1. Why are you going to a paid site? Why do I have to pay for something I’ve been getting for free?
When we introduced WalkingHorseReport Online ten years ago, we intended to develop it into a valuable website which would be worth its own subscription price. In the beginning, the website content was very similar to the content of the paper, but we began developing databases that we knew would become more valuable over time.
Now with a nationwide ten year database of horse show results, we feel the website has matured to the point that it brings real value to our customers. Whether you want to search the results database to determine a horse’s show record before you purchase him, or you want to see the High Point REPORT standings, the WHOA High Point standings, the Rider’s Cup standings, or now, even find out which sire is producing the most successful offspring, WalkingHorseReport Online can give you those answers.
2. How will this change benefit me, the customer?
First and foremost, now every page of the print edition of the Walking Horse REPORT will be available online. That means, no more waiting for the United States Post Office to deliver your paper. We have always mailed the paper each week on Friday, but honestly, our mail delivery has gone from bad to worse in the past ten years. We felt this was our best opportunity to serve our customers by getting them their paper, albeit online, as quickly as possible.
There are also lots more exciting new features including an ability to customize the information you want from The REPORT with your own home page design. We’ve added the new Stallion REPORT where sires are ranked by the success of their offspring in various divisions, as well as overall. And lots more!
3. Are paid sites common? I thought the Internet was totally free?
Newspaper sites are often paid sites, particularly for searching archived data. Everything from Wall Street Journal to the Memphis Commercial Appeal have migrated to various forms of paid participation. Many equine associations also require a paid membership to take advantage of all their services online.
4. Will I be able to see any part of the website without paying?
Yes. Many of our sections will remain free to everyone. The classified ad section, the Horseman’s Hotline directory, and What N When calendar are available free. Poll questions are open to everyone and even current breaking news summaries are available without paying a dime. The Contenders, World Champions and Stallion advertising sections will remain free.
5. Why do I have to subscribe to the paper to get the online edition?
Due to increased delivery problems with the United States Post Office, we felt it was important to have every page of the print edition available online. We want to reward our subscribers with this benefit, but by making it available online, we had to qualify that our online users were also subscribers.
6. What’s different about the information online? Isn’t it just what’s in the weekly paper?
It’s so much more than that. First, it comes to you as breaking news, as it happens, updated all day, every day. You have access to the news whenever you want, wherever you are, and of course, you can archive the news stories all the way back to the year 2000. With our new robust search function, you can even see how closely your search results match the exact terms you were searching. When you find what you’re looking for, we’ve even made it easy to send that article to your colleagues and friends.
There is also website content that never appears in the paper. We have thought-provoking message board discussions. We have a bright, creative community who participates in these important discussions as well as participating in our online polls.
Results online are searchable since 1997, and we have judges cards since Celebration 2005. Then those results are tabulated into various point programs including the High Point REPORT, Rider’s Cup and WHOA High Points. New in 2007, we have the new Stallion REPORT, which ranks stallions by their offspring’s show ring performances in various divisions. You can also see how the stallions stack up overall, and we have even isolated the young horse classes to determine which stallions are emerging as new top producers.
If you think the WalkingHorseReport online is only the Report available online, you’ve got some nice surprises in store!
7. Are there any new features as a part of the design?
Yes. First and foremost, now every page of the print edition of the Walking Horse REPORT will be available online. That means, no more waiting for the United States Post Office to deliver your paper. We have always mailed the paper each week on Friday, but honestly, our mail delivery has deteriorated in the past ten years. We felt this was our best opportunity to serve our customers by getting them their paper, albeit online, as quickly as possible.
There are also lots more exciting new features including the ability to customize the information you want from The REPORT with your own home page design. Add your own search terms to find out the news you most want to see. Track the show results of your favorite horses, owners and riders. Check your favorite High Point REPORT categories right there on your home page. You can even see any Message Board forums you’re participating in.
New in 2007, we have the new Stallion REPORT, which ranks stallions by their offspring’s show ring performances in various divisions. You can also see how the stallions stack up overall, and we have even isolated the young horse classes to determine which stallions are emerging as new top producers.
And we’ve got great new plans for 2008! We’re adding a progeny search, so you can see how your broodmare’s bloodline has crossed with different stallions. We want to make your breeding decisions easier!
8. I’m not a big computer user and rarely access the Internet, but occasionally, I want to check results on your website. Do I have to pay the same amount just to see this information?
Yes. Our show results database is in the paid section of the site. But come on in and look around. We think you’ll like what you find when you check out other areas of the site. If you need a tour, email Sandra Barnes at [email protected] or Kasi Hensley at [email protected], and they'll be glad to walk you through more ways you can use our site.
9. If the site goes down for some reason, will I still be required to pay?
Yes. We have been very pleased with our internet service providers and our programmers. They schedule all required maintenance with us during the middle of the night. We’ve also experienced an incredible up time percentage. Of course, knock on wood, now we’ve jinxed ourselves, but we’ve very proud of our up time performance.
10. So far I like what I hear. What is the term of membership and what is the cost?
If you’re already a print subscriber, the online site will cost $25 per year.
If you’re not a print subscriber, then the print edition of the Walking Horse Report and full access to the internet will cost $75 per year (that’s $50 for the print subscription and $25 for the online subscription).
11. I don’t want to use the website, but I love the paper. Do I still have to pay the additional $25?
No. Of course, you are welcome to continue as a print subscriber only. We will continue to bring you the very best print product in the industry. Watch ads in the paper which will continue to update you to our latest website developments. You might find out you really do want to use the website.
12. Can I pay for my paper and internet subscriptions together?
Yes, especially if you are not a print subscriber currently. If you are already a print subscriber, you may have an extended expiration date, so your $25 online subscription will have a separate expiration date. Call our office if you have additional questions about your expiration dates.
13. How do I know my credit card information won’t be abused if I enter it online?
We have worked with our programmers, who also developed ehorseequipment’s online retail site and many other commercial sites, to ensure that all data is protected with Verisign encryption and is stored behind appropriate firewalls.
It is VERY IMPORTANT that you do not share your login and password information with anyone whom you would not give your credit card to.
14. I can’t remember my password. How do I find out what it is?
At the sign in screen, follow the prompt “Forgotten Your Password.” It goes to a screen that asks for your email address and then says “Get Question.” Then it asks you your secret question and if you answer it correctly, it will email your password to you. If you still have problems, call our office at 931-684-8123 and ask for Jenny Sheppard, Kasi Hensley or Sandra Barnes. They are also available via email at [email protected] and [email protected].
15. I have an idea for future development of the website. Who do I contact?
We’d love to have your ideas. Send them to [email protected].
16. I have registered and paid, but can’t login, what do I do now?
We’re here to help. Contact Jennifer Potts ([email protected]) or Jan Ontiveros ([email protected]) via email or by phone (931) 684-8123.
17. I linked my subscriber number to my account, but I cannot access The REPORT online. What do I do now?
The first time you link your subscriber number you should have full access. If after that you cannot access the REPORT online, your print subscription may have expired. Contact Jennifer Potts([email protected]) or Jan Ontiveros ([email protected]) via email or by phone (931) 684-8123.
18. This is all new to me and I need someone to walk me through it. Can you help?
We’re here to help. Contact Jennifer Potts([email protected]) or Jan Ontiveros ([email protected]) via email or by phone (931) 684-8123.