The World's Only
Flashlight Industry
News Website


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Be sure to visit our companion site, FlashlightNews Forums, to discuss flashlights and other subjects.
Send flashlight-related press releases to flashlightnews@gmail.com
Important: We hope you'll find answers here to most of the questions you may have about FlashlightNews.
If you have any additional questions or suggestions, email us at flashlightnews@gmail.com.
About This Site

Why FlashlightNews?

This site started as a simple directory of flashlight-related web sites, but it quickly became obvious to us that the flashlight industry (or handheld lighting industry) was a diverse area of interest that was being under served by traditional media. While plenty of flashlight-related information was available on any of the several message boards dedicated to the subject or through the sites of individual manufacturers, finding information through these channels is time-consuming and cumbersome. This site has been developed to bring much of this information together in a different (and we hope more useful) form.

How long has this site been in business?

The original directory site that we began with was first published in October of 2005, with the site taking on the 'FlashlightNews' name in January of 2006. As an example of how established a site we are, as of the time of this writing, we have published over 1500 flashlight-related press releases and articles.

Who publishes/owns this site?

FlashlightNews.org and its sister site (FlashlightNews Forums) are owned and published by Bowen Web Sites, a sole proprietorship.

How can I have my company's press release published to your site?

Just send it to us at flashlightnews@gmail.com! As long as the press release is related to flashlights or other associated areas of interest, we will almost always publish it. We depend upon the contributions of flashlight-related businesses to help keep our viewers informed and up-to-date on flashlight-related news.

I see a lot of non-flashlight releases on your site...why?

Two reasons really. First, we take a very liberal view of what constitutes a 'flashlight'...if it lights up and is portable, we consider it a 'flashlight' and of potential interest to our audience. Also, flashlights are the products of many different technologies working together. Light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent bulbs, batteries, lenses, electronics, materials like aluminum and polymers, are all used in the manufacture and development of flashlights and of potential interest to our readers. Additionally, the business of getting flashlights to consumers (retailing) and the areas in which flashlights find use (outdoors, emergency, law enforcement, and others) are all considered to be subjects that our readers may want to read about. One more thing...many of the major manufacturers of flashlights and flashlight-related products are large companies that produce more than just flashlights. For this reason, we try to also publish stories from these companies so that readers can develop a better idea of the range of products and services they offer.


Our Privacy Policy

How will you use my personal information?

FlashlightNews does not collect any personal information from visitors to the main web site. If we do obtain any of your personal information through means such as email, conventional mail, telephone, or any other means, it will never be divulged to any other party without your consent. Of course, an exception will be made if ordered by a court or other governmental entity pursuant to applicable laws. Our sister site, FlashlightNews Forums, does collect personal information as part of the forum registration process. This information will also be treated as confidential and will never be divulged to third parties without court or governmental order.

Do you use cookies?:

Yes, we do. We use cookies (small text files sent to your computer via your web browser) to acquire generic data regarding site traffic and for commerce purposes. Currently we employ several third-party providers to track traffic to the site.

What third-parties use cookies on your site?

At the present time you can expect to recieve cookies from Google Analytics and Quantcast (traffic tracking services), and Amazon.com and Google (for advertisement and affiliate tracking purposes.) We may at times add other web services to the site that will also attempt to place cookie files on your computer, but we will only do so to improve our site.

Why should I accept cookies from your site?

We depend upon our viewers acceptance of cookies for several reasons. First and foremost, the traffic analysis cookies help us determine what parts of the site are being visited and how frequently. This information is important in helping us determine how successful we are at delivering relevant content to our viewers, as well as helping us design a better and more useful site. Additionally, as a relatively small site, we depend on the commissions and fees we earn based on our advertising and affiliate initiatives, and these commissions can only be tracked through the use of cookies.

If I decide not to accept cookies, will it change my viewing experience?

Absolutely not. We are here to serve out viewers first, and all other considerations are secondary. While we hope that you will accept cookies from the site, we understand completely if you don't.


Advertising Opportunities

How can I advertise on your site?

Just email us at flashlightnews@gmail.com. We offer two ways for you to take advantage of our highly-targeted site. We offer text and image-based ads through the Google AdWords program, with all sign-up and maintenance being handled by Google. Additionally, we offer our own in-house advertising program.

What areas are available through your in-house advertising program?

We offer advertisers significant brand exposure through our co-branded header which appears at the top of every page on our site. Additional areas are available upon direct request.

What are your ad rates?

We offer our top-of-the-page, co-branded ads at just $15.00 per CPM (per thousand ad impressions.) These ads include impression and click-tracking and can be purchased in any number of CPM units. The ad units purchased can be spread over any period of time you choose (up to one year). Additionally, any ad purchase of more than 20 ad units ($300) includes a free inclusion in our 'Corporate Partners' section, which is featured on our 'FrontPage' and on most of our other pages (just like you'll see to the left - and a little below - this text.) This feature gives you an additional chance for brand exposure through the use of a 150 x 50 pixel (maximum size) graphic of your choice...either your company logo or a reduced size copy of your ad. When included with your top-of-the-page ad impressions, these additional exposures bring your cost per ad impression significantly below $.01 each.

How much traffic does this site receive?

For the most recent 90 day period (as of May 15, 2008) this site received over 25,000 unique visitors and over 68,000 page views. And with our recently completed site redesign and the addition of original product reviews, we expect these numbers to be increase significantly in the near future.

Why should I advertise on FlashlightNews?

