The execs for the Chicago Auto Show managed to hire possibly the worst person imaginable for the job of "Internet Director." Not only does Mark Bilek hate blogs and bloggers, but he can't even keep his mouth shut (or keyboard inactive) about it. On the Chicago Auto Show's blog Showlopnik, Bilek ponders blogging credentials: "It appears that you have to a) be very young and inexperienced, b) have an opinion about everything, and c) always be 100% right, even if you don't offer solutions." Regarding news embargos, "Ha! I laugh at embargos. I am a blogger now and I don't have a code of ethics–or scruples for that matter. I don't care if I made a binding agreement not to make public sensitive information? As long as someone else broke their promise first, it's OK for me, right? So here goes. I overheard the head chef at McCormick Place in an airport jet way discussing the menu for First Look for Charity and, guess what? There will be shrimp I tell you. Also, we'll have food from India, Asia, Europe, South America, and even North America. In addition, there will be beer, wine, and soda! Imagine that! Just remember, you heard it here first. PS, that makes me important, right?" Mark Bilek. Our friend in the digital age.
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Showlopnik? Couldn’t they have thought of a less original name?
Was the domain name for chicagoautoshowapalooza taken?
Bilek’s bio:
Mark Bilek is the Internet Director for the Chicago Auto Trade Association and the General Manager for DriveChicago.com. He is also responsible for developing and maintaining the Chicago Auto Show Web site.
Mark has been reviewing vehicles for nearly two decades. Previously, he was associate publisher at Consumer Guide, where he oversaw publication of Consumer Guide Car & Truck Test, Consumer Guide’s Used Car Book, and ConsumerGuide.com. He was also responsible for publication of “Collectible Automobile” and hardcover automotive titles.
In 2001 and 2002 he served as president of a Midwest Automotive Media Association and currently manages that organization’s spring road rally. Called Spring Collection, the annual event has become one of the most significant media association press events in the nation, hosting 50 journalists and 100 vehicles at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
Mark has appeared on ABC TV, Fox News, and Speed Channel as an automotive consultant. Previously, he was a regular on WGN Radio’s Steve & Johnnie show and now fills in for Paul Brian on the Drive Chicago radio show on WLS. Mark lives in Elgin, Illinois with his wife and three sons.
They say the truth hurts…
Bilek ponders blogging credentials: “It appears that you have to a) be very young and inexperienced, b) have an opinion about everything, and c) always be 100% right, even if you don’t offer solutions.”
Wow, he first the mold perfectly from the sounds of things, with perhaps the exception of being young. Hey pot – kettle is on line one!
Dude, Bilek, that font size on your “blog” is so 2002.
That’s funny. I’ve been in this bidness way longer than this child–he was, I’m guessing, in elementary school when I was the editor of Car and Driver–and at 71, I’m probably twice as old as he is. And I’m an automotive blogger.
Also amusing that he has to in effect borrow the name of the automotive blog that probably most fits his perjorative description.
God forbid this guy found out about Twitter and all the uselessness found there about car shows…