Over the last few weeks some readers of our e-newsletter have been confronted with “403 — permission denied” messages when attempting to follow links to the website. That turned out to be a technical glitch relating to the plug-ins used on the website.
Our hosting service insists that the problem is now fixed — and won’t come back again. However, this is the second time it has happened in the last few months. So by all means shoot me a quick email at editor(at)indieauto.org if you experience problems. This is a volunteer-based and solo operation, so thank you for your patience.
Two ways to find out about new postings
You now have a new way to stay current on Indie Auto’s mischief. Go to the bottom of any story that allows comments and check the box, “Notify me of new posts by email.” While you’re there you can also sign up for “Notify me of follow-up comments by email.”
Of course, another option is to subscribe to Indie Auto’s free e-newsletter, which is typically sent out each Friday afternoon. Go here to sign up.
Content is now posted in real time rather than weekly
Indie Auto articles are now posted on a continuous basis rather than weekly. This generally means new or reposted stories are added to the front page every other day during the business week.
Most new postings will show up at the top of the page and drift downward as the week goes by. However, longer pieces will linger on the bottom half of the front page for a longer period of time. I settled on this as a compromise between the format of a magazine and a blog. I want to give shorter pieces more visibility without pushing the longer pieces off the front page so quickly, as typically happens with a blog format.
Note that reposted content is almost always updated or even expanded. As discussed in the Introduction, continuous improvement of stories is an important part of Indie Auto’s journalist approach. Changes are made in response to feedback from you as well as new information I have come across since the story was originally posted.
Comment moderation has been reduced
In the past, all comments have been approved prior to posting (here’s why). The new system is that once your first comment has been approved, you can post new comments without moderation. Of course, commenting is a privilege, not a right, so if you engage in unsportsmanlike behavior your comment could be edited or deleted (go here for further discussion).
I should quickly add that so far I have been quite pleased with the thoughtfulness and civility of commentators. You have added important depth and nuance to the topics introduced by my articles. Quality comments can take time to write, so thank you for your efforts!
There is one exception to this new system. I may switch back to full moderation when I do not have ready access to a computer for an extended length of time, such as when I am camping. So if you are an ongoing commentator, don’t feel badly if your latest comment is held up for moderation; that just means I’m away.
Your thoughts about Indie Auto are always invited
This is also a good time to mention that I greatly appreciate the readers who have taken the time to offer feedback and ideas. It’s validating to hear what you like about Indie Auto. At the same time, constructive criticism improves the product (here is what’s not constructive).
For example, some readers have offered story ideas. These ideas are very helpful, so keep them coming — even if I am not always able to implement them.
Feel free to share your thoughts either in the comment thread below or by touching base with me directly (go here).
The photographs are of Kalaloch Beach, which is part of the Olympic National Park in Washington state.
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