After just over 3 years of self-management and a very consistent development of the website as well as several larger investments, I have been considering how we can further optimize the content and perhaps even the scope in the future. What the average reader can’t see are the changes already made to the foundation of the site and in this context, of course, the many projects that have been started, which, however, are only delved into in detail when they are truly ripe for discussion and have been realized. But more on that in a moment.
By self-promoting and deciding on the scope and form, this also creates a certain independence from third parties, right down to the usual ad providers, where it is very difficult to fully control the displayed content. Because there was often (justified) criticism in this regard at the beginning, I have consistently refrained from it for the past two years. I also consciously reject the (very lucrative) takeover offers each time, because it would simultaneously mean giving up my own ideals, even if it would be enough for a secure retirement.
Some things can also be cross-financed internally, and so the lab and the website have now entered into a nice symbiotic relationship, whose constellation could hardly be better. I don’t have to monetize everything at all costs anymore, which significantly simplifies my life and the design of the publication. That’s why there are consciously no skyscrapers, hidden links, video embeds with ad blocks or popups. After all, you don’t just consolidate a company through what you earn, but primarily through what you don’t spend. And at least it doesn’t scare off readers with an excessive banner desert.
What has fascinated me again and again over the past years is our growing community, which is not only reflected in the forum and the maturity of most participants. Here, surprisingly many like-minded people come together, and there are now quite a few acquaintances and committed members who, either regularly or once project-related, publish their own articles and thus contribute to the profile of the site. I now see myself more as a platform where some things have already grown beyond the status of a private project. And all those who dare to take such a step and want to publicly live out their hobby, receive my full support, as far as my own possibilities allow. In the end, it’s always a beautiful win-win situation for everyone involved.
Participation instead of passive consumption? Why not?
Because one thing is clear: I am definitely not an amoeba that can clone itself through permanent cell division all over the lab, and of course, I am not an octopus that fights its way through dozens of bench tables simultaneously, multi-threaded. However, it is often the case that so many current and high-quality test sample offers reach me before the respective releases, which I cannot all realize alone, so that I unfortunately had to and still have to decline many of them. That’s always more than a pity, but perhaps one or the other is interested in evaluating and judging products from their standpoint? Because over time, I have become almost “blind” to many things. And nothing reads more boring in the end than pure routine!
If you don’t feel like a writer, be reassured. Formal corrections and fine-tuning through appropriate follow-up work here in the office are no issue, the actual content counts. Guidelines and manuals are available if desired, but I don’t want to patronize anyone. Again, new doesn’t have to be worse! And anyone who really wants to get involved will not be left alone with the equipment.
But what I’m getting at: This website thrives on diversity and also the niche, where you can bring specific topics “forward” thanks to our reach, which many readers often do not have in direct focus yet, but are still interesting for them. A good example are the articles about 3D printers or the corresponding tests, which are read above average. Even articles beyond the usual hardware tests, up to binning, are now evergreens. There’s nothing worse than feeling like you can read the same thing on all sides early on. Then I’d rather forgo some supposed “top topic” and provide a contrast program that picks up all those bored again.
One thing also fascinates me again and again: the professional diversity of readers and the extremely high level at which many work and research. This is exactly where something we have done several times before comes in and is always enjoyed because it goes beyond everyday hardware madness: Anyone who would like to write about themselves and their activities (as long as they have something to do with technology or development), I would like to invite them to do so. On one hand, it’s more exciting to read than the 1001st mouse, and on the other hand, it might also help some to understand professions or products better. All these are things that can be clarified in terms of content in advance (and must), in order to preserve the interests of the respective companies or authors. More on this will be at the end of this short article on the next page.
In general, I arrange it so that for publications of third-party content, I only grant a non-exclusive right of use for my site and the author retains all rights to their content (text and image) in full. Of course, I am responsible for the content, because the Telemedia Act also applies to all of us and journalistically and editorially designed offers must naturally comply with the Press Code. Hence the strict separation of editorial content and PR (advertising), which is then marked as such. And speaking of content – I also have a few questions there, and of course, I am also curious about what moves you.
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