Back when I started this site, I decided not to register every "The Truth About" url in the urlniverse. Although I am prone to bouts of megalomania (usually restricted to violent videogames), I knew there was no way I could muster enough energy/focus/moola to effectively run an empire of "truth abouts." I also knew that truth-telling is an inherently difficult and risky business that requires complete commitment. So when Ford launched thetruthabouttrucks.com, it was no biggie. As soon as visitors see it's a Ford site, they know exactly how much objective (i.e. truthy) information they'd discovered. When Audi launched "truth in engineering" as their ad strapline, again, it wasn't a problem. About the most controversial thing about Audi's engineering is how to spell Vorschprung Durch Technik. Thetruthabouttoyota.com's kvetching about ToMoCo's greenwashing was/is more like it. But not quite. And so, now, I'm thinking the new UK website thetruthaboutsmart ain't gonna cut it. Yes, it's a cleverly-written, well-produced website that does an excellent job dispelling common misconceptions (not "rumors" Autoblog) about the under-capitalized fortwo. But net savvy folk know the difference between corporate and independent info. There are a few members of the automotive press corps (e.g. Dan Neil), and a few websites (e.g. Motor Authority) whose truth levels I respect. Which simply proves you don't have to say you're going to tell the truth to do it. But it can't hurt, can it?
6 Comments on “The Truth About The Truth About Websites...”
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Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, although I highly doubt Ford had any flattery in mind.
The Smart website is neat…. although in dial-up land, I had to watch the guy sweeping awhile.
I don’t think there’s any shame or lack of focus in hosting/founding another The Truth About _______ or two if like-minded persons spearhead it. The Truth About _________ in ten years might have the same clout as Consumer Reports. The Truth About Appliances, Televisions, Furniture. Of course, the main site could be The Truth About Everything is currently parked… or make it something hipster-like, something like TheTruthAboutE.com (not registered).
Whatever Robert, your site is the best and for me its a eye opener for many things, keep up the good work. George in Canada
The “Smart” UK website is quite clever and entertaining, a perfect “spin machine” for a car that is almost as fast as a Prius, gets almost as good city mileage as a Prius, and has almost 55% of that cargo space of a Prius.
But it is darn cute.
Vorschprung Durch Technik.
You sure that is spelled right though?
I’m not German but I think that’s not exactly how our neihbours from Z land of Z Zjermans spell it…
I haven’t even looked at the other websites named here. TTAC remains my favorite car website, regardless of possible imitations. I obviously also enjoy Dan Neil and Autoextremist, and am longing for a european car website as irreverent and independent as TTAC.
Robert, what games?
AKM:
What games?
I'm test driving GT5 at the moment. It's very violent. If those walls and barriers were real, they wouldn't stand a chance.