The Change To The Oppo Domain

"Travis Okulski" (travis)
05/21/2015 at 14:13 • Filed to: None

We just !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! on how Oppo will become oppositelock.kinja.com, eschewing the .jalopnik.com address. I’m sure you’re reading it over. You’re probably wondering how this will change Oppo. The answer, in short, is that it won’t.

Another thing you’re wondering is why this would change. In the old days, Oppo (and the boards for the other sites) was a small clique of very enthusiastic readers. It was short, off topic posts, quick links, cool pictures, etc.

With Kinja, it became a blog. A real blog. It looked exactly the same as Jalopnik and it empowered readers to produce excellent stories. And you did.

But as Oppo (and the other boards) has gotten bigger and bigger, we’ve run into issues. People requesting cars saying they write for Jalopnik. Discovering plagiarism in stories we’ve shared. Complaints from people that believe Oppo is run by the editors of Jalopnik threatening action against copyright of photos or asking us to edit. Which we don’t do because Oppo is a community run by readers, not by employees of Gawker.

We’ll still share stories. We’ll still pop in and check stuff out. We’ll still be active in Oppo ourselves. Oppo will still be a community made of Jalopnik readers (and in some cases, haters). It will just be more independent now.

Questions? I’ll be popping in and out.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Contact the author at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

DISCUSSION (100)

Nibby > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:16

IN OPPO WE TRUST

LONG LIVE #OFF-TOPIC/OPPOSITELOCK

shop-teacher > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:16

Will all our links back to older oppo articles now be broken?

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:17

Thank you Travis. This is exactly what Oppo needed.

Racescort666 > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:17

For better or worse, it’s a re-branding is it not?

CB > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:17

Are you allowed to talk about the bigger event that caused this? And what are your thoughts on all this?

Was plagarism not foreseen as an issue when the idea of crossposting from subblogs first came out?

Will old links get borked?

Kind of sad to see that we’ll no longer be directly connected to Jalopnik, but from a liability point of view, it makes sense.

Nibbles > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:17

Will it still have a sidebar link from Jalopnik (like TruckYeah, etc)?

HammerheadFistpunch > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:18

I asked on the other linked article but...will this break all the links back to oppositelock.jalopnik.com? Also, when?

Party-vi > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:18

Kinja'd!!!

We’re free!

Rico > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:18

I request that you publicly shame anyone who has requested press cars under the guise that they are Jalopnik editors.

thebigbossyboss > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:18

Trav. I am just wondering about copyright to a degree. How closely do you “search for copy right infringements” when you share posts?

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:20

Hopefully this move will curb some of the drama caused by the rapid growth that Oppo has seen in the past couple years. Hopefully we could go back to the tight knit community we once were.

CB > Nibby
05/21/2015 at 14:21

We are now free from our bourgeoisie rulers! Horsepower to the people!

thebigbossyboss > Rico
05/21/2015 at 14:21

Oh yeah. Definitely.

Travis Okulski > CB
05/21/2015 at 14:21

1 - I don’t know enough to really comment intelligently.

2 - Yes, but at the beginning it was a smaller group of people. As it’s expanded and there have been more people, there are more unknowns, and it gets harder to catch every time.

3 - Nope, they should be just fine

4 - You will be though, Oppo is the user community of Jalopnik readers. Same as always.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:22

Man, people are getting some use out of all of the KINJA’D pictures I did.

505Turbeaux > Party-vi
05/21/2015 at 14:22

I watched that shit last night. Bill Pullman and Robert Loggia were 100 times better in Lost Highway though

Kinja'd!!!

Travis Okulski > HammerheadFistpunch
05/21/2015 at 14:22

It will not. Should be fine.

Travis Okulski > Nibbles
05/21/2015 at 14:22

That I need to find out, but I think that might go away too.

Travis Okulski > Rico
05/21/2015 at 14:22

No thanks

Party-vi > 505Turbeaux
05/21/2015 at 14:23

DON’T YOU STEAL MY THUNDER DAMMIT!

505Turbeaux > HammerheadFistpunch
05/21/2015 at 14:23

if they are smart they will do a redirect so all the old traffic from shares doesn’t die

CB > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:23

Thanks, Travis. Keep up the good work as Editor-In-Chief!

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:23

Should be, but this is Kinja

505Turbeaux > Party-vi
05/21/2015 at 14:24

just stole’d it

Travis Okulski > thebigbossyboss
05/21/2015 at 14:24

I don’t even mean shared posts. I mean posts that are just on Oppo that are discovered by the owner of a photo.

BigBlock440 > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:24

People requesting cars saying they write for Jalopnik.

What kind of shitbirds would do that?

thebigbossyboss > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:26

Please?

Travis Okulski > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
05/21/2015 at 14:26

Right, that’s why I hedged.

thebigbossyboss > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
05/21/2015 at 14:27

Are you going to sue for copyright?

thebigbossyboss > BigBlock440
05/21/2015 at 14:27

Idiotic ones.

