beckyrepp
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Posts posted by beckyrepp
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Pat,
I'm speechless. Thank you.
I remember that day at the Springfield Festival very well.
I agree with you wholeheartedly that the American Road magazine and Forum family are very special--and that is due in no small part because of you and Jennifer, our great team of moderators, and of course our dedicated and talented Forum members.
I can say that it is truly an honor to have you and Jennifer running the American Road Forum. American Road magazine wouldn't be what it is today without you both.
So, what shall we do to celebrate our upcoming Birthday?
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Just wanting to comment on the 'grass roots effort' to gain official recognition for Michigan Road. The American Road Foundation would certainly be a supportive non-profit organization for this. If you need a statement/letter indicating the importance of preserving and promoting this historic road, we would be more than happy to help. About a month or two ago now I was officially designated by the board to run day-to-day operations of the Foundation. So, please pm or email me and we can get to work!
Thanks!
Beciky
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Thanks for the pic! There are some clear differences between my sign and the sign in the pic, especially the star in the middle and hte US 6 designation at the bottom...the "of the republic" lettering is slightly different...on the other hand. the cut of the sign appears to be the same as what I have. The sign I have appears to be "old" but "how old" I cannot say...the metal on the back is silver, with some rust...again, no state/fed dot designation...again, thanks to all for the inspiration, and keep it coming! Slan go foill, Kip
You may want to post in the Route 6 sub-forum or PM Russ Lombard from the US Route 6 Tourist Assn. He may be able to shed some additional light on your awesome find.
Thanks for sharing!
Becky
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Oh this is sad news.
We are very sorry to hear of Fran's passing. I always enjoyed visiting with Fran whenever we had an opportunity to talk.
Becky
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Americanroadmagazine.com Announces New Road Trip Itineraries Page
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NEW FEATURES ON AMERICANROADMAGAZINE.COM
We've added some new features to the Americanroadmagazine.com website. In November,
we conducted a survey to identify our readers' needs and desires. In response to your feedback we made some additions to Americanroadmagazine.com. You'll discover that you may now download regional road trip itineraries-sponsored by American Road advertisers.
Use the American Road Magazine Itinerary page to plan your next road trip. You'll discover things to do, sights to see, places to stay, and routes to explore. We plan to update this page regularly. Click the url below to begin your journey:
http://americanroadmagazine.com/itineraries/itineraries.html
Additional updates to our website include the ability for you to:
-Search for Fuel prices: http://www.americanroadmagazine.com/gas_prices.html
-Calculate Miles Per Gallon: http://www.americanroadmagazine.com/mpg.html
-Find out weather reports for your travel routes and destinations: http://www.americanroadmagazine.com/weather.html
-Track Flights: http://www.americanroadmagazine.com/flights.html
Don't waste a drop of gas! Start your travel preparations by utilizing all the features on the Americanroadmagazine.com website. We hope that you find these features add to your enjoyment of Americanroadmagazine.com.
Dream well and drive safely on the American Road!
Sincerely,
Becky Repp
General Manager
1-877-285-5434 x1
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I just had to log on again. This has happened to me a couple of times before also.
Does this mean that there is still a problem? Let me know the details please and I'll have Guy try to fix.
Thanks everyone for your input and patience as we work on the technical issues.
Best,
Becky
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Hi Gang,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. It's been a pretty hectic summer.
In the future, please don't hesitate to contact Pat, Jennifer, or myself directly. If there is an urgent concern, suggestion, etc. feel free to PM or email me.
Anyway, this one is beyond my technical abilities (which are limited) so I'm turfing this to our webmaster, Guy Cook. One of us will keep you apprised on this situation.
Thanks much!
We do appreciate your input on how we can continue to improve the Forum and make it the best possible road trip Forum around!
PS: Denny, you're definitely more than an honorary admin! We sure appreciate your help.
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Greetings!
The American Road staff would like to extend a hearty welcome to all new subscribers and American Road Forum members. We are thrilled to have you join the growing list of American Road enthusiasts!
Summer 2008 issue of American Road
The Summer 2008 print edition of American Road magazine mailed to subscribers in June. If you are a subscriber and have not yet received your copy, please let us know. We have a second mailing going out in two weeks for individuals that subscribed after the initial Summer issue mailing.
There are lots of great road trip ideas in the Summer 2008 issue. Have fun planning your next getaway with articles and information from this edition of American Road!
CONSUMER REPORTS DEVELOPS NEW FIGURE TO COMPARE VEHICLE COST EFFECTIVENESS.
