by Kirk Overby

Anyone involved in the sport of dirt biking has wanted, and probably pursued, a job with Dirt Bike or Dirt Rider magazine. Who wouldn't want to? New bikes to ride, new products to test, race stars to talk to, fun folks to ride with and national recognition can be yours when you're involved with these magazines!

Want to know how to do this? Read on!

I was fortunate to attend the 3-day Rick Sieman International Moto-Journalism School. In 3 very short days, Rick "Super Hunky" Seiman manages to unload a plethora of valuable information about the ins, outs, and why's of the moto-journalism game. We all know Rick has been around the block. For the first time ever, Rick tells you what to EXPECT and WHAT TO DO when walking the block!

A versatile master of sound technical and creative writing, Rick pushed his own boundaries and successfully entered the enigmatic realm of class room style instruction. The students, pre-screened and selected by Rick, were all extremely talented. Their backgrounds ranged from an engineer working in Eastern Montana to a journalist working with Davey Coomb's up and coming Racer X Illustrated magazine.

Many times, Rick taught the class as an actual everyday magazine operation! It made for some interesting moments and taught everyone about the real world of magazine publishing. It also answered my nagging questions why Rick Sieman has not published his own magazine.

Writing exercises were performed everyday. Every exercise was based upon acquiring or improving common journalism tasks. The fellow class members, along with Rick, critiqued the exercises. Generally, the class either applauded, or chided one with good natured ribbing for well done or not-so-well done efforts. It was always easy to determine if someone REALLY blew an exercise. All class participants would stare at the victim blankly. I know this from personal experience.

What information did Mr. Sieman disseminate? Here is an all too brief list:

• Why are magazines aid out they way they are? Rick tells all - and why! The magazine publishers are slick! They know how to play into the prospective customers hand.

• How difficult is it to submit articles to a magazine? It's a piece of cake! The step is to make sure one plays by the "magazines particular rules" when initiating contact. After one successfully becomes published, article submission can become criminally easily!

• How do magazines get great cover shots? It's insanely simple to perform using "flash fill" photographic techniques. After the class, anyone can make great great cover shots using "flash fill" photography.

• Rick explains the materials required to get the neophyte moto-journalist started and how to obtain the materials without forking over a mere large sack of cash!

• The tips, advice, and inside information Rick gave his class are invaluable for the beginning moto-journalist. There are simply too many to mention in this article.

  The first ever Rick Sieman International Moto-Journalism School was a raging success. There were a few glitches in the class. These include the comical presence of Rick's two Golden Retrievers that insisted upon being best friends with everything and everyone. And, since the class is taught in Rick's ocean side villa in Baja Mexico, the overwhelming view of the Pacific Ocean from the class room can be distracting - particularly when the whales and dolphins are playing!

  I learned LOTS from the class and exercises I performed. One can leave Rick's class and actually begin free-lance journalism. However, be forewarned that the class is information and participation intense. Be prepared to work hard for at least 9 hours a day, everyday for 3 days. One will certainly get their money's worth from the class.

  Rick's new found teaching talent, his omnipresent creativity and personal energy made this class an experience that can only be described as a once in a lifetime experience.

  What a way to spend a weekend!

  For more information about the Rick Sieman International Moto-Journalism School, contact Rick Sieman at:
  
  Rick Sieman
  4492 Camino De La Plaza
  Suite 1251
  San Ysidro, CA 85239-3097
  

  Rick can also be reached via e-mail at superhunky@gmail.com