Anyone involved in the sport of dirt biking has wanted, and probably
pursued, a job with Dirt Bike or Dirt Rider magazine. Who wouldn't want to? New bikes to ride, new products to test, race
stars to talk to, fun folks to ride with and national recognition can be yours
when you're involved with these magazines!
Want to know how to do this? Read on!
I was fortunate to attend the 3-day Rick Sieman International Moto-Journalism
School. In 3 very short days, Rick "Super Hunky" Seiman manages to
unload a plethora of valuable information about the ins, outs, and why's of
the moto-journalism game. We all know Rick has been around the block. For the
first time ever, Rick tells you what to EXPECT and WHAT TO DO when walking the
block!
A versatile master of sound technical and creative writing, Rick pushed his
own boundaries and successfully entered the enigmatic realm of class room
style instruction. The students, pre-screened and selected by Rick, were all
extremely talented. Their backgrounds ranged from an engineer working in
Eastern Montana to a journalist working with Davey Coomb's up and coming Racer
X Illustrated magazine.
Many times, Rick taught the class as an actual everyday magazine operation!
It made for some interesting moments and taught everyone about the real world
of magazine publishing. It also answered my nagging questions why Rick Sieman
has not published his own magazine.
Writing exercises were performed everyday. Every exercise was based upon
acquiring or improving common journalism tasks. The fellow class members,
along with Rick, critiqued the exercises. Generally, the class either
applauded, or chided one with good natured ribbing for well done or
not-so-well done efforts. It was always easy to determine if someone REALLY
blew an exercise. All class participants would stare at the victim blankly. I
know this from personal experience.
What information did Mr. Sieman disseminate? Here is an all too brief list:
- Why are magazines aid out they way they are? Rick tells all - and why! The
magazine publishers are slick! They know how to play into the prospective
customers hand.
- How difficult is it to submit articles to a magazine? It's a piece of
cake! The step is to make sure one plays by the "magazines particular
rules" when initiating contact. After one successfully becomes
published, article submission can become criminally easily!
- How do magazines get great cover shots? It's insanely simple to perform
using "flash fill" photographic techniques. After the class,
anyone can make great great cover shots using "flash fill"
photography.
- Rick explains the materials required to get the neophyte moto-journalist
started and how to obtain the materials without forking over a mere large
sack of cash!
- The tips, advice, and inside information Rick gave his class are
invaluable for the beginning moto-journalist. There are simply too many to
mention in this article.
The first ever Rick Sieman International Moto-Journalism School was a
raging success. There were a few glitches in the class. These include the
comical presence of Rick's two Golden Retrievers that insisted upon being
best friends with everything and everyone. And, since the class is taught in
Rick's ocean side villa in Baja Mexico, the overwhelming view of the Pacific
Ocean from the class room can be distracting - particularly when the whales
and dolphins are playing!
I learned LOTS from the class and exercises I performed. One can leave
Rick's class and actually begin free-lance journalism. However, be
forewarned that the class is information and participation intense. Be
prepared to work hard for at least 9 hours a day, everyday for 3 days. One
will certainly get their money's worth from the class.
Rick's new found teaching talent, his omnipresent creativity and personal
energy made this class an experience that can only be described as a once in
a lifetime experience.
What a way to spend a weekend!
Class photos! Click here for select photos of class participants!
For more information about the Rick Sieman International Moto-Journalism
School, contact Rick Sieman at:
011-52-66-313480 (International phone call)
or write Rick at:
Rick Sieman Racing
4492 Camino De La Plaza
Suite 1251
San Ysidro, CA 92173-3097
Rick can also be reached via e-mail at Rick@off-road.com
