Dogsled.com: Mushing news, Iditarod, Yukon Quest, sled dog events

Letter to our viewers:

For many, the countdown to Iditarod 35 began months ago, but this week the clock seems to move even faster. Mushers, dog teams, media, pilots, volunteers and communities are all scrambling to prepare for the pinnacle dog sledding event held each March in Alaska. This year it seems there is almost an overabundance of media outlets for the Last Great Race including musher family websites such as the Seaveys, Moderows and Busers.

In addition to all the Internet coverage, there appears to be a surge in television/video exposure with the local Anchorage NBC affiliate jumping into the fray alongside Versus (formerly Outdoor Life Network) and several others who hope to capture a little adventure for their viewers. The ITC or Iditarod Trail Committee is even hoping to cash in on all the buzz - they struck a deal with Panasonic to create the "first ever" HD (high-definition) video coverage of the race.

What once was a race against time and a challenge of mushing teams versus the elements has apparently become the makings of a Wheaties athlete photo opportunity.  In an ever-fragmenting media blitz, I often wonder if the original spirit of the Iditarod will survive. Don't get me wrong, even Dogsled.com plans to generate a little advertising revenue for our efforts.

While the commercial efforts are necessary for us to pay the bills, our goal is to remain independent and do the best we can to provide a more personal view of the people, places and animals that make mushing such a unique sport. We are eternally grateful to the photographers, volunteers, mothers, fathers, friends and partners that make Dogsled.com possible. The events and coverage we provide are truly dependent on these individuals.

For 2007, we are still boot-strapping and building our foundation to provide YOU with great multimedia, images and stories from dog sledding events both large and small. We sincerely hope that everyone visiting Dogsled.com is able to take away something that was either informative, fun, heartwarming or beautiful. Thank you for joining us on our own adventure as we blaze a new trail in the world of online media.

Sincerely,
Kevin Kastner and all of Team Dogsled  

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