Fuel efficient cars aren't necessarily cheaper to own.
YONKERS, NY - With four-dollar-a-gallon gas now a reality and many considering a move to more fuel efficient vehicles the auto experts at Consumer Reports have developed a new figure for consumers to compare a vehicle's cost effectiveness.
The July issue of Consumer Reports magazine features a list of vehicles with the best price per mpg, plus money-saving tips and advice from the country's largest expert, independent, non-profit consumer product testing organization.
Price per mpg is a unique approach to calculating cost/fuel efficiency determined by dividing the CR test vehicle's purchased price by its overall miles per gallon (mpg) in CR's tests. "Just because a vehicle is fuel efficient doesn't necessarily mean it's cheaper to live with," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center. "If you want a car with great gas mileage and must make every dollar count, look for a vehicle with a low price per mpg," he said.
Topping the price per mpg list of recommended vehicles recently tested by Consumer Reports is the Honda Fit Sport (manual). With a purchased price of $15,765 and an overall mpg rating of 34, the Fit costs just $464 per mpg. While the base Toyota Prius gets 44 mpg, it has a price per mpg of $540, third on the list, because of its $23,780 price tag. At the other extreme is the Mercedes SL550, with a price per mpg of more than $6,000. It is interesting to note that three of the ten cars with the lowest price per mpg are hybrids: two trim lines of the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic.
But while buying a more fuel efficient new car will lower gas bills, drivers who switch may end up paying more in the end. New-vehicle depreciation, trade-in losses, and potentially higher insurance premiums can dramatically offset any gas cost savings. Which is why the July issue of Consumer Reports also includes a list of the most fuel efficient and reliable used cars under $20,000.
Whichever car they're driving, Consumer Reports' auto experts recommend drivers save gas by keeping speeds down, avoiding fast starts and hard stops, not using premium fuel if it's not required, and not falling for gimmicks that promised increased mileage. Typically, sports and luxury cars require premium fuel.
ROAD TRIP MONEY-SAVERS & NEW AMERICAN ROAD TREASURE HUNT CONTEST
Road Trip Money-Savers
Don't let gas prices halt your road-trip plans. The staff at American road found money-saving travel promotions around the country to help ease the pain at the pump. To read the article visit: http://americanroadmagazine.com/road_news/road_news.html
American Road Treasure Hunt Contest
Geocache and Treasure Hunt Prize Contest Announced
The American Road Geocache and Treasure Hunt Contest has begun. All you need to do to be the winner is correctly identify the location of the Hidden Treasure.
One of the American Road gang has hidden a treasure box at a popular site on one of America's two lane roads. There are two winners for each treasure box. One winner may guess the location a second winner actually finds the treasure box. Let the games begin! Contest rules are posted on the American Road Forum. To view go to:
http://americanroadmagazine.com/forum/inde...p?showtopic=914
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
We welcome your correspondence and questions. Have you paid a recent visit to one or more of the places mentioned in a previous issue of AMERICAN ROAD? We want to hear about it. Are there specific highways or auto trails that you would like to read about in American Road? Let us know. We love receiving your cards, letters and e-mails. Photographs are great, too! You may send us a letter or e-mail. Send letters via US mail to:
American Road
PO Box 46519
Mt. Clemens, MI 48046
You may send e-mails to becky@americanroadmagazine.com.
(Letters and e-mail may be published in an upcoming issue of AMERICAN ROAD and may be edited for style and available space.)
Our advertisers and affiliate programs help support the free information provided via americanroadmagazine.com and our e-newsletter. Be sure to tell them you heard about them through American Road magazine. To request more information and FREE trip planning guides from our advertisers visit: http://americanroadmagazine.com/advertising/adv_request.html
IS IT TIME TO RENEW/SUBSCRIBE TO AMERICAN ROAD?
A batch of renewal notices will be e-mailed and mailed in the next few weeks. If you just mailed in your renewal form with payment, it is possible that the next renewal letter may cross your payment in the mail. Please disregard the notice if that is the case.
You may now renew or subscribe on line at: http://americanroadmagazine.com/subscribe/...ibe.html#online
You may also subscribe or renew by calling our toll-free number at 1-877-285-5434 x1. If we are assisting another caller, please leave a message. If all lines are busy and calls do not forward to voice mail, please e-mail us (and we can call you back) or try calling us back later. We are always happy to call you back.
DREAM WELL AND DRIVE SAFELY ON THE AMERICAN ROAD!
