Exactly five years ago today, I walked into the offices of VerticalScope as a fresh faced 21 year old and began my career as an auto journalist. And now it’s over.
It has been a privilege to have worked at TTAC for nearly 4 years, under the tutelage of Ed Niedermeyer, Bertel Schmitt and Jack Baruth. Without Ed, I would never have had the opportunity to join the site. Without Bertel, I would not have 99 percent of the knowledge of the auto industry that I have today. Without Jack, I would not have my own personal OnStar that I can call when I am lost and need direction (in matters both personal and professional).
I am in debt to the contributors of the site, who are the real stars of the show. The current roster of writers, who have been at the site for longer than my entire career, have consistently provided the best automotive content anywhere in the world. I stand in awe of their knowledge and expertise, not to mention their patience and understanding in enduring the ups and downs that come with working at this site.
As tired a cliche as it may be, I can say that the decision to leave was extremely difficult. TTAC has given me the opportunity to drive some the the most interesting cars, to see some of the most beautiful spots on the planet and even to carry on relationships that would never have flourished had I been bound to a 9-5 office job. But I felt as if I had given everything I had to the site and to the craft of writing – and though I am far from where I would like to be as a writer, an editor and an observer of the auto industry, I felt as if my capacity to give back to the site and the readers has been exhausted.
At the same time, I have always felt that after TTAC, there would be no move to a buff book or another online publication. Nothing can ever compare to the freedom and independence that comes with writing for this site. I’ve decided to leave automotive writing on a high note. My next role will be in the auto industry itself, where I can hopefully play a part in shaping the future of the automobile.
I am humbled to have served you, the readers, and I hope that my legacy at the site will be this: I made every effort to answer your emails, your phone calls and your invitations to meet in person. No matter where I went, there was always a reader (or a group of readers) willing to host me in their city for a drink or a meal. Others were willing to put their careers on the line just so they could give us a scoop. Knowing that I have made some life long friends out of the Best & Brightest has been the most gratifying element of my time here.
Thank you,
-DK
Toronto, April 20th, 2015
Good luck Derek. I would like to urge VS to put Jack B back at the wheel.
Who is Jack M?
Who is John Galt?
Not gonna happen.
VerticalScope has explicitly stated that they are not interested in having me lead TTAC now or in the future.
Maybe they will hire John Davis from Motorweek. He smiles a lot, is super friendly and likes everything.
Please make this happen TTAC. I need more John Davis and his polo and windbreaker combo in my car reviews.
thelaine,
Classic!
Few things make sense to me, RE: TTAC’s leadership, now or in the past few years.
That’s a missed opportunity IMO. You exhibited skill at tipping points often lost. EG: When commenters cross over from snide to troll. When opposing comments become false pride and hijack/drag on way past any reasonable muddy conclusion. Staying within 1000 yards of the point.
Then having the ability to draw on experience of working in auto sales, repair/tuning and the factory floor. And being a competitive driver gives you the seasoning of winning…and not.
That is a terrible business decision.
And that right there is why this site isn’t what it used to be.
Jack saved TTAC from a death seemingly inevitable due to the curse of Bertel.
Jack writes the best, most stimulating, most provocative (not for the sake of being provocative, but in asking hard questions that warrant clear answers or more questions; e.g. Open Letter to Lincoln (re Continental) e.g. Op/Ed regarding what every Cadillac should be, at minimum, e.g Op/Ed regarding Porsche’s whoring out.
Jack’s writing & Socratic ways are so highly attuned, they are the highlight of any edition of that glossy, old school car rag he guest writes for, embarrassing the old guard’s contributions.
This means that assuming VS is the typical, bass-ackwards “web content entity” that 95% are, Jack will never be groomed as a permanent
So VS mgt are the GM beancounters to Jack’s metaphorical John DeLorean?
VerticalScope will get the Johan or Roger Smith they know in their loins that they want.
Jack is so far above their weight class in terms of relatability, relevance & knowledge for them to “get.”
I agree. Business as usual these days.
Know the feeling. Was just shown the door, after 2 1/2 years at a globally owned company because “I know too much” Mindless drones is what corporate types want in the workforce.
They’ll outsource (or in-source via H1B) your job duties to 6 to 9 people who produce worse work product than you, but who will each work for 1/3 of what you did (so it will “only” cost them 2x to 3x as much to get inferior results/product/efficiency).
#Winning
This explains your sour grapes comment about Derek being a product planner. It’s no wonder your employer dumped you on your ass.
Meh; JB is the only author whose content I will click through and read, regardless of the subject matter. If not for JB (his stupid March 31 joke aside), I’d probably gradually lose interest in TTAC.
But I suspect that the same characteristics that make him a uniquely great writer/story-teller make him a uniquely bad choice to lead the site.
I got one…how about Peter M. De Lorenzo…lol…yeah baby..lol
You’ll be missed. Best of luck and stay in touch.
Good luck out there! I’ll miss how angry you get at me sometimes.
Don’t worry, well all pitch in and continue to be angry with you.
I’ll give you my email address so we can really replicate the feeling!
Damn!! It seemed like you were EIC for all of two seconds! You did get a hell of a lot done in a short time, though – your AJ Preller-esque ability to bring in a cast of all-stars for the writing staff, for one thing. Best of luck in the automotive industry!
Who takes your place?
Derek,I’ve really enjoyed your insightful articles,good luck in your new endeavours, you’ll be missed.
Thanks.
We didn’t always agree, and I can be a bit of a pain, but I’ve respected most of your decisions and enjoyed your writing.
Wish you the best on future endeavors.
Will you still write here?
Best of luck in all future endeavors Derek! Let me echo Hummer’s question, will you still write occasional pieces for TTAC? I’m curious to get more Mazda3 ownership updates.
if it’s not a secret, in what capacity are you now employed? For an OEM or as an analyst at a consulting firm perhaps?
What a game changer.
Good luck man.
I met Derek once, on one of those memorable days when he annoyed an automaker for, well, telling the truth about their cars.
We were meeting for a drink after the Jeep Cherokee launch in LA in 2013. On the way I texted him and asked how the Jeep was. His reply:
“It’s dogs-it.”
When I arrived he was delayed because the Jeep folks were trying to pressure him to change his opinion.
I thus doubt his new employer is FCA.
Derek, thanks for everything!
LOL
This is awesome.
I don’t know what to say. only that I’ll miss you, but I don’t knock you for grabbing an opportunity. Your only young once.
Good luck man
Mike
All the best DK. You have been outstanding.
Godspeed, Derek. You’ll be missed.
Wish you all the very best, Derek. Read and enjoyed many of your posts. You’ll be missed.
You did a fine job here, Derek. The most enjoyable time to be on TTAC was with you and Jack in control. It won’t be the same.
Welcome to the dark side.
Speaking of which, do you work for Chrysler? You always seem to post the most about them, and you have a lot of detailed info.
I have wondered that for a while, just forgot to ask.
Best wishes, Derek. I very much appreciated your tenure at TTAC and you will be missed.
Are you taking over for Melody Lee?
Coffee, meet keyboard.
Derek, your stewardship has been a good one. Thanks for the great work.
Five years?! It seemed more like two. Another sign of (my) advancing age, I guess.
Great job here. Good luck with the new gig!
You’ll be missed. Good fortune to you in your new endeavor.
So long, DK. Best of luck in your travels. You will be missed.
Looking forward to seeing you in the headlines, rather than writing them. Thanks and good luck!
Everything happens for a reason I guess but you will definitely be missed here. Your unwavering willingness to call out BS as you saw it- be it from manufacturers, the automotive media, or the B&B itself (!!!!!)- was highly refreshing. You really did deliver “the truth about cars” and everything surrounding them. Whoever follows up will have huge shoes to fill.
Ahhhh…. another departure from the “old guard”…
Oh, well, all the best to you, Derek, wherever you are going. Are you going to clue us in, or must it kept a secret? Hopefully you’ll comment on occasion to keep things honest!
