TTAC is a content machine. Our [barely paid] team of writers is as prolific as it is talented. Our [unpaid] commentators are the autoblogosphere's Best and Brightest, and they're not shy about coming forward. And whatever you think about my literary skills, my OCD makes me one keyboard tapping fool. Of one thing I am especially proud: although TTAC was late to the blogging game and don't have a tenth of the resources of the big sites, we kick ass. We blog the big ones, and blog them according to our branding remit. It occasionally annoys me that my competition doesn't. Just the other day, Justin took a shot at Autoblog for being a "press release funnel." I thought it was a bit OTT. And then I read AB's blog about Subaru's new ad campaign, which (not-so-coincidentally) we covered here. AB republished the entire Subaru press release. No biggie, I thought. Fills the space. And then I rethinked. Why would AB hand deliver its audience to Subaru like that, without any filtration? Its antithetical to my idea of what blogging is all about: added perspective. Exercising editorial judgment. Less poetically, or perhaps more, it's about NOT kissing ass. I remain committed to this vision. So, how are we doing?
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So, how are we doing?
Well.
i can get a hamburger anywhere; i come to TTAC for the atmosphere and the attitude. some blogs choose to do the bare minimum, and for them that’s OK. TTAC gives me perspectives I can’t *consistently* get anywhere else. Occasionally even a blind blogging squirrel finds a truthy nut, but TTAC sticks to its branding remarkably well and gives me what i’m looking for every time.
Very well Robert. TTAC is many orders of magnitude better than AB and most of the others. In fact it’s tops.
After that very same editorial, the same lightbulb went on in my own head. Autoblog is a great place to pick up on the latest spy photograph, but you have to come here to get the “flying vagina” or the “Bob Lutz Award” (and, incidentally, if you ever make a trophy to give out for the Bob Lutz award, it needs to have a flying vagina on it).
It’s times like these that I’d really like to see Farago hosting an American “Top Gear.”
Who gives a shxt about content? Content was king in the 1990ies, just like Altavista.
Here’s what’s great about TTAC (whenever TTAC is great): it’s a style machine, it’s an analysis machine, it’s an insight machine.
That TTAC doesn’t bullshxt goes without saying — or at least it should. TTAC should stop worrying/pontificating/self-congratulating about the bullshxt-makers because TTAC should be in another league altogether.
Again, content ain’t king. TTAC has, in my humble opinion, too much content. ‘Nuff said.
But I am still waitning for my free drink. I mean… What are the perks? Really?
So, what do you all think about Peter M DeLorenzo, and his Autoextremist:
http://www.autoextremist.com/
I have been following his Rants since the summer of 2001. Ans it has been all fun.
Martin Schwoerer:
[content]Here’s what’s great about TTAC: it’s a style machine, it’s an analysis machine, it’s an insight machine.[/content]
Mr. Farago, you’re doing fine.
TTAC = Interesting opinions about all things related to cars/auto industry.
Autoblog = Fluff and pretty pictures. One notch above a glossy news stand buff book.
Autoextremist = Hard hitting in your face editorals. Feels slightly contrived and a bit Detroit fan-boy(ish).
Keep it coming as is.
DT
@Ingvar: I’ve been following DiLorenzo since the beginning as well – always worth the weekly visit. However, Businessweek has a couple of articles noting that DiLorenzo has an ulterior motive to his criticism – to get hired by the Detroit 3. Takes that objectivity down a couple of notches, I would say.
Motor City’s Motor Mouth: Peter DeLorenzo blasts the Big Three on his blog – and then they hire him
Online Extra: Driving His Point Home
Love the expanded blogging section with all its snark and frequency – keep it up!
@starlightmica:
I don’t see that as a problem. It’s like criticizing Michael Moore for earning big bucks in doing what he does. If someone feels DeLorenzos take on thing is important enough to pay him for consultancy, well, the better then… In the end, DeLorenzo has the same goals and the same visions as the people on TTAC. Stop making mediocre cars, start building better products.
I’m starting to get bored with TTAC. The industry moves so slow, and it seems that TTAC is churning out content faster than news is actually happening. In an effort to fill the void, the result seems to be an over-analysis of every business move, advertisement, marketing campaign, and union fiasco that TTAC catches wind of. It gets a bit tiring, especially considering the source. I started coming to TTAC for the car reviews, the car-related editorials, and an (occasional) high-level industry overview in the form of a death watch or two. And it was great — car guys telling other car guys about cars.
Now I’m getting a bunch of journalists who think they can provide interesting commentary on issues they have no business discussing. If I want to hear about how effective VW’s new ad campaign is, I’m not gonna ask my mechanic, even though I’m sure he has an opinion on it. This isn’t a business blog, or a marketing blog, or an executive officer discussion board. And you know what? It shows.
I understand I’m toeing the line of irony here — a computer programmer telling a bunch of journalists that they need to stick to what they’re good at. But that’s how I feel. Either scale back the business analysis to a level proportionate with TTAC’s skill at business analysis, or drop it altogether.
Rest assured Robert – there is very little auto industry ass being kissed on this site.
1169hp : I like to think of Autoblog as Paula, Jalopnik as Randy and TTAC as Simon. steronz : I’m starting to get bored with TTAC. The industry moves so slow, and it seems that TTAC is churning out content faster than news is actually happening. In an effort to fill the void, the result seems to be an over-analysis of every business move, advertisement, marketing campaign, and union fiasco that TTAC catches wind of. Well, fair enough. You’re not the first one to suggest that we’re sacrificing quality for quantity. I respectfully disagree. For me, there are two key metrics: writing quality and bullshit detection. If the writing is good and the BS alert content high, I’m a happy camper. Your mileage may differ. Behind the scenes, Frank Williams and I are constantly rejecting posts, editing material, sending links to writers with special focus (Donal for alt. energy, Edward for biz news, Justin for new cars, etc.). We are ALL slaves to the brand, which I believe remains strong. Part of that strength comes from listening to our readers. So, what changes would you like to see? Less content? The exclusion of certain subjects? Your input is most appreciated.
