You know that new online project I said I was working on about a month ago? Well, here’s what it was. Actually, it’s one of two, but it’s the one I’ve been spending most of my free time on recently. As you’ve probably guessed from some of the posts on this site, I’m a fan of Volkswagen Polos, and, as strange a choice that may be, they wormed their way in around 18 years ago, and have stayed with me ever since.
I used to co-run the UK’s first enthusiast group for the model, the VW Polo Register, and now, after 13 years and modest success (other clubs are now in operation for the small Volkswagen), I’ve launched PoloDriver.com – the new online resource for the Volkswagen Polo. I’d originally planned a Volkswagen site for all models, but realised that it might be too big an undertaking, so I decided to stick with what I know best.
Partly-timed with the arrival of the new fifth-generation model, the editorially-focused site features all the latest Volkswagen Polo news from around the world, road tests, spotlights on specific model variations, flashbacks to past generations, standard and modified cars and views from contributors.
They’ll also be digital infrequent ‘mini-magazines’, which take advantage of the latest innovations in digital publishing. PoloDriver.com has just published issue one – a first drives supplement of the new model, which is available to view online or download for offline reading in the popular PDF format. With viewing stats readily available, it’s instant, and much easier than the paper newsletter I used to compile and edit.
I hope it’s the start of something exciting. Not only does it promote the Polo (with some support from the Volkswagen UK Press Office, although the site is wholly independent), but it can also be used as a showcase for writing and design, which is what I can be found doing as a day job.
But, as the car is one of my hobbies, too, that’s what the site’s primary remit will be – to be a ‘one-stop shop’ for all enthusiasts of the model. In time they’ll be a forum and other sections and pages, including coverage of the Polo in motorsport. And, with almost as many years under its tyres as I have under my feet, there should be plenty of tales to tell.
While there still may be some Polo-related stories found here, the majority will be over at PoloDriver.com – the new online resource for the Volkswagen Polo. Send press releases and editorial contributions to rich@polodriver.com. Subscribe to the PoloDriver.com news feeds at http://www.polodriver.com/feed/ and catch up with all the latest on the Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/polodrivercom.
Tags: Cars, Journal, Volkswagen Polo