I haven't spent much time digging through the VerticalScope assets lately, particularly with any detail, but have a decent grasp of its overall corporate vision. It's automotive and powersports publishing platforms are amassed to intuitively engage in cross marketing, focusing on the overall lifestyle interests of the combined communities while continuing to maintain tangible web deliverables to clearly captivate each platform's audience. Navigation is clear and intuitive. Website sections are also intuitive to prospective interests of the front end user. While some of sections of sites such as ATV.com, specifically the ATV Trails and ATV Forums (Vbulletin / Vbulletin SEO), are not bustling with content, the framework is set up to jettison explosively onto the search engine results pages (SERP) as well as the hearts and minds of its target market. Yet, this will only happen with core lifestyle contributors and editors who have eyes for search engine optimization (SEO), particularly eyes with the overall vision of rivaling its key competitors. We're not talking black hat SEO and maybe not white hat SEO but perhaps a covert form of SEO. I might refer to it as camo hat SEO. Go in covert and make them hurt. "Atack. Atack. Atack. (General George S. Patton)"

ATV.com DEPARTMENTS

• Classifieds
• Specs
• Reviews
• Features
• Products
• Trails
• Events
• Blogs
• Forums

Content is conservatively crafted with a par level redeeming value, which suggests its aim is to earn loyalty through return visits by providing actual enthusiast resources. In doing so, though, VerticalScope may need to bump up the adrenaline-charged fervor required to get Off-Road back in gear and grabbing back its once enormous and highly-loyal core. Performing an action sports convergence may benefit the effort but dressing down the finished product with scantly-clad chicks and over-glorified action sports figures won't. Sex sells but burns out quick. We're talking raw, down and dirty tech as well as shoot-from-the-hip analysis. Strategic event coverage will captivate as well as meet and greet the objective head on. But attempting to rundown the glory of becoming the next best "LIVE REAL-TIME" rock crawling or off-road racing go-to website won't earn you any credibility. First overcome the corporate lame brain marketing maverick stigma.

With that said, Jim Brightly has got to remain stedfast on its list of contributors. Primarily contributing to Jeep Creep Questions & Answers, the highly successful monthly column I launched back in 2002, when I was at the helm of Off-Road.com as Managing Editor, Brightly is amid a very few viable assets to accomplish the objective. Brightly was always there and always willing to take on a task. I would consider expanding Brightly's focus. While somewhat soft spoken, he has a good grasp of his niche and is a Jeeper to the core. Off-Road.com requires far more core than it's had in recent years.

And above all, you've got to get the old but still ornery Super Hunky. Rick Sieman is a longtime friend and has earned his way through the rough. Give him some bandwidth and a position whereby he can provide some insight. Sure, it's a bit aged but still nevertheless sage. Hey. The guy started Dirt Bike Magazine. He's got to have something of value to contribute. And there's an army of Rick "Super Hunky" Sieman loyalists who, along with me, will vouch for the legend.

OBAMA BOW: Bloated Editorial Advertising Speak

What's more? Just say no to bloated editorial advertising speak.

Steer clear of the Obama bow just as the stooped over advertising executive. Seen that go down far too many times into eminent peril. Just look down at the history of The Enthusiast Network (TEN Magazines). I'm not suggesting TEN took the absolute path of that short-lived revenue stream. I worked with them. I have a good grasp of the inside. But what I am saying of TEN, beyond its interesting product-focused web platform, there are far too many editorial clans already performing personal favors on the down low.The average guy behind the wheel of his Jeep XJ or Ford Ranger are sick of it.

ORGANICALLY FLAVORED BUT DO NOT BECOME PIRATED

Formerely referred to as ORC amongst us long gone staffers, Off-Road.com has long since been overtaken by Pirate 4X4, Lance Clifford's forum-based effort. Catch a certain glimpse of its flavor. It works. But just don't overdue it by allowing the ravens to run wild. There are more than enough loud mouths on parade upon the web that are dismally lethal examples of Napoleonic syndrome. The industry just doesn't need yet another Race-Dezert.com, referring of course to its early and shameful days in desert racing history (RDC seems to have since repented).

Do that and then some, and you'll begin to rival the adversaries that overtook you, bringing on a professional stature that can play on par and even surpass some of the more formidable Source Interlink titles. Sure, it may be a daunting task to overcome the online presence of such tightly woven print powerhouse conglomerates, but it is possible. Just look back to its roots. Regain the glory.

To immediately go to work on earning a favorable ROI, VerticalScope will look to undoubtedly leverage the advertising pool available through its other assets and bump the sad stature of its current advertisers, essentially funneled through the low ball Google AdSense platform. When you've got nothing but AdSense, you're announcing to the world that you're circling far below the rim of the porcelain bowl of grim.

SNAP SHOT OF TARGETED SOURCE INTERLINK MONSTER

• JP Magazine
• Off-Road
• Four Wheeler
• 4Wheel Drive & Sport Utility
• Diesel Power
• ATV Rider
• 4Wheel & Off-Road
• Dirt Rider
• Skateboarder
• Snowboarder
• Surfing
• Surfer
• Powder
• Slam