You received this message because you provided your address to Mock Turtle Press-publisher of AMERICAN ROAD magazine. We use your e-mail to periodically provide you with information (subscription renewals, announcements, surveys, etc.) We do not sell e-mail addresses. If you wish to be removed from the list to receive future e-mail newsletters from us please e-mail becky@americanroadmagazine.com.
Sincerely,
Becky Repp
American Road Magazine
Get a FREE cup of Joe!
It's not gasoline for your car, but, we can fuel you for your next road trip! Buy a gift subscription for a friend and we'll send you 2 oz of gourmet coffee roasted exclusively for American Road by Rona Coffees - FREE! To place your order visit: https://americanroad.magazinemanager.com/su...mp;source=ARCOJ
When we receive your order, you will get a confirmation e-mail. At that time, we will obtain your information to send you the FREE 2 oz sampler of American Road coffee. It's EASY!
American Road magazine is the perfect gift for:
*Mother's Day
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*Anytime
Offer Expires: July 31, 2008
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Wait, I just realized that the user "Geocacher" is NOT Becky? Am I correct?
Hi - you're correct, I'm not Geocacher.
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Anyone know how well the old Chain of Rocks bridge may be fairing with the current flood. That old gal has survived many floods but sooner or later the rip-rap around the supports in the river is going to play out and the old girl will go into the river.
I don't guess anyone would dispute the fact a bridge with a curve in the middle of it was not the best idea, but I'd sure hate to see it go down.
Hi,
Here's what I found: http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/pa/mvs-news/Chain-Rocks1.html
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I am sad to say that I received an email from David Knudson reporting that his wife, Mary Lou, passed away in her sleep at 2 pm Saturday July 5th at Mountains Community Hospital in Lake Arrowhead. She had been very sick for about 3 weeks.
Mary Lou was a very accomplished woman. She was voted into the "Who's Who Of American
Women" when there was only one and it was a great honor.
Mary Lou was a professional model, she managed a chain of women's clothing stores, she was
president of the Riverside Women's Club and with her husband David, founded the National
Route 66 Federation. This nonprofit organization spearheaded the Congressional bill which
allocated $10 million for the restoration of properties and communities along the
legendary road.
Mary Lou was born at March Air Force Base in Riverside, CA while her father was in the
Air Force.
If you want information about the services or would like to send flowers, please let me know and I will provide the details.
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Sad day indeed. Glad to have had a bite there on a couple of occasions. Last time we were there, we picked up one of their glasses they had for sale. Might have to have a cold Coke out of that glass tonight. Fortunately, Dawn had insurance, so the fate of the Rock might not be the same as Pop Hicks, which we lost 10-some years ago.
Terrible news. We always enjoyed stopping there on our 66 trips.
Raise that Coke glass to Dawn tonight Pat - and let's show her our support for the Rock Cafe as it was and perhaps as it will be.
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Don't miss the opportunity to enter our April/May 2008 American Road Trip Sweepstakes. Discover South Carolina’s Military Heritage and the National Heritage Corridor by registering to win the American Road Trip Sweepstakes! This prize package is valued at over $500 and is sponsored by the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor.
For more prize package information and details on how to register to win visit: http://americanroadmagazine.com/sweepstakes/sweepstakes.html
Happy Travels!
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Becky,
I picked up the Spring 2008 edition of American Road magazine at the post office yesterday morning. It has a wealth of great reading, and the words and images to make anyone who loves the open road start dreaming. The cover started my throttle side foot to twitch! That kind of scenery makes your spirits soar! The accompanying Old Forts, Big Sky article adds another road to my “Must Drive” list.
Denny Gibson’s piece on the Boone’s Lick was terrific, as is all his writing. Great Grandfather chased bushwhackers along the road during the War Between the States.
I got a kick out of the picture of you and Thomas on the last page. Looks like you got yourselves a “new” car!
The two pages of touring info on Nebraska came at just the right time. The Hypotenuse Trail will be taking me through the western part of the state. Some of the links I followed really opened my eyes to what the area offers.
I could go on for pages describing the goodies…but the best way to enjoy them is to read the magazine.
Keep the Show on the Road!
Dave
Hi there! Glad to hear you're enjoying the Spring issue. We love to get feedback from everyone.
I only wish that were our new car!
Sorry for my delay in posting, taxes have been taking their toll.
Gotta get back to it.
We're looking forward to hearing about your journey on the Hypotenuse Trail!
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I recently "won" a couple of map/brochure collections on eBay and they arrived yesterday. I'm guessing they are from an estate auction or something similar.
