Sometimes life gets busy, really, really busy, and the hours run out before the work is done. As most of you know, The Kneeslider is the work of yours truly, no corporate offices in some glass high rise, just my very active and productive office with yellow “post it” notes growing at an alarming rate like some deep rooted weed. Trying to get those under control, especially when many are pretty important and now demanding attention, eats away at the time available.
If you’ve been observant, you might have noticed a few changes popping up here and there, like no more “previous posts” and “next posts” links at the bottom of the home page or category pages, but now, there’s a new numbered menu. I think it’s more effective and gives you a better sense of where you are as you’re flipping through what is often a great many pages. You might think it’s minor, but there’s a bit of code necessary for that and everything else that happens on the site, as well.
The thumbnail images on the right side of the page that link to previous articles have also changed. They’re a bit bigger than before, but more importantly, there are fewer of them at any one time. They pull from a long list and randomly choose and display a constantly varying selection. It introduces those of you who are newer visitors to The Kneeslider to a nice sampling of what we’ve covered before, and I found even our long time readers like them as a reference.
There’s a new section of the site which isn’t quite done, but which is taking quite a bit of time to sort out, so I’m back there banging away. That should appear, soon.
There’s also been a burst of offline work that could not be put off any longer. It’s amazing how much time can fly by with those projects.
Sometimes when the new articles are less frequent, I get inquiries and all I can say is there’s a lot going on not visible on the front facing portion of the site that all of you can see. There’s no huge staff to take care of it, no outsourced freelancers from who knows where, just the same positive guy you know from all of the articles and comments. Lots of hats to wear and lots of work to do.
As noted on the post about being so good they can’t ignore you, you have to focus on the details and make sure things are done well and done right. Tossing out substandard work just to create some dust doesn’t do anyone any good.
On a related note, if you know of a really interesting build or project that might fit on The Kneeslider, especially one not shown or reported everywhere else already, maybe even your own, let me know. I’d be happy to take a look.
Thanks, and I’ll have more neat stuff coming up very soon.
Peter Miles says
Kudos to you Paul. This is an absolutely outstanding website. I have it bookmarked and look at it frequently and almost just as frequently there’s something new and very interesting. Keep up the good work.
germancarnut2 says
I definitely appreciate your efforts, Paul. Thanks for the good work!!
WillyP says
Being a carpenter and woodworker, I can appreciate the comment about dust. 😉
Seriously, thanks for all your hard work making a great site better! It is at the top of my list.
Ry says
Paul , being in a one man band myself , I understand . I was always surprised at how often you updated your page. 6 or 7 years ago when I first started visiting your page you were the only sight that updated on a almost daily basis. I guess in the days of face-book and blogging, people have become more dependant on real time feeds and to the minute updates.
your efforts have inspired me over the years and I hope you keep up the fine work.
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
The Internet and sites like this one have evolved over the years. There is no possible way for me to write meaningful articles everyday. You can reprint every press release, every new model introduction, every crazy, foolish and bizarre news story that shows up in some news feed, (and some sites do!), but it doesn’t add up to anything. In the early days, we weren’t quite so selective, today, each of us in this business, has to be. Those that haven’t recognized the transformation won’t be around a lot longer, or if they are, no one will be reading what they write.
I select things I like and think you’ll like, too. I would use the word “curate,” but it’s been so overused recently I’d rather just say you’ll see things I found to be of some value and I’ll try to explain why. Most of you are far too busy with everything else in your life to sift through the mass of things I scan, looking for those gems. It won’t always be strictly about motorcycles, either, because I don’t believe anyone coming here is so unintelligent and totally one dimensional that they would find these forays into other fields objectionable. Well, a few have, but I’m not going to stop because of them, because most of you seem to find them worth your time.
The Kneeslider is a work in progress, now in its 9th year, I’m still working to make it better, trying to make sure your time here won’t be wasted, hoping you go away more informed or inspired than you were when you stopped by. I know I’ll often fall short, but every now and then, I’ll do it right. I hope you’ll be here to see it when I do.
Ry says
Site, oops…. maybe I should proof read before I post.
rohorn says
“Tossing out substandard work just to create some dust doesn’t do anyone any good”.
Does that mean I’ll miss out on all the dull bikes with pipe wrap, bench seats, and Firestones that all the others sites I don’t look at have?
Good!
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
Oh, one of those might sneak in once in a while, but I’ll try to choose carefully so it’s not dull. Of course, if you know of something I missed that slipped by everyone, be sure to give me a shout.
Jay says
As everyone’s said, you’re doing great work and thanks for all the effort. I’m new to the site and while I certainly want more content all the time (more beautiful bikes to look at? yes please!) it sounds like you’re doing a pretty Herculian effort already. I’ll just keep happily digging through the archives while I wait.
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
If you’re new here, you’ll have enough digging to keep you busy and entertained for quite a while.
Kenton says
Dear Kneeslider,
I am a frequent reader and more recently discovered horsepower sports thanks to the website changes. The material and conversations are always fresh and done in a manner rarely seen on the web; with respect towards one another. Even though I don’t contribute (until now), I thoroughly enjoy level the of knowledge exhibited by you and the readership.
I am very happy with the changes and effort you put into the site.
Thank you
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
Hi Kenton, glad to have you on board.
marc says
patience is a virtue…….always enjoy opening your website.
xopxe says
Thanks for this blog Paul, keep doing this amazing job… I think it’s the only web page i check on a daily basis.
FREEMAN says
We all appreciate the labor and time you put into this site. Please keep it up. Your site is my daily escape from work. Thank you.
Light is Good says
Hi Paul,
You are indeed so good they can’t ignore you. It is the quality of this site that keeps me coming back, the effort you put into the details that makes it such an enjoyable experience. Your positivity and openness to the ideas and the efforts of others are another attractive factor. I notice that it attracts like-minded people to comment as well, which keeps the comments from descending into the mud-slinging contests that so many comment areas mutate into. Of course I’d love to have fresh content every day, but I trust your curating skills to present only the most interesting. It is my dream to one day have an invention of mine on The Kneeslider – that’s when I’ll know others think it worthwhile too. I’ll contact you in about five years when it’s ready!
Duncan Moore says
‘Lo Paul,
I know it’s been a while since I have written anything for the site for you but I will correct that soon.
In the (hopefully) near future I’ll get a piece to you on the Saietta range of electric motorcycles. I had the opportunity to test ride one and then interviewed the company CEO, which was very enlightening.
Duncan
dwolvin says
Cool! Yes please, I’m one of the crazies that look sforward to commuting on an electric. But my 52 mile (49 highway) daily commute is still a bit to long.
Sfan says
Paul, you are a craftsman. It shows in your care & passion for the content you choose and the effort you invest in its presentation. I come to your site because of the unique personality it reflects, led by you and enhanced by the loyal community of interest you have built.
B50 Jim says
Great work, Paul! You work hard to bring us good information and provide a forum for great communication and to make new friends in the motorcycle community. Thank you!
BTW rohorn is right — when you see a project with pipe wrap, leave it. Your space is too valuable to waste bandwidth on bogus, amateurish “customs” made by someone too lazy to smooth the welds.
Steve The Producer Johann says
Whatever you have been doing is working well. It takes a lot less time to load the site great job! Oh and I can read the code words to enter my comments so now I am posting more than I used to.
Keep up the great work.