Overall, B+ to A-, so – very well and much better than average.
Podcast was entertaining as ever, I just don’t understand how Mr. Liebermann gets the impression that Germany is a socialist country. There used to be a socialist German state, but that died 18 years ago.
A higher level of mandatory social security does not socialism make. That is still capitalism, only with a few more strings attached. Socialism for me starts with the nationalisation of free enterprise. And we don’t have that anymore, even in eastern Europe, thank god.
Regarding DeLorenzo, TTAC, and The Truth:
I view ‘The Truth’ as an unfiltered reflection of reality. The Truth has good and bad components. Nothing is all good or all bad, but various combinations of those traits. Most of the more mainstream blogs emphasize the good and tread lightly on the bad. TTAC, in its editorials and news coverage, tends to be the polar opposite, pointing out everything that is bad, and explaining away the good as irrelevant, if mentioning it at all. DeLorenzo seems to nail the balance by harshly criticizing the Detroit 3 when necessary but also giving them props for positive things they have done recently (and yes, there are some). His website is not perfect (Dr. Bud is entertaining, but how the hell does his private life stories fit in?), but I enjoy it nonetheless.
That said, TTAC is still my overall favorite due to its uniqueness. I love the writing style, the car reviews (unbiased in my opinion), anything from Paul Neidermayer, the podcasts, and the ‘everyone is welcome’ invitation to submit editorials. It has made for some interesting reading.
So, what do you all think about Peter M DeLorenzo, and his Autoextremist:
Not much, I think he is drinking too much D3 Koolaid especially the Clueless Motors flavour.
So how are you doing? I’m just enjoying watching GM go down the drain and having it chronicled here. KEEP GOING!!!!!!!!!!
So how are you doing? I’m just enjoying watching GM go down the drain and having it chronicled here. KEEP GOING!!!!!!!!!!
Betcha can’t wait for the prolonged recession that follows or the total destruction of Michigan (where I and numerous other commentators live). We should all be looking forward to a healthy Detroit 3 that produces unique, high quality, and market-appropriate vehicles. No need to wish death to a once proud industry and hardships for millions because you may have been burned by a D3 vehicle.
keep it up TTAC!!!
I love the site. Though apparently far removed, most content hits home.
Also, lots of stuff I read here I throw onto my (often clueless FIAT employees) and they’re amazed I’ve got so much info. Many times I direct them to the site.
Which takes me to the crucible of my posting, too much info????? NO WAY!!!!!!!!!! if I had it my way, I’d love you guys to give me even more and ever more content. For those who can’t take too much content, too bad! I think for them it’s like: ” I can’t keep up with ALL this news. So I want nobody else to!” C’mon.
Please Mr Farago, More content, not less. that’s a sure way to kill your splendid site.
going by the amount of time I spend on this site, quite well. I think there have been improvements in the average quality of material–fewer editorials but the ones there are seem more interesting–and I am all for quality over quantity. There’s a lot of interesting news, although I admit to skipping anythnig about American Axle. I would like, however to hear more about how Mack Trucks are doing (no! Just kidding!!!) I also still marvel at the lack of flaming, and the civil and oft-fascinating discourse that promotes among people with greatly differing opinions about politics, global climate disruption, etc. This is really a huge deal. I am amazed at the way you (or more precisely, Jonny L) keeps coming up with fun QOTDs.I love reading all the posts these generate about how people relate to their cars.
labrat
I’m with you brother. I can’t fathom why any sane American would want the big three to fail. If someone’s bent out of shape about some crappy domestic they owned umpteen years ago, they can always vote with their wallet and buy a transplant (and probably already have). The big three will adapt or die. That’s it. Don’t hate.
It’s a pleasure to peruse TTAC and it’s comments section. Sometimes I read a few comments before I read the actual review or editorial. I’m just nutty like that. It’s been my expirence that most other site’s comment sections quickly degrade into a lowbrow, juvenile pissing contest. It’s slightly entertaining for a minute, but quickly becomes grating. That childishness ultimately cheapens the whole site.
The podcast length issue has been visited before. I understand less is more, but a “little more” would be nice. Some topics could use more analysis, but instead are hurriedly skimmed over, perhaps due to time constraints. It’s a tricky deal. You want to be succinct and keep the podcast within a predetermined time frame, but not over do it. Would fifteen minutes be too much??
DT
Robert, I am a car designer, and I love this website to get a feel for all the cars I don`t get a chance to drive and for your unique insights about the car industry. Life would not be the same without TTAC. I also enjoy AE and AB for different reasons but TTAC has a unique edge. I really enjoy TTAC writing style and sense of humor . I do not feel you are putting to much content on TTAC. I think you have a good balance right now with enough editorials, news and reviews. But please don`t make NEWS your main focus. AB covers that; of course covering big news with your unique comments is welcomed. The main focus should be the reviews followed up by intelligent editorials. I would love to see a few more car reviews.
I enjoy hearing your podcasts. I have noticed with many podcasts (ex Autoweek, etc.) that they are often to long and SLOW. Actually, think about it ; If the podcast is so entertaining, then it doesn`t matter how long it is. The fact is, that too many people that do podcasts don`t have a clue about being a `radio talk style host` and the podcast comes off slow and boring. I think your ten minute podcast limit is ok, but would like to see a faster pace. Check on PBS the Friday night show McLaughlin. He is great host and really keeps the show moving. Below is an example of the speaking pace. http://www.fednet.net/mg/MG020108.mp3
Again, I love the website and keep up the great work!