Although US-36 is missing from the 1939 version of the PPOO, it isn't missing entirely from the collection. An eight page brochure, which I believe is from 1949 or '50, contains the slogan "Travel the Perfect 36" with an illustration of another "perfect 36". I've posted a scan in our gallery here, but you may want to check it out quickly before Becky censors it. The brochure ignores that fact that Thirty-Six existed east of Indianapolis and sends folks off on US-40 and other roads.
Denny, I won't censor that bit of road nostalgia. . . not unless we get complaints!
I haven't heard any yet.
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Hi Fran,
If any post deserves the "Happy Guy" icon dancing around celebrating your post does!
:happyguy: -
AMERICAN ROAD Two-lane Trivia
The 3rd person that responded to me with the correct answer to the trivia question (below) won a copy of "Cheap Motels and a Hot Plate," by Michael D. Yates. Published by Monthly Review Press. Retail value: $15.95.
Trivia Question: In what city and state would you find the frog that is on the Winter 07 issue of American Road?
Answer: Windham, Connecticut
Winner: William Bauer from Lincoln, Nebraska
Congrats!
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The American Road staff would like to extend a hearty welcome to all new subscribers
and American Road Forum members. We are thrilled to have you join the growing list
of American Road enthusiasts!
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Spring 2008 issue of American Road
The Spring 2008 print edition of American Road magazine mailed this week to subscribers.
Watch your mailbox!
The digital edition was sent to digital edition subscribers.
There are lots of great road trip ideas in the Spring 2008 issue. We hope that you
find your next getaway in this edition of American Road!
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American Road® Trip Sweepstakes
American Road Magazine is pleased to announce the Spring 2008 American Road Trip
Sweepstakes, sponsored by the South Carolina Heritage Corridor.
Discover South Carolina's Military Heritage and the National Heritage Corridor by
registering to win the American Road Trip Sweepstakes! This prize package is valued
at over $500. Package includes:
-One night stay at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina - http://www.charlestonharborresort.com/
-Lunch for 2 at The Blarney Stone in Downtown Walterboro as you stroll the quaint
Antique Store filled streets and stop by the SC Artisans Center.
-Dinner for 2 at Bocci's located in Historic Downtown Charleston. http://www.boccis.com/cms_pages/
-2 passes to The Hunley Museum, North Charleston. http://www.hunley.org/
-2 admissions to Charles Towne Landing Historic Site, America's Birthplace. http://www.charlestowne.org/visitus.shtml
-2 Passes to the South Carolina Aquarium. http://www.scaquarium.org/
-2 passes to Fort Moultrie. http://www.nps.gov/fosu/historyculture/fort_moultrie.htm
-2 passes to Fort Sumter. Don't miss the feature editorial about Fort Sumter in
the Spring 08 issue of American Road magazine!) http://www.nps.gov/fosu/
With so much to do, the winner will want to extend their stay in Charleston!
You, too, could be a winner of an American Road Trip Sweepstakes! There is no purchase
necessary to enter the 2008 American Road Trip Sweepstakes, and anyone who subscribes
to American Road Magazine between March 15, 2008 and May 15, 2008 will automatically
be entered in the upcoming drawing. Contest entry rules are provided at americanroadmagazine.com/sweepstakes/sweepstakes.html
Take a break from doing taxes, rev up your engines, and crank up the tunes. And
get ready to hit the American Road!
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Mock Turtle Press releases new book by Disney artist and American Road photographer
Tony Craig left North Carolina in 1987 to pursue a career in animation.
He has worked as a producer and director on programs for the Warner
Brothers Studios, Hanna-Barbera, and the Walt Disney Company.
Tony grew to miss his home state so much, that he often returned to
the American South to photograph the landscape's vanishing icons, the General Store.
You'll find Country Stores in North Carolina's Tony Craig's love letter to these
havens that seem to sell yesterday from their shelves. For eight years,
he traveled the counties of North Carolina photographing old general
stores and interviewing their owners. His odyssey took him everywhere
from Min-O-Pon in Stanly County to Priddy's Store near Danbury.
Everywhere he visited, he found a bargain in one gentle truth:
Sometimes you can go home again.
If you read the Winter edition of American Road magazine, you saw Tony's photo essay
about Hot Springs, Arkansas. When Tony isn't taking pictures he's busy creating
watercolor paintings from his photographs. Samples of his paintings can be seen
at tonycraig.net.
