FieldJournals

Petersenshunting.com recently launched a new website that is still in Beta.  The launch was way over due for a re-design and needed a face-lift.  At first glance, the site is clean and organized.  The graphics are not overwhelming and content is easy to locate.

Petersens is probably my favorite hunting magazine to read; however, their new site probably should not have been released until further testing was complete.  We often encountered XML issues while pages were loading.

The gear database link does not seem to load properly as there are many blank spots left open on the page.  http://gear.petersenshunting.com/.  We also could not find a “Contact Us” link throughout the site.

Our biggest issue with the site is the ability to share articles.  In our mind, Petersens probably provides the best hunting articles in the industry today.  The articles should have the ability to be shared across the web.  There is no social bookmarking ability throughout the site.  No RSS in the site either.  This great content needs the ability to be shared across the web and could dramatically increase traffic for the site.  I would love to read Petersens content in my favorite Reader.

About Petersens from their site, “With a total of 500,000+ unique monthly visitors, magazine readership of 3.2 million and 4.2 million TV-watching households, Petersen’s Hunting is the most trusted brand solely devoted to the pursuit of sport hunting. Intermixed with content on all facets of this sport are key features on conservation and game management , all serving to position Petersen’s Hunting enthusiasts’ at the forefront of the ‘green’ movement.

Petersen’s Hunting is one of the core brands of InterMedia Outdoors,  a company devoted to reaching the most avid outdoors enthusiasts across all media. InterMedia Outdoors, Inc. is recognized for the strongest brands in the industry, including In-Fisherman, Fly Fisherman, Game & Fish and 12 other leading magazines; 20 associated and complementary websites, including the BassFan network; 25 popular television shows; 8 consumer events; a National television network, Sportsman Channel and Barrett Productions, the premier producer of outdoor-sports television programming.”