About Us: May 2010 Archives

Friends, as you know, I am always thinking about how to improve this ridiculous experiment known as Eventing Nation.  In the beginning, I was the only writer *shudder* and I struggled to produce even one post a day--which was usually just a montage of news, video, and failed attempts at jokes.  We have come a long way since those days, and the time has come to discuss taking Eventing Nation to the next level.

Contests and giveaways: we will be able to increase the number and ridiculousness of our contests.  If Eventing Nation is fun now, wait till we start giving stuff away.

EN swag: I get more emails about EN hats, bumper stickers, and shirts than anything else.  With a bit of revenue, we will be able to invest in producing EN gear.  We have already been contacted by graphic designers who have some really cool ideas.

Securing our future: right now, Eventing Nation is still an experiment--nothing more than the dedication of me and our writers keeps the site going.  Theoretically, Eventing Nation could stop anytime.  Adding advertisers secures Eventing Nation's future, ensuring that Eventing Nation will be a regular part of your day for years to come.

(1) Facebook fan: click *here, and then click 'like' at the top of our fanpage--we created a new fanpage a couple of weeks ago, which is different from the EN Facebook 'friend' page that already has 1050 friends.

(2) Facebook friend: click *here and then click 'add as friend'--if you haven't already, it will never be easier than right now.  You can be extra cool by suggesting your friends become our fans or our friends.

(3) Twitter: go to *www.twitter.com/eventingnation and then click 'follow'--Eventing Nation is new to Twitter, but like anything we do, we are learning fast and you don't want to miss the ride.

If every one of our readers today takes one minute total to click those buttons, Eventing Nation's social network will double today.  Let's Go Eventing Nation!!

Courtesy of HC

First off, I want to say a huge "YOU'RE WELCOME!!" to all the thank-you's we have received after the Rolex/Derby/Badminton bonanza.  Your kind words really keep us going, and it's nice to know our hard-working (and sometimes futile) efforts are appreciated. 

That said, I want to encourage everyone to keep communicating with us!  Let us know what you like (Rolex videos) and don't like (headline scrolling Twitter feed) and we'll do our best to adjust the site's content as we can.  We do this crazy site for YOU, as much as us, so speak up if you have an idea!  We'd love to hear it!  Send an email to John (eventingnation@gmail.com), Leslie (Leslie.ENation@gmail.com) or me (visionaireEN@gmail.com), or leave a note in the comment section.  We read every comment posted here, and try to respond when we can.

Speaking of the comment section-- y'all commenters have been on fire lately!  And we love it!  Believe it or not, John does grow tired of hearing himself talk (lord knows I get tired of it) and it's wonderful to read insights and thoughts from the rest of Eventing Nation (that being YOU).  Please continue to share breaking news, story updates, or just your general thoughts on life and horses.  We want this site to be about YOU, and not just our drivel we dribble on the screen.  Get to know each other, share advice, sympathy, or congratulations, debate and discuss hot topics (air vests?!) and have fun with it.  I *know* you support each other-- read any of the comments from a Rider Profile!  We'd really like to keep building more community-type environment here, if that's ok with you.

One thing, though.  Some of the comment conversation gets a little muddy when readers don't bother to label themselves...it's hard to identify which "Anonymous" poster you're responding to.  I ask that you please make up a name-- use your initials, your home state, your dog's name, get creative with something clever-- I don't care what you call yourself (make me laugh!) but it would be nice un-anonymize the comment section a little bit.  We do NOT require you to register, or even provide an email...but a name would be nice!


Other site features:  I'm sure most of you have been here long enough (and wasted enough company time) to play around with the site format.  We try to make articles easy to find, with a comprehensive category listing, and quick-reference tabs on the upper menu bar.  There's always the search tool, too!  If you're having trouble locating something, let us know-- we'll find it for you, and try to improve the site's searchability. 

For those of you who created a user account, you may also make use of the "favorite" icon next to the comment bubble of each post.  Ever wondered what that little star was?  If you've logged in to your account, you can click on the star and it registers that you "liked" that post.  Pretty much NO ONE does this, but it is there if you would like to use it.  Enough "likes" would tell the author to write more of it!  A little note in the comment section works just as well.  (John's investigated an easier "like/dislike" function, but no luck yet.)



We have a lot of really awesome stuff coming up in the next few weeks (including the "Fruit Salad" referred to in the post-Rolex Live Blog).  May has officially become "Reader Appreciation Month" and we want YOU to make the site your own! 

• I would LOVE to hear your success stories (or failures) of attempting the grooming tips you have learned on this site.  Before and after pictures would be lovely, if you have any to share!  Hopefully these first-hand accounts will be featured in an upcoming Jog-Up column.  I know many of you have been practicing your braiding-- let's see what you've got!

• Do you have any good Rolex photos?  Send us your best ones, especially of fans and the crowd... who knows, it may become our new headline photo!  (Contest details coming soon.)      

Once again, thank you for reading, and for all your support.  We have the BEST fans in the world, you prove that to us every day.  (But we aren't surprised...eventers are truly the most awesome people on earth!)  You make us proud to be a part of this sport, and we'll continue to do our best to serve the Nation. 

Go Eventing!