To find out more about Country Stores in North Carolina or to purchase an advance
copy, click on this link: http://americanroadmagazine.com/catalog/pr...products_id=349
The 3rd person that responds to me via e-mail with the correct answer
to the trivia question (below) wins a copy of "Cheap Motels and a Hot Plate," by
Michael D. Yates. Published by Monthly Review Press. Retail value: $15.95.
Trivia Question: In what city and state would you find the frog that is on the Winter
07 issue of American Road?
Good luck!
BREATHITT COUNTY MUSEUM
The Breathitt County Museum is seeking
to raise several hundred...READ ROAD NEWS, REVIEWS, AND VACATION TIPS ON OUR WEBSITE! http://americanroadmagazine.com/road_news/road_news.html
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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
We welcome your correspondence and questions. Have you paid a recent
visit to one or more of the places mentioned in a previous issue of
AMERICAN ROAD? We want to hear about it. We love receiving your cards,
letters and e-mails. Photographs are great, too! You may send us a letter or e-mail.
Send letters via US mail to:
American Road
PO Box 46519
Mt. Clemens, MI 48046
You may send e-mails to becky@americanroadmagazine.com.
(Letters and e-mail may be published in an upcoming issue of AMERICAN ROAD and may
be edited for style and available space.)
ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC HIGHWAYS OR AUTO TRAILS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ ABOUT IN AMERICAN ROAD?
Let us know. We review reader input when planning our feature schedule.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ADVERTISERS
Our advertisers and affiliate programs help support the free information provided
via americanroadmagazine.com and our e-newsletter. Be sure to tell them you heard
about them through American Road magazine. Click on this link to request information: http://americanroadmagazine.com/catalog/pr...products_id=349
IS IT TIME TO RENEW/SUBSCRIBE TO AMERICAN ROAD?
A batch of renewal notices will be e-mailed and mailed in the next few weeks. If you
just mailed in your renewal form with payment, it is possible that the next renewal letter may cross your payment in the mail. Please disregard the notice if that is the case.
You may now renew or subscribe on line. Simply go to the following link:
http://americanroadmagazine.com/subscribe/subscribe.html
ou may also subscribe or renew by calling our toll-free number at
1-877-285-5434 x1. If we are assisting another caller, it will roll
over to voice mail-so please leave us a message. We are always happy to
call you back.
DREAM WELL AND DRIVE SAFELY ON THE AMERICAN ROAD!
You received this message because you provided your address to Mock
Turtle Press-publisher of AMERICAN ROAD magazine. We use your e-mail to
periodically provide you with information (subscription renewals,
announcements, surveys, etc.) We do not sell e-mail addresses. If you
wish to be removed from the list to receive future e-mail newsletters
from us please e-mail becky@americanroadmagazine.com.
Sincerely,
Becky Repp
American Road Magazine
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You can definitely rent a camping spot and sleep in your car. We've done that before.
If you would like the experience of camping without the tent or an RV, I highly recommend the KOA Kamping Kabins. They are wonderful. The past two summers, we planned long road trips where we were in a Kabin one night and a hotel on alternate nights. The Kabin has one full size bed plus bunk beds, and they supply a durable, not particularly comfortable mattress-like mattress. You bring all of your own bedding and use the bathhouse just like tent camping, with the advantage that you don't have to put up or take down your shelter. This is good when you're hoping to get on the road early or arrive late. We often stay a different place each night, so the setup (not to mention finding room to transport the tent and accessories) is too difficult.
The Kabins are usually under $50 most places, and you can find them at campgrounds that were 'formerly' KOA that have gone independent, too. They worked well for our family of four. This photo is from one we stayed in at Pigeon Forge, TN last summer.
By the way, at least half of the campgrounds now have wireless internet, so you can keep us up to date on your trip progress!
Chris
Another possibility in some states (like Oregon) is to try a Yurt. The state parks have them. The concept is similar to the KOA cabin.
Becky
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I've wondered if I could rent a camping spot and just sleep in the back of my station wagon, no tent. jim
That's what we do - but, in the back of our Ford Econoline Van. We'll camp one night and motel it the next. We did some tent camping a while back (almost 10 years ago now). It was allot of fun until the one morning we woke up in a HUGE puddle and had to break camp in a downpour. . . It was definitely unforgettable!
Becky -
Don't let Denny fool you. He, Pat, and Jennifer did some fancy footwork immediately following our spam attacks. They also gave Guy some valuable feedback during the site upgrade, too.
Let's give Guy, Pat, Jennifer, and Denny a big American Road round of applause!
