Active.com

it's just like Ticketmaster in many ways. 

do we need a triathlon Pearl Jam to sue them?

but I find it very convenient when looking for an event. I'm sure if I was a RD I'd love it too, one less thing to do.

They gave me a free membership last year, and I've actually saved a little bit of money (about $36 total) on my races this year.  I didn't recall ever signing up for the trial membership, much less the 'full' membership...

You know I was complaining to a friend of mine last night. That there needs to be one web based database that will house information for every Triathlon.

I bet Triathletes and RD's would both be willing to pay a small annual fee if we could just get one good unabridged database for all races. Not to mention the advertising money to be made there.

i hesitate to jump in...as i dont like breaking promises or overshooting rigid self-imposed deadlines.

BUUUUUTTTTTTTTTT we r working hard behind the scenes to ready and transform our current Directory>Races that will be your dream-come-true.  although u may still have to go to active.com to register.

we are still in phase one, we have a big backlog of races (holding tank) to check and go through, but in a few months we will have a redesigned directory and A LOT of information to display relating current races to previously entered race reports, clubs and retailers in the area, what bt members are signed up, new regional group training forums, etc...all in one place.

if anyone wants to help authenticate race submissions that are in Directory>Races>Holding Tank - essentially verifying information by going to the races website, and then 'authorizing' the submitted link to be publically visible in the directory, LET ME KNOW and i will get you configured. 

should you have the time to verify a couple races a day, the above help WILL make us the best race directory by years-end.

I'll help verify some races. I'm not the smartest computer person, but I'm not the slowest either. If I can figure out how to do it, I'll lend a hand. With school starting next week, I won't be able to a whole lot, but I could probably do a few races a day.

clflgrl - 2005-08-11 3:04 PM

marmadaddy - 2005-08-10 6:42 PM SELECT * FROM Life.

I love your quote! Can I borrow it? I work with databases, can you tell

Please do. It's open source.

I guess active.com has it's issues, and I guess it is sort or operating like a monopoly, but that's only because there are no other players. I don't see what's stopping anyone from starting thier own race registration site.

I will say this: it beats the pants off of having to print out entry forms and mail them in (or the really old-school method of going to the bike/run shop, picking up and entry form (or sending off for an entry form for out of the area races).

And some races do their own online registration, so I guess if you don't like active, write your favorite RD and let them know.

I don't know, I don't have a problem with it.  Now.  I've never signed up for a "membership" and I probably never will cause I just don't see that much of a benefit.  I did sign up for a newsletter, and I really like it.  Other than that, I just make sure to click NO on everything - means no spam, other stuff, etc.

Paying a couple bucks extra for easy on-line registration is worth it to me.  Now, if they started charging $10 (like they do for concert tickets) that would make me mad. 

I think Active.com provides a very nice service, and if you don't want to use it, you could probably always contact the RD and send in a paper form with a check.  Too much hassle for me, frankly.