Dear Red County Editors, Contributors, and Readers -
Today begins a new chapter for Red County. Along with a newly redesigned website, Red County has ushered in a new team to build on the success of the past 3 years and take the Red County brand to the next level. I am hopeful these changes will accelerate the company’s growth and make a meaningful contribution to the political landscape ahead of the 2010 election cycle.
Part of this process includes my decision to step down from managing the daily operations of Red County so I can focus my attention on helping others implement the tools of new media to advance the traditional American values we share. In the months ahead, I look forward to working with some of the finest talent in online development and some of the most innovative thinkers in new media. I will be consulting, educating, speaking, and developing. My online development firm will be actively engaged with clients eager learn about and embrace the tools of new media. I will also be deeply involved in a non-partisan effort to increase government transparency and accountability in the state of California. The political climate is ripe and the opportunities abundant to work on meaningful projects with outstanding people.
The last three years have been a blur. We started Red County as a high quality glossy magazine tailored to reach the influencers in the Southern California’s center-right political community. While the magazine featured many outstanding articles leading up to a pivotal election in American history, it was the proliferation of Red County’s online blog community that garnered the attention and captured our imagination. In 2008, the print edition went the way of so many other print publications, but the online community flourished.
This success did not occur in a vacuum. I am extremely proud of the efforts of 42 localized Red County communities, nearly 30 editors, and a blogpen of several hundred editorial contributors. What began as a traditional media print publication has deftly transformed itself into a well-respected, conservative new media community. I am thankful to every single person who contributed their ideas, money, talent, enthusiasm, and hard work.
Moving forward, I will be publishing regular updates for Red County readers on the impact of new technology on the political landscape. In the meantime, feel free to offer feedback about the ongoing efforts of Red County, make inquiries about potential consulting engagements, or find out more about my upcoming projects. Please visit my personal website at www.scottgraves.com or send me an email at scott@scottgraves.com.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Fight on!
Scott W. Graves
WEBSITE: www.scottgraves.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/scottwgraves
TWITTER: twitter.com/scottwgraves
E-MAIL: scott@scottgraves.com
March 15th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
What happened to the Red County site? I became a fan because of the content, but also because it was easy to navigate. The current site is a mess: there are error messages in multiple locations, missing videos, missing posts, formatting problems, and even a “test” in on place. Not to mention that it’s cluttered and has lost the visual appeal that was initially so attractive.
I don’t mean to be unkind, but as users there are some things that stand out. Who is Greenfaucet, and why do I get redirected to their site when I want to read more about the market? Is there some connection with Red County? If so, why can’t I tell, and why isn’t there an easy way to navigate back to Red County’s site when I’m done? If not, please don’t send me to some site I’ve never heard of.
Also, there’s something that says “Join Us.” What does that mean? If I enter my information, will I get access to something different? Am I joining to be a blogger or editor? Am I subscribing to receive emails? Have I just joined a cult??
All of this makes me very cautious of spending time on a site like this – it feels very “fly by night” and amateur. I’m hopeful that Monday’s “full functioning” site is much different.
March 16th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Hi, C-
I’m the founder of http://www.greenfaucet.com. I’d be glad to explain the relationship between it and redcounty.com, into both of which I have personally invested significant time and money.
If you are a real person, I’d also be glad to explain the successful arc of Green Faucet, the gameplan behind blending the efforts of the two sites and why, in full detail, the two came to be joined together in this way. Call anytime.
Chip Hanlon
714-841-8774
March 16th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Not so impressed with the new site. Where is the BlogPen? Why does it scroll like it does?
This is third time the entire site has been changed and it is starting to get confusing. Like the past commenter, what is a green faucet and do they own the website now.
Sorry to post here, there is no way to comment on the articles on the Red County website, but I found a link to this site.
And last, what is the little cat in the tab represent? Doesn’t seem to fit the website very well.
Good Luck,