Long time DIG co-conspirator/photographer Rob Dolecki recently made the move up to full-time managing editor status with us after Brian Tunney made the switch over to EXPN. Brian will still be involved with the magazine but Rob is taking over all the day-to-day stuff with DIG in the USA. Most importantly though you’ll be seeing a lot more of his photos and articles exclusively within the pages of DIG. We figured this would be as good a time as any to set the record straight about his new role, his thoughts on the ‘print is dead’ debate, and his plans for DIG in the states. Welcome aboard Rob!
What’s new in your life?
The sun is out, it’s actually above 35 degrees for the first time in a few weeks, and I’m going riding around my neighborhood.
Where are you right now?
Home in Philly.
So, how did your new Managing Editor role at Dig come about?
Will Smyth (DIG’s Editor/Founder) asked me about taking it last month, and it was on.
What will be the biggest change for you?
Plenty of changes - less sleep, less riding time, less income, more responsibility, more time in front of a computer. Wait… why am I doing this? Oh, yeah, the opportunity to focus on one magazine, which I’m really looking forward to. Any editorial work I do from now on will only be with Dig (instead of being split with Ride UK as in the past), which means most of Dig’s content will be more from the U.S. than it already is. It seems like sometimes there’s this notion that Dig is a European magazine, which may have been true like ten or so years ago, but in reality, today it’s an international magazine, one that isn’t confined to any continental or national border. To me, If anything, it’s a U.S. magazine. In the past few years, most of the content has been U.S.-based anyway, plus there is also a specific U.S. edition which has been produced for the past few years. There are some changes with Dig in the works too.
What are some of the changes?
Improvements in magazine availability in the U.S., improvements to the website, and a few other projects to be announced in due time. The content in general will continue to go in the same direction, just with some minor improvements.
What do you have lined up for the next couple of issues of DIG?
I’m working on: Max Gaertig Commits a Ponzi Scheme, Costa Rica’s Roadside Canals, Leland Thurman’s Secret Diary, and Channeling the Free Spirit of Tony Cardona.
Why no more Ride UK?
Simply because Dig will take up all my time. There wasn’t any kind of problems or anything; Steve B. and Chris G. are good guys and were great to work with.
You’re just back from Costa Rica. How was that?
Zac Costa was taking a trip there with a few friends, asked me about going. It was ridiculous. Good people, good spots, good beaches and good times. After riding around the city of San Jose, I also learned what it would be like to ride New York City streets if traffic laws were optional, the roads hadn’t been repaired in the last twenty years, and drivers had absolutely no regard for running you over.
What do you think about the “Print is dying/ dead” brigade?
Ha, ha, that’s a funny one. Usually it’s just people echoing silly sentiments. Obviously, the internet is an amazing tool, and has it’s place in BMX media (and all media for that matter). But, a replacement for print? Not really. Obviously there is going to be concern for everything related to BMX with the current economic state. But people are still going to ride bikes, regardless of how crappy the economy is. Basically, print would only die if people stop making D.I.Y. ‘zines, companies stopped supporting magazines, and most importantly, riders stop caring about and appreciating them.
I will also do what I normally try to avoid - comparing BMX to skateboarding. What is there, like five or six major skate mags in the U.S.? And all of them are doing well, despite the current economic climate. Why? Because, all the skate companies see the value in print, and do their best to support all of them, even all the smaller regional magazines throughout
the U.S. The reasons why those companies see print’s value are pretty obvious. I like to compare the idea of magazines’ continued existence to DVD videos. A few years ago everyone was crying wolf that DVD’s were over, that the internet/ web videos were the new way for videos. And it looked like more than a few companies were going to give into that mindset. And why not; in theory, it’s way more economical to fire out some short web videos on occasion instead of a full-length production, and they know exactly what they are getting for their cost, in viewing numbers. Web videos are great for websites too; more free content, and more hits for them. But theories are just theories, and riders know the value and quality difference between squinting at a 2 inch dark pixel mess, and watching a crisp well-produced full-length DVD on a large TV screen. And the riders who’ve been in it for a minute don’t want to risk their life repeatedly for a two minute segment that will get lost forever amongst the plethora of Johnny Local ledge feeble video parts two weeks after it is put up (I don’t think there’s anything at all wrong with the chance for anyone to post videos of any riding, but I think it’s also good when there are mediums like DVD’s and magazines that showcase the most quality riding apart from everything else.) Riders have constantly voiced their opinions to their sponsors and in the magazines that gave them that outlet. And many companies have been seeing that, and taking note. Just look how many companies that have full-length DVD projects/ or indy projects in progress in 2009; I think the last count is at least eight? (Animal, Fit, Eastern, Sunday, Empire, Primo, Anthem II, and United). When was the last time you saw that many full-length DVD’s in the works? That is f-ing awesome. 2010 should erase any doubt in people’s minds that the era of the DVD is over. I’m personally glad to see DVD production going as strong as ever. There’s such a long-lasting positive impact on bike riding that full-length videos have; not just in the U.S., but all over the world. Every time I have gone to a country that has limited exposure to the BMX world, I see how important something like DVD’s and magazines are to the sustenance and progression of BMX culture there, especially since most kids there don’t have access to the internet anyway. Not that they would be better off if they did, since a good chunk of what is online is a bunch of watered-down junk, and/ or infused with goofy opinions.
Back to magazines - print media parallels that. I think there are companies that are wondering if the internet is the new way, and if print is no longer a viable means of advertising. They’re trying different things, and seeing what happens. You can call me biased, but it’s not any different than the DVD scenario. DVD’s and magazines are not an ever-increasing watered-down sea of interesting and not- so-interesting media. You’re going to find the highest level of riding and photography and a cohesive blend of articles in magazines. As kooky as it might sound, there’s a tangible culture within the magazine realm. Most magazines also have a loyal following, and people can understand and appreciate the time and effort that goes into the making of a quality issue, something that people can hold onto and look back on years later. And that’s something no monthly unique visitor count can compare to. So much for being a ‘Rapid Response’, ha ha.
What else does 2009 have in store for you?
A lot more miles on my car’s odometer.
Feel free to email Rob with any questions about DIG in the USA:
