Enthusiasts Share Their Passion for All Things Automotive on Themestream

3 October 2000
Enthusiasts Share Their Passion for All Things Automotive on Themestream
    SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 3 Whether it's fascination or
frustration, automobiles have always engendered an extraordinary amount of
attention.  It's no wonder, since over 200 million Americans depend on cars
and trucks for their transportation needs.
    But according to Daniel McCarthy, president and chief executive officer of
Themestream, it's more than a basic need for transportation that drives people
to be so passionate about cars.  "Fascination with cars, trucks and
motorcycles is a very individual thing.  Many people are passionate about
owning and showing antique or classic model cars.  For others, it's cruising
down the highways in high-performance imports or getting off the beaten path
in four-wheel drive trucks.  Still others seek the thrills found in the speed
and sport of auto racing.  Like any passionate interest, sharing one's
experiences and connecting with other like-minded individuals is just as
important as the hobby itself.  Themestream facilitates this type of
discussion and information exchange by providing auto buffs with an open forum
to trade insights, humor and advice."
    Themestream (http://www.themestream.com), an online resource for enthusiasts of
all kinds, enables people who are passionate about cars, trucks and
motorcycles to connect with others who want to share their enthusiasm and
expertise.  Anyone is welcome to publish their stories, ideas and information
on the site, which covers a broad range of topics and is constantly refreshed
with timely articles.
    Themestream also provides individuals two convenient ways to gather
information.  For those who want to receive information directly to their
email in-box, the company provides free newsletters on hundreds of topics
related to autos and motorycles.  For those who prefer to visit the Website,
thousands of articles exist on topics ranging from car repair, auto-racing,
classic cars, four-wheeling, motorcycles, off-roading, and recent model cars
and trucks.
    Following are some examples of the type of auto-related content
individuals can find at Themestream:

    -- Auto racing updates and commentary from Formula One to NASCAR
    -- Auto repair tips and advice for the average do-it-yourselfer
    -- Classic car news and information with over thirteen special interest
       categories
    -- Four-wheeling and off-roading stories, articles and reviews
    -- Motorcycle repair, racing and off-road riding articles
    -- Information and updates for recent model enthusiasts

    As an added incentive for enthusiasts to explore Themestream and
contribute content to the site, the company is offering all contributors a
bonus stipend of 2 cents per article each time someone views their work.  As
such, Themestream represents one of the first sites to give non-professional
writers the opportunity to earn money from writing about their passions.
    Since Themestream's launch in April, more than 25,000 contributing writers
have published over 170,000 articles on 1,700 topics, ranging from wine
tasting and gardening to cave exploring and fitness.  To contribute an article
to Themestream, all a 'would-be' writer needs is a working email address.
Articles typically range from 300 to 1,500 words, and are simply uploaded or
entered into a designated space on the site.  After previewing the layout, the
article is submitted with a single click and is immediately viewable.

    Note to Editor:
    Founded in August 1999 by first-generation talent from Netscape and
Excite, Themestream (http://www.themestream.com) is building the Web's leading
enthusiast resource, complete with articles, information and gear related to
user's personal interests.  Themestream has strategic partnerships with
Netscape, Homestead, Sunset Publishing Corp., The Motley Fool and Simon &
Schuster; boasts thousands of articles on specific topics; and provides access
to relevant links and products based upon each enthusiast topic area.
Headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Themestream received venture funding from
Kleiner Perkins and Redpoint Ventures and is privately held.  Board members
and advisors include Will Hearst, Mike Homer, Tim Haley and Maria Wilhelm.