Online advertising is all about reaching a specific target audience. And FlashlightNews is one of the most highly targeted web sites you can find. If your company makes or sells flashlights, and you want to gain the attention of consumers who are looking for flashlight-related information, our site is the place you want your ads to appear.

Do you accept ads on FlashlightNews Forums?

At the current time we do not. Our forums are intended to be a place that hobbyists and others can use to talk about flashlights and other topics, without the intrusion of advertising.


Submit an Article

What kind of articles are you looking for?

Any flashlight-related topic that would be of interest to our readers is appropriate for submission. Submitted articles should be well-written and thoroughly proof-read before submission, and should be between 250 and 500 words in length. Also, if possible, a short one or two sentence describing who you are and your writing/professional qualifications should be included so that our audience has some information about you.

What's in it for me?

Within each article we allow three (3) links back to your website, blog, or affiliate program, so you get the benefit of extra traffic to those sites.

Do I give up my copyright to the article?

Absolutely not. We only ask for a non-revocable right to publish your article (or portions of it) to our website. You retain all other rights and may publish your article to other sites or media if you wish.

How do I submit an article?

Just send it to us at flashlightnews@gmail.com. We'll review the article for quality and content, and if we decide to publish it we'll email you a release form to sign. Be sure to include the three (3) links that you would like imbedded in the story.


About Our Reviews

How do you obtain the products you review?

Generally speaking, we purchase all lights and other products that we review. We do this to insure that the products we evaluate are representative of those available to the general public. We may make exceptions for particularly expensive, high-end lights, simply because we can't afford to purchase these frequently at retail prices. When we do review a donated or manufacturer/dealer supplied product, the review will clearly state that the item has been acquired through these means.

What can you tell me about your 'beam shots'?

The beam shot photos are intended to give a visual impression of the output under three different conditions. The 'White Wall' beam shot is taken from a distance of 3 feet and is intended to demonstrate the beam's relative quality (focused, diffused, smooth, sharply defined, etc.) as well as any 'artifacts' caused by the bulb or optical system. The 'Indoor' beam shot is taken from a distance of 15 feet and is intended to give an idea of how the light illuminates in an indoor setting. The 'Outdoor' beam shot is taken from a distance of 50 feet and is intended to give an idea of how well the light illuminates in an outdoor setting.

How consistent is the quality of your beam shots?

All beam shots are taken with a digital camera and manual settings to best capture the true output of the light in question. Please remember that outdoor shots are subject to variations in ambient light (from the moon and nearby streetlights) and may vary slightly over time and with changing seasons.

How do you determine 'output' and 'runtimes'?

All output and runtime data is generated through the use of a date-logging light meter (specifically, an Extech 401036 Data Logging Meter.) Maximum values are measured by centering the brightest portion of the light's beam (the 'hotspot') on the meter sensor. Overall output is measured using a homemade 'light box' with the meter's sensor positioned to catch light output indirectly. Runtimes are generated by using rechargeable batteries whenever possible. When this isn't possible we use batteries that are consistent with the manufacturer's recommendations for the light being tested.

Who writes your reviews?

The reviews are written by the editors of FlashlightNews with additional input supplied by family and friends when appropriate. Additional information may be included that has been obtained from public sources on the Internet (this means other reviews, message board posts, press releases, etc.)

How often do you publish your reviews?

Our goal is to generate one review per week, but keep in mind this is only a goal. Please allow for vacations, illness, unexpected emergencies, burnout, and plain old laziness.

Do you do any destructive testing of the products you review?

No, we don't. Since the bulk of the products we review are purchased, we don't think it is proper to destroy them simply to prove their durability or build quality. We also need to keep these lights for future comparisons and reviews, as well as to add to our ever-growing collection. We will do our best to gauge the quality of each product accurately, so that you have some idea as a reader as to the dependability of the product in question.

Can I supply a product for review?

If you are a manufacturer or retailer and would like to have an expensive or 'high-end' light reviewed, please email us at flashlightnews@gmail.com to arrange a possible review. Unsolicited lights that are sent to us will be given away or kept for personal use...none will be returned or reviewed.


Contact and Mailing Info

What is your email address?

flashlightnews@gmail.com

What is your mailing address?

FlashlightNews
#104
1825 Leslie Rd.
Richland, Wa. 99352

Do you have a different address for shipping?

Yes, we do. But as a matter of policy we only give this address out to those who need it. If you need to ship an item to us, just email first at our email address listed above.

What is your phone number?

Like our shipping address, as a matter of policy we only give this address out to those who need it. If you need to talk to us in person, just email us and we'll be happy to give it to you.


Miscellaneous Questions

What software do you use to create/maintain the site?

Notepad and 'The Gimp'...that's it. We don't like to use HTML editors or content management systems, and prefer to write all site code manually. Additionally, we are fans of open source software solutions and are hesitant to rely on proprietary software that can't easily be replaced.

Do you develop websites for others?

Nope, afraid not. Fact is, keeping up with things around here keeps us more than busy enough.

I noticed that the site is a '.org' instead of a '.com'...why?

While FlashlightNews is a commercial site, our forums are not, and our long-term goal is to expand the nature of both sites to make them more community-driven, so we decided that the '.org' domain was more suitable for us in the long run.


Snap Shots Previews

About our use of Snap Shots from Snap.com

We use a tool on this site called Snap Shots that enhances links with visual previews of the destination site, display inline videos, stock charts and more.

Sometimes Snap Shots bring you the information you need, without your having to leave the site, while other times it lets you "look ahead," before deciding if you want to follow a link or not. Should you decide this is not for you, just click the Options icon in the upper right corner of the Snap Shot and opt-out.
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