hosting providers even have Wiki software already provided, all you have to do is use the control panel to enable it, and do some setup stuff.

Some Wiki software:
MoinMoin
Twiki

Here's an example: Wikipedia
 
Why not just ask Oleg to open a section called Range Reports?

Perhaps have it so that you can post a report but there can't be any discussion posts?

Maybe even have it reviewed by a panel of members to check for spelling and grammer and to help compose pics before it actually gets posted.

It could then make THR a one stop place to gain knowledge.

Just a thought.
 
Further thought ... whilst seperately hosted it could still be accessed thru a link in THR Library .. like my small images site . so THR again can be a starting point, as well as general web access.

Werewolf ... I use a hierarchical menu system on my
Image matters site ... take a look at it . I can help you a bit on that if you wish. takes some configuring but it works well.

The Word 2000 idea .. well, that's good re presentation, build and formatting but ... you mention convert to HTML from that! Geez ... the code burden you get is crazy! I find it real irksome cleaning up that mess!! Another option perhaps .. tho not everyone can do it maybe .. is PDF availability ... that is useful so people can either view or download..... tho size can be a tad bloated.

Lot of options .. great potential but if my experience is anything to go by .... this will not be quite as simple as it seems at get go!! It could become quite a labor (of love?!).

Your navigation hierachy sounds good and innately logical ... best way for sure. Possibly have initial options as both manufacturer, and - type.

I'd also suggest ''index.html'' be a splash page . quick download ... slick and clean ... and from there go thru to homepage proper.

I'd also suggest . make up a template for main page construct throughout .... and keep a space within that for content ... then altho content layout will vary, it will be residing in a uniform ''look''. To achieve that I'd ask any and all contributors to not make their work any wider than 600 pixel .... say 575 .... so it'll ''fit'' .. that means for sure, sensible pic sizes. You are right re image sizing and compression ... for this purpose I'd say an absolute max for a pic be 500 pix wide ..... in many cases 300 and 350 will cover it.

Oh and search .... later, once content gets a good size/selection ... you could sign up to ''Atomz'' ... free for less than 500 pages and works quite well.

Contact me if I can help on odd things .... lots to consider!
 
I'm working on it!

P-95 I like your menu sytem on your images site and I've considered that - it is the logical method. The web expert where I work says it takes Java to do it. I can do straight HTML and some VbScript but have 0 experience with Java. If it's a plug and play script where one can go in and edit or add as necessary (SQL is that way for me) then cool. PM me and send it along.

The suggestion for an index of reviews will be done as a way for folks to just go to a page logically organized and find the review they want and jump to it quickly.

In addition if I can't make P-95's thing work I'm going to do a structured menu that pops one onto a main cat page with subcats and actual review links under it. As text it should load fast and be easy to use to find reviews for categories (someone wanting a .357 revolver but not sure what brand or features he wants would use this hierarchical drill down to get there). Max drill down should be no more than 3 page loads and since they'll be mostly text should load pretty fast.

P-95 - after thinking about it I agree that Word format submissions wouldn't be the way to go. When I was writing reviews I had to submit in plain text with notes in the text describing where to insert the images. Text and images were zipped up and turned in and the site editor HTML'd 'em. That is probably the best route to take.

Dionysusigma: I like your suggestion for TrueGunReviews.
Jamz: I also like your suggestion of RangeReport.
Anyone else have a site name suggestion. What do y'all thing of D's and J's suggestions?

Sven: After the initial site design is reviewed and the THR stamp of approval is put on it I would like to take you up on your offer of web space if it's still OKay with you. We can work out the details at your convenience when the time comes.

I've got a mission statement in mind for the site to go on the home page but would like suggestions from you guys. I'm a Financial Analyst not a marketing guy so any help along that line would be appreciated.

I expect by Wednesday at the earliest - Saturday at the latest to have something up for y'all to look at and comment on. After the initial look see and modifications as required y'all can send in reviews. That way before we go live there will be content. I will post suggested submission criteria at that time.

My vision for this site is to make it a public resource for no BS ratings of firearms and if there is a demand for it then firearms accessories. A true online magazine supported by the community, written by the community and used by the community.
 
Web server space offer stands, only caveat is that we can link to my other projects in a fashion similar to how they are cross-linked today... of course, you would be linked from exisiting sites, helping you with traffic as well.
 
What kinda website is this? Chopped Liver?
What about TheFiringLine?
I don't get the point... there are tons of solid reviews here and there and all over the internet. If you think they are hard to find, just try the button in the upper right hand corner of your screen that says "SEARCH".
If you want to create a site, by all means do so... but don't try to make it sound like your filling any void.
:rolleyes:
 
but don't try to make it sound like your filling any void.
Click to expand...

Maybe I'm not filling a void. But I'm unable to find a site where there are weapon's reviews easy to locate and collected all in one place.

There's lots of info here as I have noted but using SEARCH to get at it forces one to sift thru possibly hundreds of messages written about the weapon one is interested in to learn anything of value.

Using a search engine like yahoo or lycos for example to find a review of a S&W revolver in .357 because one doesn't know exactly what revolver one wants returns mixed results and numerous hits that need to be waded thru. (try it - go to lycos and search on S&W .357 and see what you get).

Your site too is excellent Mad Ogre (I visit there often) as are your reviews but the number of reviews on it are limited to what you personally own.

I believe a site that collects reviews written by shooters and not corporate schills writing for some mag would provide a useful service to the shooting community.

If not and it turns out to be a waste of bandwidth then the delete key will kill it quite quickly.
 
P-95 I like your menu sytem on your images site and I've considered that - it is the logical method. The web expert where I work says it takes Java to do it. I can do straight HTML and some VbScript but have 0 experience with Java.
Click to expand...

Your "expert" is wrong.

I agree that you should, as soon as possible, have a dynamic web site -- one that doesn't require contributors -- or you! -- to convert their work to HTML. Text reviews and submitted photos slide into preset review templates, and a database stores everything.

But that dynamic site can be built with Wiki or other shareware, with VBScript or Javascript(as ASPs), with Perl, with PHP, with Cold Fusion, or even with Java (as Java Server Pages).

Personally, I'm a bit dubious that you can gather a critical mass of well-written, well-edited reviews from a volunteer staff. Most magazines can't pull that off with a large paid staff.

I mean, it sounds like fun, but I gotta WORK for a living, so I can't volunteer to build the database and the site logic.

Still, best of luck. Contact me if you'd like a 50,000-foot overview of the steps involved in getting a dynamic, database-driven site off the ground.
 
Site Name

Whatever site name you choose to use, make sure it is a dot ORG and not a dor COM.

That way it's easier to ensure that you don't get mistaken for just another commerce site shilling for the manufacturers.
 
If anyone wants to pass along a review to me for polishing of prose and grammar, feel free. :)


My English degree may as well be good for something...:banghead:
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

W
  • Locked
Gun Review Website
Replies
18
Views
1K
Monkeyleg
M
L
  • Locked
Lost Web Site Firearms Info
Replies
3
Views
438
LCSNM
L
S
  • Locked
Members with websites?
Replies
18
Views
840
Justin
Justin
I
  • Locked
Mandatory Firearm Ownership
Replies
14
Views
628
HorseSoldier
H
U
  • Locked
Web Site
Replies
4
Views
479
ptmmatssc
P
Back
Top