Welcome Back to Your Jam Plug
A re-introduction
'Your Jam Plug' was first launched in late 2023, but after a serious deep dive into what skaters needed and wanted, I set out to re-launch with something that better aligned.
First thing's first, I updated the logo a bit.
And the site's visuals! It's funny if I think about it now, but this whole re-brand started because I didn't like the visual limitations of the previous site builder. I REALLY wanted the bottom corner of the header to be curved, and "it would be so much easier if I just coded it myself" < the words I deeply loath (but don't regret) having said...
About YJP
Let's do a quick fire QnA:
- What is 'Your Jam Plug'?
The good intentions of a frustrated skater. I'm making it to be a central hub so everyone saves time scouring the internet or waiting for the algorithms to strike, no more FOMO, or unrelated search results. Find your roller skate events here, over to the directory if you want to find skate shops, groups and rinks, then this beautiful blog if you need some skate news to brighten your day!\ - Who owns it?
Originally I tried to keep this site anonymous so that it would remain untainted by bias on either side… but it's me ~\ - Why did you launch a roller skate events site?
I would get annoyed when I missed a skate night that looked really good, all because I wasn't in the "right" WhatsApp group, or on social media at the right hour to get tickets. Plus, many new skaters would share the same complaints I had when I first started out. Everything is so IYKYK and only "once you join a clique" (unintentionally so, cause the skaters love meeting other skaters, just hard to find/join them) That became: "if they have a place to advertise, and get free promo, skaters will be able to find events and never miss out". \ - ...
Honestly, same. I'm not a journalist, so I don't know what questions people might ask, or what they want to know... but message me anytime ~\
Where was I… ah yes, the bloody corner.
I ended up deep diving into the world of websites, branding and user experience, coupled with my previous deep dive into the bigger world of skating as a sport (and how one official body was just feigning existence… proper vexed me you know), I decided a pause and rebrand would be best.
What's new?
Well, I'm glad you asked!
The Events Page:
Find all the Skate Events Listed in one place
I've added a search function, a global filtering system.
Yes, we'll be able to browse events from around the world!
the filter system also allows users to filter by skate disciplines. So if you're into sport like roller derby, dance or street skating, you can find it quicker.
Users can also filter by skill level, so if beginner-specific is your desire, you can save yourself the headache. Or you can filter by event type. Let's say you want to find just the overnight events, something worth planning a whole holiday around. You can do that.
Oh but speaking of festivals.
The Festivals Page:
We have a new page dedicated to the holiday-worthy Skate Festivals!
All the events listed are a minimum of 3 days, and include multiple activities. Workshops, skate nights, socials and of course they double as a reason to travel.
It's organised by month, and in time, we'll have lists for both old events from the year previous, and upcoming events for the following year.
The Directory Page:
For now, it is focused on UK and Ireland. A simple, but organised list of Skate Rinks and venues, skate shops and groups/organisations that offer events, lessons or just community link ups.
The next plan is to make expand this globally… so wish me luck.
The Blog:
We all know what a blog is, but how great is it to have a skate one!?
Basically, there were a lot of people that deserved to be recognised, highlighted and credited for things in the skate community plus, I always had a lot to say (don't worry, it won't always be my voice on here), so why not put it in writing as another form of accessible media/information.
The Submission forms
You can Submit your Business to the Directory or Submit your Event to the listing page.
The best idea was having the forms built into the site!
I spent way too long trying to get them to be right… but then it gave me the best idea.
The Global Skate Network for Professional Business and service providers.
A mouthful, I know.
This is pending, launch date TBD, but I want to build a skate network like they have in the States to help UK and Ireland's skate businesses hire internally where possible (internally = within the skate community). Someone owns a rink and needs to boost attendance? Someone who hosts events needs a venue? our network can match them up, help them find each other or something.
I'm not yet sure what format the network will be in, but it will be multi-layered.
Perhaps a yellow-pages type list, or a forum for discussion and knowledge sharing, or a digital social media/expo where each business gets its own page with links to their contacts and website.… Honestly, with enough time and/or help, it'll likely be all of the above.
But that's for the future. Until then, I'll be sharing information business owners want/need to know, hopefully on their own newsletter or comms channel somehow.
I'm not sure If spilling my plans this early is good/bad business, but I'm excited for the idea of it.
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The Newsletter
Lastly, I've decided that all of this information is great, but with this brand, we might be able to do more for the skate community.
Sign up here btw ^
I've got big plans in my head, and want you lot to be apart of it. But with how chaotic WhatsApp groups get, wouldn't it be great if I just sent a message with a short summary?
Picture this:
- (If only, but...) NEW RINK is opening! wouldn't that be amazing news to get direct
- Discount/special tickets for skate events ?! I will visualise this for us
- A casting agent reaches out cause they need roller skaters… I'm not a casting agency but I'll 100% pass the opportunity to the community!
- Some brand is hosting a roller skate pop up… free goodies? we love free ~
- Better yet, one of our favourite skate groups or event organisers are hiring. Looking for photographers, skilled professionals, skate and non-skate related roles etc etc. It could even be a mini job board to help all our creatives and fun-employed peeps.
The possibilities are endless. But for now, you won't get a message from me unless it's something REALLY JUICY~