Good luck Derek, you done good, as they say. Too bad you didn’t want a “second term”, and I’m becoming concerned about the turnover here. I hope, like Jack, you’ll visit once in awhile.
Best of luck to you. You did a great job here, not just in keeping the content interesting but in keeping the drama to a minimum. It is because of TTAC that I have let my Car & Driver and Automobile magazine subscriptions lapse… and I’ve been a subscriber to Automobile since inception, and C&D since the mid-70’s.
I think the only thing TTAC really lacks is a Robert Cumberford type of styling analysis. I guess you have to leave something undone for your successors!
TTAC does have an in-depth design series. It’s called Vellum Venom, and it’s done by the distinguished Mr. Sajeev Mehta.
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/category/editorials/vellum-venom/
Good Luck DK! It’s been great watching your journalist skills grow over the last years; I’ll miss reading your posts. Best wishes with your next endeavor.
Best of luck in your new adventures, Derek. Whoever hired you made a smart decision.
I hope you stick around as a commenter, and way to leave with class on a high note. Good luck in the future.
It’s not over until WE say it’s over!!!
Ah, dangit. Best of luck to you, you will be missed.
Well, that’s depressing! Good for you, bad for us!
Best of luck in your new life, and where-ever you do go, make sure you never let those damn bean counters forget:
NEEDS MOAR STICK!!
Good luck in your future endeavors, Derek. It felt as if youe were the EIC for so short but some chances in life never come twice and all I can do is thank you for all the work you’ve done for this site and for making it my first stop every morning. I hope you are as successful in your new line of work as you were here. Let me tell you, whoever is brought to be the new EIC will have big shoes to fill.
I have to ask though: is there any chance of you still contributing to the site even occassionally?
Farewell, Mister Kreindler. Here’s to new opportunity, and hopefully you’ll stick around in the comment section.
All the best in the new career. I’ll especially miss your Canadian content!
Best of luck wherever you’re going. You’ve done some terrific critiquing here, and I hope you do even better in whatever you will be doing.
And VS, if you’re listening: please bring back Jack Baruth
+1
Best of luck! You’ll be missed over here.
Good luck Derek. You’ll be missed.
to editors for whenever you seek out new talent: among Derek’s many gifts he brought here was the millenial perspective. Be nice to see my generation continue to have a voice on this site.
I do hope that this is better news for you than it is for me. You did well here; good luck in your next endeavor.
Good luck. Coincidence this is announced on 4/20?
Best of luck to you, Derek. It’s tough to put together a career these days, tougher than ever in my view, and you’re to be commended for jumping on an opportunity when it presents itself
All the best to you, and hopefully we’lll be driving just slightly better wheels for your role in creating them.
There will always be a cold beer waiting for you in Calgary, sir.
Not great news for my morning…
Thanks for your even-handed tone and excellent leadership over this all-too-brief time. Please check in regularly!
Best of luck Derek! You had a good run!
Wherever you’re going in the auto industry… Where? Help straighten them out. And thanks.
Thanks DK.
Hello Everyone,
First of all, thank you so much for your kind words. I cannot tell you how much it all means to me.
As far as whether I’ll be able to write/comment, the answer is no. I am going to work for an OEM as a Product Planner. And while I am going to do everything I can to make sure that a stick shift is available on all possible nameplates, the tradeoff is I have to keep my mouth shut for a variety of reasons.
But I’ll still be reading.
DK
So we can blame you for the next manual transmission diesel station wagon/pickup that isn’t offered. Excellent!
I’ll start practicing. “It’s all Derek’s fault!”
Good luck Derek. Thanks for make TTAC worth visiting.
If it’s Mitsubishi, you might have time to stay be here!
Congrats Derek. That sounds like an opportunity well worth taking, especially if you can influence them to keep the clutch!
***Maybe*** you can write about your new job in a way that won’t jeopardize it? It would be fun to hear about that.
Good luck, Derek. If you decide to write under a pseudonym, say “Kerek D”, we’ll keep your secret ;)
Let me assure you—that doesn’t work at all.