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:27

People requesting cars saying they write for Jalopnik.

Who was this?!

I’m glad Jalopnik isn’t washing its hands of Oppo, but considering the site will retain the same layout, association (as a sub-blog which is consistantly shared to FP) and users as Jalopnik, I don’t see how changing the domain will solve your above mentioned issues. I’m aware that this is only a domain change, and as such doesn’t have a huge affect on the majority of users (assuming any old links to oppositelock.jalopnik.com auto re-direct to the .kinja domain?).

Rico > CB
05/21/2015 at 14:27

Now the people own the means of induction!

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > thebigbossyboss
05/21/2015 at 14:28

I’m going to sue you in England!

CB > BigBlock440
05/21/2015 at 14:28

The few and far between egomaniacs. I’ve seen a few posters mention doing that for press passes as well.

Patrick Nichols > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
05/21/2015 at 14:29

As one of the members that joined in the last two years I actually have to agree. More so curbing the FP readers from coming over without really understanding what is going on. The openness is what makes it cool but itll be nice to have members that truly have to seek Oppo out

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > HammerheadFistpunch
05/21/2015 at 14:29

Does that mean the Blackbird will finally die?

Rico > CB
05/21/2015 at 14:29

I think it was the i09 article that broke the camels back, some user posted a really great article on CGI but it turned out it was lifted nearly word for word from Cracked.

CB > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
05/21/2015 at 14:30

Blackbird is eternal.

Jcarr > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:30

Will there be more strict vetting required for stories to get shared/cross posted?

If so, could a “How-To” be put together for those of us want to create shareable content, but want to make sure it meets the right standards?

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:30

The trust of “don’t be a dick” has been broken. Break it back.

Please?

505Turbeaux > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:30

Kinja'd!!!

CB > Rico
05/21/2015 at 14:31

I knew that, but I was curious as to how that poster got there in the first place.

Textured Soy Protein > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:32

But now how am I supposed to have random friends and acquaintances ask me, “WHOA DO YOU WRITE FOR JALOPNIK?”

Kinja'd!!!

Rico > CB
05/21/2015 at 14:32

I think they were considered like the SteveLheto of IO9 so no one thought anything of it to share it to the FP.

Rico > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:33

*Puts torch and pitchfork down* But I want mob justice! lol No seriously, you’re doing a great job and I appreciate you coming to Oppo and letting us know.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > CB
05/21/2015 at 14:34

Blackbird is love. Blackbird is life.

CB > Rico
05/21/2015 at 14:35

Yeah, but SteveLehto has written books and has a podcast to generally prove who he is. From what I hear, and the poster did was post list articles.

McMike > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:36

Wait, does this mean I can share links to my posts to VWVortex, and not have to listen to four pages of bullshit about it being a Jalopnik post?

DasWauto > Patrick Nichols
05/21/2015 at 14:36

I doubt it will change in that regard. Most, if not all, people find Oppo as a result of posts shared to Jalopnik. As the sharing of posts will continue, I doubt this will change.

Nibbles > CB
05/21/2015 at 14:39

SPOILER: The poster was buzzfeed

CB > Nibbles
05/21/2015 at 14:40

Hah. I’m always surprised that Buzzfeed has yet to be nuked from orbit with lawsuits.

BrtStlnd > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:42

“requesting cars saying they write for Jalopnik”

UGH that’s such a great idea, I wish I had thought of it.

Racescort666 > DasWauto
05/21/2015 at 14:45

That's how I got here. Now you can't get rid of me. HAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Andrew T. Maness > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
05/21/2015 at 14:47

we could go back

One can never go back, forward is the only direction.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > Patrick Nichols
05/21/2015 at 14:49

The issue is that oppo got too big too fast, there wast time for it to grow into itself.

DasWauto > BrtStlnd
05/21/2015 at 14:50

Sucker, I haven’t paid for a car in months!

/because of this one simple trick!

/car manufacturers hate him.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > McMike
05/21/2015 at 14:50

If you go near VWVortex you’re getting 4 pages of bullshit anyway most of the time.

BrtStlnd > Racescort666
05/21/2015 at 14:51

Sounds like more of a compliance issue than branding...

BrtStlnd > DasWauto
05/21/2015 at 14:53

Dammit I bet you don’t have any wrinkles or belly fat either

DasWauto > Racescort666
05/21/2015 at 14:57

Oh yeah?

Kinja'd!!!

Huehuehue.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 14:58

Pop Pop!

DasWauto > BrtStlnd
05/21/2015 at 14:58

Nope, and I make $4219/week just working on my computer. Learn more at http:// jobsfromgoogle.com /

Racescort666 > DasWauto
05/21/2015 at 15:01

Drat, my kryptonite...

Travis Okulski > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
05/21/2015 at 15:07

Nah, I’m not a dick.

