Trials Central

When l was thinking about the planning of a new site, it wasn't easy. I've a long association with Trials through many happy years involved in the SSDT, but I don't ride. I'm not a Clubman and I don't work in the industry. I'm a techie who can build websites and just happens to enjoy the sport. It's not a good position to be in when trying to cater for a niche market, but I sat down, listened to the ideas that had been put forward, tried to put myself in a Clubman's shoes and looked long and hard at the whole Trials "scene" on the Web - what was already offered based on my past experience, what was missing - and more importantly - how to fill in the gaps.

What was missing had become apparent to me over a period of time being involved with the sport and its coverage on the Internet. Trials is first and foremost a Clubman's sport. Many enjoy it and partake in it, but only the best of the best are actually going to make a career out of it. What was needed was a website that centred around those Clubmen - the guys who are the grass roots of the sport. Without roots, nothing can grow.

There are hundreds of Trials-related organisations out there - Clubs, Importers, Dealers, sponsors etc etc. Some have websites, many do not, but those with sites tend not to rate highly on Internet Search Engines, meaning they are only gaining traffic from members and those who know the site exists. This was an obvious gap. What was needed was an "umbrella". A central location for everyone in the Trials world to get their news out and gain maximum publicity. This had to be something that everyone could contribute to, but it had to be different from anything already out there. It had to offer plenty to keep the reader entertained and that meant regularly updated content. The answer to providing regularly updated content was simple - let those Clubs, Organisations, Riders, Sponsors, Importers etc provide their own news straight to the website - when they want and how they want. They get free publicity both for their organisation and for their website (if applicable) and the reader gets plenty to read. Everyone wins.

Putting that solution into practice wasn't quite so simple, but the end result is Trials Central. It may look, at first appearances, like any other Trials news website, but the big difference is in the way that this site operates. I'll still take emailed news and publish it if that's what the contributor wants, but by far the easiest and most flexible way to get your news out is to register to use our News Publishing System. This allows those with authority to post their news directly to the front news page of the site - with no intervention on my part and no delays. This is all done via a simple web browser form as and when it suits you. It's filled in, it's submitted, it's published. As easy as that. It's free now and will remain free.

All news submitted to Trials Central is stored in a central database. This allows for fast searching of articles and, over time, will build up into an extensive archive of Trials news. Again, this is something new.

There are more features planned for the site so stay tuned. In the meantime, hassle your Club Secretary or whoever to get their news on Trials Central. It's here for your benefit and for the benefit of the sport.

Others will undoubtedly follow the lead taken by Trials Central, but when they do - remember this site led the field in a totally new and innovative approach to Trials on the Web and is 100% committed to keeping abreast of new technologies and implementing them as and when they become available.

Mission statements seem to be the norm these days, so here's mine:

" To grow and expand awareness of the sport of Motorcycle Trials globally by using the best technology possible and by working with the worldwide Trials community to provide free, accurate and up-to-date information about the sport "

That's my mission statement - what's yours?! I have the technical ability - you, as the Trials community, have the news. I believe by pulling together and working together we can raise the profile of Trials as a sport globally, but we must work together to achieve that.

Yours in sport

Andy Greig
Webmaster
Trials Central
website@trialscentral.com

 

www.trialscentral.com

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