Is Print Media Dead?

Just to prove I'm still around, here's a little assignment I had to do that some of you might relate to/agree with:

In the ever-evolving world of social media and web-based marketing, traditional print media has been fighting to stay afloat. Record numbers of newspapers have been going out of business and many magazines have been experiencing similar threats. While many marketing "experts" have jumped on the bandwagon of embracing new media and neglecting the old, the truth is that the two, electronic and print media, can have a successful symbiotic relationship.

Many consumers (myself being one) still find joy when a new issue of their favorite magazine shows up in the mail and leafing through it at their own leisure. At the same time, many also enjoy the convenience of searching the web for relevant content or simply checking something quickly. A good brand needs not choose one or the other, but should realize the benefits of utilizing both. Print media offers a unique content consumption experience that a cell phone or computer screen can’t, while the lightning-fast interactivity of the web allows for participation that would be impossible with a strictly print publication.

One brand that has embraced this idea is Transworld Snowboard Magazine/TWSnow.com. The seasonal monthly publication starts inspires the conversation with stunning full-page photographs, tear-out posters (which my own bedroom is practically wallpapered with) and all fascinating stories about the adventures of snowboarders across the globe. Stories are then referenced on the TWSnow.com website with accompanying message boards that allow readers to voice their opinions and interact with other readers. The magazine also drives web traffic by advertising photo albums and videos for the stories in the physical magazine, while the magazine offers in-depth articles of headlines featured on the site.

While both Transworld Snowboarding Magazine and TWSnow.com could easily survive on their own, together they create a unique experience for readers that ensures brand loyalty to both.

Don't Call the Cops (I'm Still Alive)

Wow, sorry for the hiatus folks. Fear not - ECGR was merely resting in anticipation for bigger and better things in the future. I hope to start cranking out some reviews soon and add on some additional reviewers to the ECGR team. Give me some inspiration for what people want to hear about this year and I'll see if I can work some gear-reviewing magic and make it happen. Now that I'm back in Burly the gears have started turning again, so you can expect some more content in the coming weeks. In the meantime, feast them peepers on some local riders. Cheers.

The Beginning from FlapJack Productions on Vimeo.

Rome Artifact 1985

Welcome back everyone, hope all my fellow students had a nice break with some decent time on the snow. With the new year comes a new format here at ECGR. I'm starting to get some guest reviews, with this one from steezemonger Jake Pearlstein being the first one on his new Rome Artifact 1985. If you've ridden a new board, bindings or boots that you're crazy about and feel like joining the ECGR crew, hit me up. ECGR is getting bigger (AKA more than just me) and I'm (we're?) looking for reviewers, writers, artists, etc. to flesh out this blog (...company?). Anywho, enough from me, here's Jake's review of his Artifact 1985. As always, feedback will earn you karma - get some!

To get right into it I F@$%ing love my new Rome Artifact 1985! At first I was like “what the hell is the point of reverse camber, I dont get it.” Well, I used to ride for Signal and was scared of their Park Rocker. So after I stopped riding for Signal, I did a few things- 1: stopped caring about their boards I still had and 2: GOT A NEW BOARD!!!!! I had a budget of the money I had saved up this year for some new gear. I started out with the DC PBJ, however I decided on a whim to get over my fear of reverse camber and to get the Artifact 1985. The reason I was so scared of that “reverse camber” action was because I knew nothing about it. I had always used positive camber and could not understand what was so great about reverse camber. I understood the Magnetraction technology from LibTech, but this was different. My edges weren't all wiggly and Libtechy. I didn’t want to commit the entire season to hating a new technology, but for some dumb (but in the end awesome) reason, I got the Artifact 1985. Best. Decision. Ever. Not only do I now love reverse camber, but I’m not even using the PBJ at the moment; there’s no need to! I have so much fun on the Artifact 1985 that I never switched back. In fact the first time I rode it on rails was the PureStyle Railjam at Sugarbush. Although I did not win, I got podium with my boy Parker Fothergill. Thanks reverse camber. I locked into my tricks much better than on a regular jib board. Pivots were much easier due to the raised tip and tail and the flow was insane. I really freakin’ love that board. Lipslides feel much easier and catch free from that extra 5 milimeters of raised nose and tail. Or it might just be because of the totally flat base, but either way, I noticed a huge difference and felt totally locked in. Obviously tail presses and nose presses are just plain easier with the Reverse Jib Camber, but still nice and smooth. And they looked smooth. This is alot of credit to give to this board, I know. However I am NOT a Rome rep or a team rider, but after riding the 1985 I would love to be one. To put it simply: I am a college shredder that likes the park, filming and creative rail riding. I had no idea about Rome boards or reverse camber until I got this board. If you like jibbing and a great ride, go for the reverse camber that Rome offers, especially the Artifact 1985.

Pros
-SICK!
-Catch-free edging
-Great pop
-Easy presses

Cons
-Bronze edges burr easily
-Hard to ride on ice