“I am going to do everything I can to make sure that a stick shift is available on all possible nameplates”
You’re a good man, Charlie Brown. May success attend your future efforts.
At least brighten my day by starting with my PHEV aggro-minivan. That, or a return of the cruck.
Derek,
Sorry to see you go, but wish you every possible success in your next endeavour
Best of luck in your new endeavors, Derek. You’ve done a great job here and you’ll be missed. Maybe you can discretely show up at a TTAC get together one day. Cheers.
Good luck again. I find it interesting you were able to swing a budding career in journalism to what sounds to be a business analyst type role.
Derick – your brought great work to this site and your work ethic will surely mean you bring great work to your new employer. Congratulations and good luck.
Sounds like a great opportunity. Best of luck.
Good luck and all the best to your next endeavour derek. Thank you for you articles and insights shared.
The turnover in this organization is breathtaking. Who the heck is actually in charge? Seems to me that they are actually trying to torpedo their property. Guys, look at successful sports teams – continuity is key. I come to TTAC out of habit at this point and thats a habit I think its time to break. Please bring back Farago or Baruth or both.
No kidding. I’ve shot VerticleScope an email in the hopes they can explain to me when the musical chairs might end. This particular situation sounds like it’s Derek’s choosing – and if so, good for him – but in general there’s far too much turnover to make at least some of the readership comfortable.
Although I hate change, I also recognize that sometimes it might be the writers wanting a new gig or direction. Do you really want the Rolling Stones playing the same kind of music for 50 years?? Ok bad analogy…
I can imagine the stress it takes to churn out interesting/relevant articles on a regular basis, never mind what the pay model may (or may not) be.
Derek, it’s been an all-too-short honour (get it?) reading and participating under your tutelage. You and JB in tandem have not only restored a tremendous amount of respectability to TTAC, but put the site on the forefront of cutting edge auto news/opinion.
You deserve nothing but the best. Here’s to a bright future all the way around the table….
Agreed, I haven’t been coming to this site for very long, but the turnover is astounding.
Good luck. Maybe you’ll help create a “Game Changer” for your new employer.
All the best Derek. I like your generation. I find they’re smart, hard working, and respectful. I wish you every success.
:-)
I’ve always wondered about the userpic you had on your Twitter account when I first met you online; I don’t have to wonder anymore.
It was a pleasure to have you as one of my editors in my writing career. I’ll miss seeing you around at the TTAC Zaibatsu, changing the game from “Life Is Strange” to “Bloodborne” because French hipster video games were, indeed, strange.
Big hugs from Seattle, darling. The door is always open.
The picture is from an incredible movie. Best I’ve watched in recent memory.
Cameron, I don’t recognize your name at all but you seem an interesting lass.
Aww thank you! As TTAC’s news writer, I’m fairly invisible for the most part. And though my name is on the masthead, you can just click on my name above this comment to view my portfolio site, including my biography.
I work at King and Bay, so I’m willing to make the short trek over to Peter St. and take the gig.
You’re going to be the new Top Gear host, aren’t you? :)
Good luck, Derek!
Derek, you will be missed, is there a new EIC or TBA?
I nominate Deadweight.
Peter M. De Lorenzo
“Let’s nominate one of the site’s two biggest trolls to become Editor in Chief.”
April Fools….?
Pretty much, either he or BTSR would be just the right ratio of troll/madman.
CJinSD would make a fabulous EIC. ;-)
I’m not a troll.
I’m a relentless critic, cynic & skeptic of things automotive; the world needs far more people like myself, and if there were more, products would have to get better in all respects.
You’re extremely narrow minded (I’m being diplomatic) IF you really, truly think my nearly always warranted criticisms of automakers, whether for their deficient products or idiotic marketing, is tantamount to being a “troll.”
I’ll never be EIC, but if I were, rest assured there’s a 99.999% chance manufacturers would declare open warfare on TTAC & probably have clauses in their employees’ handbooks that attempted to make reading TTAC verbotten.