Becky
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I was wondering about that. I've been keeping an eye on his site but hadn't seen any updates. I'll keep an eye out for the book. Thanks.
Michele
He hasn't posted any updates because he's finishing the book! We're keeping him a wee-bit busy!
Best,
Becky
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Dave,
Thanks for all of your wonderful suggestions. It looks like I have quite a bit of reading ahead of me.
I had already stumbled across Joe Hurley's site as well as route6tour.com (that is actually how I found out about American Road.) The books you suggested will be of great help in my research.I do intend to take my laptop on the trip and am planning to upload photos, videos and other misc. anecdotes from our travels to my blog. I will try to stop in here and give everyone updates as well.
Michele
Hi Michelle,
We're actually publishing Joe Hurley's book on Route 6 this year. Looks like US 6 is becoming quite popular!
Safe travels!
Becky
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Thanks everyone for understanding the need to disable the comment and rating feature for guests. We didn't want to take that step - however, deemed it necessary given today's inappropriate comments on the Forum.
As Jennifer said, guests may view and search, but, they cannot actively participate in gallery or Forum discussion. For the legitimate guests who have been visiting the Forum - please continue to pay us a visit. And, we welcome you to join as a Forum Member so that you may engage in all of the fun and benefits of being an American Road Forum member.
Pleasant and safe road (and cyberspace) travels to you all!
Becky
Hot "new" Forums
in General Discussion
Posted
Hi Gang,
I've been reviewing all the posts in this thread. I've not formulated any plans. But, I have some information to share:
First, a few FYI items:
1) We invite all new subscribers to the magazine who have email addresses to join the American Road Forum. Here is the invitation language:
Be sure to check out the AMERICAN ROAD FORUM. Joining the group is
free and its a great opportunity to share stories with fellow roadies.
The new FORUM even allows you to send e-cards to friends and family so
you can share your vacation pictures while you are on the road! The
link to sign up for the group may be found on our website at
www.americanroadmagazine.com.
If you have recommendations to modify the language, please send me a PM or email me at becky@americanroadmagazine.com
2) Those individuals who do not have email addresses receive a postcard inviting them to visit americanroadmagazine.com and check out the Forum.
3) I attempt to include a mention in the Forum in every e-newsletter that we send.
I'm going to share some info that I found when doing a bit of research about how American Road's Forum compares to other Forums:
1) There is a magazine (initials AH). It has sizable distribution (reportedly hundreds of thousands of subscribers). They, too, have a Forum. Here is the data: they have 19757 registered users on their Forum who have only posted only 1130 times. I couldn't get an exact start date from their site - but, it looks like they have been around since at least May 6, 2006.
2) Another group (an e-group) about an historic highway that I recently visited indicated that they have just over 300 members since January of 2007. I could not figure out how to get posting data.
To me, based upon the above two Forums, our activity looks great. However, that does not indicate that we should stop striving to improve.
I took a look at our Forum statistics (a quick glance) and it appears that roughly 116-120 different members have posted since January 1, 08 (between 9 - 10%).
Re: our website statistics, the six month average: 6 month average as of Oct 1:
Uniques: 52,669/month
Page Impressions/Views: 613,727/month
Hits: 1,151,839
Our Forum does get pulled up frequently by Google News. I automatically receive messages from Google News on subjects pertaining to "road trips" and "American Road" and the Forum makes that news at least 3x per week (if not more).
I can tell you that the Forum is one of the most popular sections of our website to visit. In order, the top six most popular pages according to Google Analytics are:
the Home page
the Forums
the Calendar page
the Sweepstakes page
the Road News page
the Road Trip Itinerary page
I'm not sure how to find this data - but, it would be interesting to learn how many people simply visit the forum each day. I believe that, too, would be a measure of success. I will see what I can learn with respect to this information.
A few thoughts:
1) If you belong to other Forum's features do you like about that Forum that we might be able to accommodate on the American Road Forum? Are there Forums who have more than 9-10% of their Forum members posting. If so, what are they doing differently?
2) I believe someone said that they personally invite other people to join the Forum - this is absolutely wonderful and we thank you for doing so. This is perhaps one of the best ways to encourage growth on the American Road Forum.
3) I wonder if the ongoing political elections and recent economic developments have monopolized everyone's time. It will be interesting to see what happens after election day.
I look forward to hearing additional thoughts and ideas as to ways we can continue to meet the needs and interests of Forum Members, American Road readers, and the large community of individuals interested in traveling North America's back roads.
Becky