Our story...

I launched Shop-Eat-Surf.com in August 2007 to share the action sports industry news I was finding after taking a voluntary buyout at the Orange County Register to spend more time with my young son. I worked there 10 years as a reporter and editor.

I strive to write a story a day, usually delivered to subscribers’ email boxes by 8 a.m. The feedback on the site has been gratifying, and propels me out of bed early each morning to tackle the next story.

Readers have asked a lot of questions about the site. Here’s more information:

The goal
To provide a daily news service for action sports executives. Using my skills as a professional business journalist and editor, I tailor my content to provide timely news and insights for this fast-moving and unique industry.

My background
I worked as a print journalist for 13 years. The internet has disrupted the entire newspaper industry, and I felt I needed a foothold in this new world. Thanks to technology, I am now a one-woman publishing company. I take photos, write content, post the stories and design the site. It’s a beautiful thing.

Action sports focus
I enjoy learning and writing about how people who follow their passions build multimillion- and multibillion-dollar, global companies from the ground up. I also covered the industry at the Orange County Register, which gave me a good starting point.

The Shop-Eat-Surf name
I originally thought I would write about my three reporting specialties – the business of restaurants, retail and surf brands. The positive response from the action sports industry led me to narrow the focus for now to provide the most complete report.

Beyond the press release
Lots of sites run press releases. I try to add value as much as possible. Usually, that means asking more questions or striving for additional business insight.

Reader posts
I am always open to reader feedback. I’ll listen to anybody’s ideas, suggestions and vents. But I try to have an even-handed, measured tone on the site. I don’t like mean-spirited, anonymous postings – even if it drives traffic. The goal is to provide straight-ahead reporting.

Sponsorships
We offer sponsorships to companies serving the action sports industry, but we do not accept sponsorships from brands or retailers in the sector, to avoid potential or perceived conflicts between sponsorship and stories on the site.

Sponsorships are branding opportunities. They keep your business name, products, and services in front of our audience of influential, affluent, coastal executives and entrepreneurs.

We offer three levels: sponsorship banners on the home page and story pages; enhanced sponsorships, which include banners and a message in our daily email alert; and sponsored links on the home page and story pages.

You can request a media kit by emailing Shop-eat-surf president Andrew Horan or calling him at 949-351-8676.

Independence
I recognize independent reporting is crucial to my success. I evaluate every story on its merits and listen to all story ideas. I do not accept industry “freebies.”

E-mail lists
I do not share my e-mail lists.

Story ideas
E-mail me at tiffany@shop-eat-surf.com. Please keep in mind this is a business news Web site so I am always looking for a business angle. I also love scoops!