After a few months of constant scanning the web for automotive stories, you get a real feel for who covers what, how and when. The Detroit News never fails to identify the stories that count–  but lacks the killer instinct needed to move the game forward. Automotive News is the authority on the hard numbers underpinning the biz, with unparalleled access to the maja playas– but fails to use their knowledge and face time to probe beyond the easy answers to tough questions. The New York Times is excellent at summing-up the issues affecting carland– that hasn't broken a major story in years. In fact, there is no dependable source for hard hitting investigative journalism about one of this country's largest and most important industries. I reckon if that kind of old-fashioned reporting has a logical spiritual home, then it's right here on TTAC. And here's the thing. I've had a word with my paymaster. He might have some funding for a little more editorial help. Now I could use the money to draft in an assistant to remove some of my daily burden. But I'm thinking that maybe, just maybe, there's someone out there who has the skills, passion and 'tude to help take TTAC assume its rightful title in the autoblogosphere: muckraker extraordinaire. If there's anyone answering to that description that will work for peanuts, let me know via the contact button. Meanwhile, we'll continue to do the best we can with what we got. And all you guys who previously volunteered to help, hang tight. I'm getting there.