Also, I’d do whatever it took to get as many vehicles to review, by rental, test drive, reader loaners, raising funds in creative ways to otherwise source cars, so that we could wave a giant middle finger at automotive “journalists” (aka “presstitutes”) and manufacturers as we eviscerate their bullish!t/paid propaganda & sh!t products.
DW –
I think we just have different…. styles? Is that the word I’m looking for?
I would use a gentle touch, and you, a sledgehammer. To each there own, but I want you to know that as long as you don’t go full out BTSR (biased, MOPAR or no car, etc) then we’re cool.
I like DW, I second that nomination. BTSR would also be good, that would make this one hell of a crazy and interesting site too. Ha Ha.
Mark Stevenson is our new managing editor; he introduced himself in the post following this one.
Aw but he might be composed and professional. I want to see some bats*** crazy from a new managing editor.
Not everyone can be Hunter S. Thompson, though.
“He remarked: “I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they’ve always worked for me.””
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_S._Thompson
And since it is Derby time again back in my old Kentucky home, why not dust off this classic from the late Louisvillain:
http://english138.web.unc.edu/files/2011/08/The-Kentucky-Derby-is-Decadent-and-Depraved.pdf
Best of luck; sounds like an exciting career move.
It’s been a pleasure, you’ll be missed.
Good luck Derek, you did well around here, and will be missed.
Thanks for the fine work, eh? And good luck in the biz.
Derek, you will be sorely missed. I can’t fathom spending much time on TTAC without someone that has your understanding and desire to learn about the industry. You are a breath of fresh air to someone who lives and breathes this stuff every day.
If vertical scope doesn’t find someone like you quickly, this site is f*cked.
I think your current career direction is TTAC’s finest accomplishment. Welcome to the fold, man. I am envious of your future industry exposure. You’re going to learn about industry knowledge that only the rest of us could dream about.
Cheers, brother.
“I think your current career direction is TTAC’s finest accomplishment. Welcome to the fold, man. I am envious of your future industry exposure. You’re going to learn about industry knowledge that only the rest of us could dream about.”
I couldn’t have said it better.
Cheers mate.
Best of luck (if you need it) in your new endeavor.
You’ve applied your youth, enthusiasm and talent to great effect at TTAC. Your competent leadership here is something that has disguised your time in office. But the calendar does not lie about these things. I think, what those who enjoy and participate in the TTAC experience should remember and be grateful for is your steady leadership and unique POV. Oh, and we should all take a moment to remember just how utterly f-ed up this site had become prior to your stewardship.
Godspeed.
Best of success and fulfillment to you, Derek.
Thank you for your work at ttac Derek, and good luck. Enjoyed reading your articles; always well-researched, well-written and highly informative.
You’ll do well wherever you go in the future.
Best, Derek. thanks for all your contributions to TTAC.
Thanks Derek, and good luck to you in your future ventures!
Best of luck to you in all your parallel futures.
I hereby nominate Jeremy Clarkson as new EIC of TTAC, which is to then be spun-off into a new TV sereis.
I volunteer to be the masked driver known only as… The Gits!
“Some say…”
Thanks for the free ice cream, Derek.
Derek,
I do wish you luck in your future endeavours.
Thanks for your efforts on TTAC.
By the way, what exactly is your future “endeavours” in the auto industry?
Hey Derek, can your Grandma still do some guest reviews?
I second this.
You’ll be missed around here Derek. I always enjoyed your contributions.
Good luck and much success in your future endeavor. You deserve it.
I nominate Johan De Nysschen as the new EIC. Jack Baruth will stay Jack Baruth, while all other authors shall henceforth be known as TTA2, TTA4 etc. SUV and truck reviewers shall be known as XTA1, XTA3 etc. TTAC headquarters will be moved to Austin or Oakland, because obviously.
I’m ready to go to Austin. Ah, the women.
You need to get off 6th St a little more, buddy.
You are way too young to be a product planner. Even for Walmart
I enjoyed and learned from your writing, thanks and best wishes. I say more more Ronnie, Jack and more Marcos!
