flightclub, A Planelopnik Critique - repost for evening oppos

"Chris Clarke" (shiftsandgiggles)
04/09/2014 at 20:15 • Filed to: Flightclub

Its been over a month since Flight Club launched and I wanted to express some of my observations. I was pretty excited back when rumors first started circulating that Hardibro was taking planelopnik to the next level.

I might be a little more biased than most of Oppo since I'm involved in aviation and my contributions mainly revolve around airplanes. So I had pretty high hopes for Flight Club.

I think Paul Thompson is a good writer, and he might have a big social media outlet but his style doesn't exactly match some of his Jalopnik counterparts that I really enjoy, and it seems that 90% of the Flight Club content is on airlines or airliners. I realize that MH370 came along at the right time, and there's nothing wrong with taking some advantage over a press frenzy, but I guess I was hoping for a more eclectic range of aviation articles that was more on par with what I'd expect to read on Jalopnik FP. I'm finding that Foxtrot Alpha seems to have more interesting aviation articles than Flight Club, but is obviously limited to military aircraft, and I'm not sure if Paul is active on Oppo like most of the other writers.

What do you think?

DISCUSSION (14)

Victorious Secret > Chris Clarke
04/09/2014 at 09:55

I think Foxtrot Alpha and Flight Club need to be merged.

One stone is better than two, and I think those guys have plenty of content to keep one flight related blog going.

ttyymmnn > Chris Clarke
04/09/2014 at 10:02

I think we just keep plugging along with Planelopnik. We have a few members who like to write longer articles from time to time (including yours truly), and we have a good of idea what works well for Oppo readers: interesting pictures with small comment, occasional features, eclectic selections. If it ain't broke....

jariten1781 > Chris Clarke
04/09/2014 at 10:11

I haven't been overly impressed by it so far. Very surface level and a bit dry. I've also noticed that Paul can get defensive about his speculations in the comments even when someone brings better information, he'll need to rein that in. Because the MH370 thing came up, I'll wait until it gets into a more normal rhythm before I pass judgment.

Chris Clarke > Victorious Secret
04/09/2014 at 10:15

I think that's a good idea. I think the issue is mainly that all gawker sites were required to hire Recruits with their own sub-blogs and since Hardigee already wanted planelopnik, but needed to have multiple recruits and he ended up with 2 aviation subblogs. If they wanted my opinion, it would be to combine flight club and foxtrot and find a new sub genre for a new subblog.

Chris Clarke > ttyymmnn
04/09/2014 at 10:16

Agreed. I'll continue to read and write planelopnik for Oppo, but it seemed like a nice idea to have a dedicated place to bring attention to aviation specifically with a jalopnik sytle.

The Transporter > Chris Clarke
04/09/2014 at 10:31

I'm not exactly surprised that Flightclub deals mostly with commercial aviation. Most people's exposure with aviation - Jalop staff included - is on a passenger plane. I'd actually be a little shocked if Flightclub was GA centric.

Still, all the criticism that Jalopnik leveled at the NYT over their failed car blog could be leveled at Jalopnik over Flightclub.

ttyymmnn > Chris Clarke
04/09/2014 at 10:31

It is a nice idea, but then it becomes subject to the whims of Gawker—and burners. Planelopnik has its own style just like Paul has a style for Flight Club. I like Planelopnik's style, and I wouldn't want to see it change.

Chris Clarke > The Transporter
04/09/2014 at 10:35

Ha, right. Lets not be hypocritical here. But, Flightclub hasn't exactly failed yet, and it looks like its actually getting some pretty good hits. Not sure how it compares to regular articles on the FP, but I think there's still a chance it will stick around.

The Transporter > Chris Clarke
04/09/2014 at 11:08

Oh, it's way to early to call it a failed project, but in a sea of car blogs, Jalopnik stands out. Meanwhile, I could (and do) go to a dozen different blogs covering all aspects of aviation to get far more insightful coverage. Flightclub needs to find its niche.

Chris Clarke > ttyymmnn
04/09/2014 at 11:32

I don't want it to change either. I guess I was expecting Flight Club to be Planelopnik, but its not. I will still be happy to enjoy Planelopnik right here on Oppo.

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > Chris Clarke
04/09/2014 at 20:21

Combine then and make a gunlopnik blog. I would love to see the rest of Gawkers reaction.

Paul Thompson > Chris Clarke
04/10/2014 at 00:03

Hi!

First, I'd like to say thanks for reading Flight Club. It's definitely a labor of love, but I DO love it. One thing I've learned is that I can't please everyone. I'm okay with that! Thus far, I'm happy with how it's turned out, and the Jalopnik guys seem to be pleased as well. In regard to my style not matching my Jalopnik counterparts, I'm still learning exactly what that style is, plus, why be like everyone else? Overall, I want it to be a place where aviation enthusiasts can come. I won't assume everyone knows everything about planes, but I also won't write it as "Airplanes For Dummies."

I know it's not perfect. We're barely a month into this, and it's still a learning experience for me. I realize most of my posts are airline-related, but that's what a lot of this audience can relate to, plus it's where most of my knowledge & experience resides. Go with what you know, as they say. But I also want to learn along with y'all. I have some cool stuff planned, and yes I do plan to include more history and gen-av stuff, so don't give up on me yet. :)

I appreciate the feedback, and please feel free to drop me a line any time if you have a suggestion or if there's something you'd like to see on Flight Club. paul@jalopnik.com

Thanks again,

Paul

Chris Clarke > Paul Thompson
04/10/2014 at 09:11

Awesome! Thanks for the reply. I really want Flight Club to succeed. I know it will continue to evolve and improve. I realize that us Oppo regulars might have different preferences then the majority of readers so I understand if every post can't cater to our whims. I'm glad you're open to feedback and look forward to what Flight Club has in store for the future.

djOpel > Chris Clarke
04/10/2014 at 10:37

To be honest, i really like the Flight Club blog. Aviation is a pretty wide ranging topic and deserves its own space away from military. I feel the Flight Club blog is more for the commercial side of aviation, which affects millions running around airports every day. I've been known to take the odd mileage run too. Flyertalk can be a bit holier than thou, I find Flight Club to be a bit more general interest.

I keep finding new blogs on here all the time...just found Kitchenette the other day!