The Future of Automotive Journalism?

[Jack_Bauer]

There have been rumours flying around auto-enthusiast forums in the UK for a few weeks now, but finally the cat is out of the bag. Three of the UK's most influential car magazine journalists Chris Harris (Autocar), Richard Meaden and Jethro Bovingdon (both EVO) have left their positions and set up a new online venture all of their own.

Details are sketchy at present, but it seems like it will be an online magazine which will feature video reviews of cars too (much like Harris's "Chris on Camera" segments for Autocar magazine). It also promises to be an 'interactive' experience for the reader. Quite what this means exactly is not known, but to be making a big deal about it one would assume it will be more than just a discussion forum or the like.

Anyway, this is where it's all gonna happen - drivers-republic.com

The site is due to get up and running in the next couple of weeks apparently.

So will it work? Is this the future for petrol heads? Where will this leave Autocar and EVO now that they've each lost arguably their most talented and influential writers? Interesting questions...

[NicFromLA]

Originally Posted by Jack_Bauer

There have been rumours flying around auto-enthusiast forums in the UK for a few weeks now, but finally the cat is out of the bag. Three of the UK's most influential car magazine journalists Chris Harris (Autocar), Richard Meaden and Jethro Bovingdon (both EVO) have left their positions and set up a new online venture all of their own.

Details are sketchy at present, but it seems like it will be an online magazine which will feature video reviews of cars too (much like Harris's "Chris on Camera" segments for Autocar magazine). It also promises to be an 'interactive' experience for the reader. Quite what this means exactly is not known, but to be making a big deal about it one would assume it will be more than just a discussion forum or the like.

Anyway, this is where it's all gonna happen - drivers-republic.com

The site is due to get up and running in the next couple of weeks apparently.

So will it work? Is this the future for petrol heads? Where will this leave Autocar and EVO now that they've each lost arguably their most talented and influential writers? Interesting questions...

But what the hell am I going to read on the can?

[IBrake4Rainbows]

....Take your laptop?

Anything that relies on up-to-the-minute coverage needs the internet these days. So if they're doing news based stuff it's a good call. but people do not read screens because they want to - It's because they have to.

[RacingManiac]

So Evo lost 2 of 3 of my favorite car magazine writers(other being Barker)? Dang....

[pimento]

Suits me, I don't read any car magazines so this'll be the first I've seen of any of their work. Hopefully it's something different to TopGear.com so they can co-exist nicely.

[Wouter Melissen]

Originally Posted by NicFromLA

But what the hell am I going to read on the can?

Download PDF versions of your favourite articles.

[pimento]

Originally Posted by Wouter Melissen

Download PDF versions of your favourite articles.

Genius!

[baddabang]

Do you think subscription fees will also change? I know there is charges for web hosting and servers, but is this cheaper than postage to thousands to people and retailers?

[Waugh-terfall]

Ah what?! Dickie Meaden & Bov have actually left?!
Damn, they really are good, atleast Henry Catchpole, Richard Porter are still there.

[lightweight]

This is really good news, but the idea has been around for ages.

Winding Road has been doing this for many years and I have to say pretty well...

It's good to see that other credible journos take that route!! The cost of digital mags is much lower whereas the visual result is of much higher quality. Another element of e-zines that I like is that it saves you space on your bookshelves and at the same time all the articles you need are just a click away!

[NSXType-R]

Originally Posted by lightweight

This is really good news, but the idea has been around for ages.

Winding Road has been doing this for many years and I have to say pretty well...

It's good to see that other credible journos take that route!! The cost of digital mags is much lower whereas the visual result is of much higher quality. Another element of e-zines that I like is that it saves you space on your bookshelves and at the same time all the articles you need are just a click away!

...or the bathroom bookcase.

I really haven't read anything from EVO magazine, so I really have no idea who these authors are.

Oh well, I'll get to see them online then.

[NicFromLA]

Originally Posted by Wouter Melissen

Download PDF versions of your favourite articles.

I'm not taking my laptop into the bathroom with me.

Personally I like having paper in my hand. I honestly don't understand why they don't just work on expanding the web content and features on the EVO web site?

[henk4]

Originally Posted by NicFromLA

I'm not taking my laptop into the bathroom with me.

Personally I like having paper in my hand. I honestly don't understand why they don't just work on expanding the web content and features on the EVO web site?

Oh, Nick, PDF files can be printed.....and if you finish reading them you can re-use them too

[Spastik_Roach]

Good to see you getting in on the recycling act Pieter

[Zytek_Fan]

I hope Evo doesn't go down hill. It's pretty much the only car magazine worth reading...