Good Luck, Derek. It has been a pleasure.
Hey Derek;
I might have busted your balls now and again, but great job and good luck.
Best to you and your family!
Thanks, Derek, and good luck!
Goodbye and good luck in your new career. Now I’m really curious about where you’re going ? (PR at Ford/Lincoln?)
We hardly knew ye.
I can see this being a game-changer for TTAC…
Good luck at your new digs …. you will certainly be missed around these parts …..
Does TTAC actually PAY its employees?
I’ve seen more people sign on and sign off than Myspace here…
From what I know they’re paid mostly from ad revenue generated by articles, maybe a little change but I doubt its much.
At the same time you get more freedom on TTAC compared to other sites.
Doesn’t seem to be working out so well.
Put me in charge when this new guy resigns and I’LL BRING MOTOR TREND TO ITS KNEES.
As I said before, I would actually like to see this happen.
Derek obviously read Doug’s Jalopnik article about getting a job in the auto industry.
Well, good for you, Derek, should be an entertaining new job.
Starting about two years ago, I thought there was a marked improvement in your output here. And the recent roping in of new writing talent I thought was a bit of a coup as well. I wondered how you’d be sans Jack, and I’d say – not bad at all. Well done.
So someone else noticed too. Enjoy your new life.
Good luck with the OEM gig Derek, I understand the need for your silence.
Hopefully you’ll get a chance to share your Honda stories with us.
Good Luck DK, hope you find all the success your looking for, you were handed a tough gig here and did well at it, always take something from what you learned here and take chances , your young, this is what life is for, godspeed.
Derek, I was sure that I posted my thanks and congratulations earlier but can’t seem to locate it.
So just in case, best of luck. Thanks for your hard work. It was always great to see your replies to posters on this board.
Job well done at TTAC. Welcome to the car business.
Glad I had a chance to have a few beers with you up in Toronto a couple years ago….even on a Canadian holiday when I’m sure you had better things to do.
Sorry to see you go, but a bigger future awaits you. Sometimes, moving your cheese makes sense. Can’t believe it has been five years. Wow. VS ought to look at why there is so much turnover here. Good luck! And shame on VS for not considering JB for the role of EIC.
Good luck in your new venture sir!
I’ll be keeping an eye on which brand starts supplying a slew of stick shifts. With any luck I can start shopping for cars that are not base models.
Derek, regardless as to whether I agreed with you or not regarding any particular matter (I more often than not did agree with you, FWIW), you did an outstanding job under a difficult set of circumstances.
You also established a reputation as not being someone the manufacturers can intimidate of filter, and have proven that in the best way possible, which is in keeping with the mission statement for TTAC that you and Jack set forth.
When you started, I was criticizing you for calling the current gen Fusion a ‘game changer,” despite the fact you hadn’t actually test driven that vehicle yet, and it wasn’t long before I was adamantly defending you from badge/brand fanboys for giving honest, critical assessments of vehicles such as the Cherokee (which you had the class to revisit and refine your opinion regarding) the Lincoln MKZ, and the uber-expensive yet uber-awful Mercedes G-Wagen.
Good luck to you in your future endeavors, great and small.
p.s. – I fear, based on what I’m reading between the lines, that TTAC will be converted by VerticalScope into yet just another ball-licking, manufacturer pandering, knob slobbing propaganda site whereby nearly every vehicle reviewed or discussed will be given two thumbs up…because ad revenue is more important than truth, critical thinking & honest discussion.
If I’m correct about this, it’ll be a shame.
Maybe someone like one of the Maruth brothers, or even Farago himself, can return to the original scene of the scathing truth, and start a separate site to cater to those of us who do not want another yahoo on autos type pile of sh!t auto site.
Bummer. But best of luck wherever you’re headed.
Best wishes, Derek. I have enjoyed and appreciated your articles and balanced points of view.
====================
Derek, thanks for your great work here and good luck in the future.
So I guess we’ll never see that Chrysler 200 review, huh?
Late to the show – but best of luck.
Stay classy it is a small world out there.