Andrew T. Maness > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
05/21/2015 at 15:14

Kinja'd!!!

crowmolly > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 15:22

Not sure if anybody else asked this, but are we going to lose “related blogs” status in the drop down?

Andrew T. Maness > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 15:33

Mixed feelings about this because I know there are some larger forces at play but I can see where you (and the Jalopnik/Gawker staff) are coming from.

Oppo has gotten quite large and recently begun feeling less like the lovable island of misfit toys and more like Cuba. Great cars, cool scenery but a whole lot of people trying to swim to the mainland where a few are accepted but the majority are turned back or drown along the way. What I mean to say is I don’t think there is a Opponaut among us who doesn’t understand why this is happening but that doesn’t change the feeling of being left behind. We all want to write for Jalopnik on some level, I just think there are some folks out there who figured writing for Oppo was basically the same thing, which is unfortunate because it is assuredly not.

Ultimately I think this is a good move, an opportunity even. Oppo serves as an outlet for people’s feelings on a variety of topics, a place where weirdness is welcomed and above all, a safe place for automotive enthusiasts from all walks of life to try their hand at writing about the aspects of the culture they find interesting. I the community continues to grow but at the same time becomes more connected, better at self editing and more professional. Perhaps that’s overly optimistic but I really think it’s possible. At the very least I hope this doesn’t turn anyone off to using Oppo as a creative outlet because at the end of the day that’s really all it is.

Oh, and one more thing, please keep Oppo on the sidebar!

Your boy, BJR > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 16:03

eeeeeehhh....

roflcopter > Andrew T. Maness
05/21/2015 at 16:07

Kinja'd!!!

Rico > Textured Soy Protein
05/21/2015 at 16:11

Time to change your identity!

WhiskeyGolf > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 16:19

Actually I write for Jelopnic.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 17:00

People requesting cars saying they write for Jalopnik

Seriously? WTF?

Justin Hughes > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 17:12

As my own work has seen more circulation (thanks for sharing!) I’ve been both amused and bewildered by finding links to it with people saying “Hey look! Jalopnik covered the RallySprint!” There’s a huge difference between you sending one of your staff to cover the event, and a volunteer like me writing about it. I’m not Jalopnik and never claim to be, but misinterpretation still happens. I understand your desire to avoid that.

As long as good material from Oppo can still get reposted to the front page or sub blogs as appropriate, that’s all good with me. And it sounds like you plan to keep on doing that, so it's all good.

Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 17:34

Good stuff my man

Bob > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 17:55

I still have zero idea how oppo is related to Jalopnik; how they began; how to get un-greyed; how to become a contributor, etc. Can someone point me to a resource or FAQ?

Victorious Secret > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 17:57

Is it okay if I still say I was once sworn at by Matt? Does that give me journalistic cred?

Victorious Secret > DasWauto
05/21/2015 at 17:59

Back in my day...we...

I don’t know. It has been a while.

DasWauto > Bob
05/21/2015 at 18:23

Oppo started as Jalopnik’s off topic reader forum several years ago. It’s still that but with the introduction of the blogging platform within Kinja it has also become a great source of reader generated content. As for becoming a contributor you’ll need to be made an author, which I’ll do. Let me know if you need any help.

Oh, and on the point of Oppo’s relation to Jalopnik, your commenter/author status here has no effect on being grey/ungreyed on Jalopnik proper.

Stef Schrader > Nibby
05/21/2015 at 18:27

heart-click

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > DasWauto
05/21/2015 at 18:29

Ooh, that’s cold.

Stef Schrader > Textured Soy Protein
05/21/2015 at 18:32

AUGHHHHHHH

I get add/friend requests from folks who say “I’m just adding car people” a lot.

No. That’s not how that works. That’s not how any of this works.

Stef Schrader > WhiskeyGolf
05/21/2015 at 18:34

Kinja'd!!!

PatBateman > Stef Schrader
05/21/2015 at 18:52

BRB, sending you friend request for the hell of it.

PatBateman > 505Turbeaux
05/21/2015 at 18:53

YUP.

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > Party-vi
05/21/2015 at 18:53

Your thunder be stole’d...

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > Stef Schrader
05/21/2015 at 18:59

Fantastic

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > Stef Schrader
05/21/2015 at 19:03

Kinja'd!!!

I’m just adding car people...

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > Travis Okulski
05/21/2015 at 19:04

Kinja is still going to cause my mobile browser to randomly crash right?

Tohru > Rico
05/21/2015 at 19:48

It was me. No matter how much I demanded though, it didn’t work - the Hertz people wouldn’t give me an upgrade from a compact to a full-size for free.

/sarcasm

Tohru > Andrew T. Maness
05/21/2015 at 19:49

Toyota: Moving Forward... uncontrollably.

Tohru > Nibby
05/21/2015 at 19:50

So does this mean the return of Nibbybabes?