TTAC Did Detroit

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago

I read a disturbing comment over at Jalopnik today. It was underneath a post by former TTAC'er Jonny Lieberman on the stress of covering the North American International Auto Show. RLJ676 accused me of wishing for our domestic automakers' downfall, and then attacked TTAC's posting policy. "Further, he runs the place like a fascist and bans for disagreeing with him under the guise that it was a 'flame.' That's what leads to (nearly) everyone on that site agreeing, coincidentally, with all of his articles, etc. Like I said, there's very little 'truth' to be had." I am well aware of TTAC's rep for dwelling on Detroit's dark side. And I know plenty of people see our no-flaming policy as thinly-veiled editorial censorship. When I contemplate these issues, I sometimes wonder if TTAC is not just a lone voice in the wilderness, but an unimportant one. We are so far out of the mainstream we barely get our feet wet. Is it worth it? What's the point? All I can say is that my high school's motto was "For the honor of truth." Not the popularity of truth, or the rich financial rewards of truth. The honor. OK, it's also fun to be the asshole sometimes. But as long as there is ONE visitor who shares the site's crusade for honesty and integrity in an industry that we love– yes, love– then WTH, we'll keep at it. For now, it's time to rest. Perchance to dream. Aye, there's the rub.

Robert Farago
Robert Farago

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  • Joshvar Joshvar on Jan 15, 2008

    I like this crowd. I've read waaaaaaaaay too many comments here, and I've seen plenty of dissenting opinions. It keeps this site spicy, and keeps me on its pages beyond the articles. When base elements of intelligent discourse aren't fostered in youth, you can't expect them to reason that someone who thinks differently from themselves can be their greatest asset. I sure as shit abhor the lack of patience, logic, and follow through of the internet generation, and without guidance, well, read the comments at ESPN, Autoblog, or any of the major news websites. It's sad.

  • Philbailey Philbailey on Jan 15, 2008

    One editorailiser called Jeremy Clarkson some very nasty names in an article and I objected. I accused TTAC of being very uncivil indeed and jealous of success to boot. I got a "last warning". Obviously, what's sauce for the goose is not sauce for the gander. So some of the fascism accusation actually has some credence. And don't bother sending me an e-mail RF, this is my last comment anyway. Although, maybe not my last visit.

  • Robert Farago Robert Farago on Jan 15, 2008

    philbailey :

    One editorailiser called Jeremy Clarkson some very nasty names in an article and I objected. I accused TTAC of being very uncivil indeed and jealous of success to boot. I got a “last warning”.

    No question: TTAC’s anti-flaming policy is logically inconsistent. Editorialists, bloggers and commentators can flame people and corporate entities who do NOT post on the site, but not the site itself, its authors or fellow commentators. Further, I allow commentators to compliment writers but not to diss them. (As a prior poster remarked, if Mr. Clarkson posted on this site, we would have to treat him as “one of us.”)

    Although the site’s anti-flaming policy is illogical, it IS effective. Time-tested, in fact. The quality of commentary hereabouts speaks for itself. And I urge you to note that I am ready, willing and able to engage anyone in a debate about TTAC’s editorial stance or style off-line, at robert.farago@thetrutbaoutcars.com (the addy is off-line until tomorrow for technical reasons). Whenever I delete a comment, I ALWAYS email the poster and invite a discussion. Or an editorial submission.

    It’s weird: a website that proudly trumpets itself as “no holds barred” that bars holds. But there it is. And that’s the way it’s going to stay.

  • Dinu Dinu on Jan 16, 2008

    Like many have said, the reason TTAC is so great is b/c of the civil discussion we can engage in on this site. Nothing turns me off more from a topic I dearly love (cars, the industry, and the people who drive them) than commentary and behaviour fit for a grade 4 lunchroom. And I know too well what gets said in a grade 4 lunchroom - I'm a teacher after all. I'm one of the many visitors to this site that rarely posts, but reads most news articles, ALL reviews and editorials, including the comments. The quality of debate is what keeps me coming back daily, and what will ultimately be the demise of the F5 key on my computer :) Thank you all for a fantastic automotive site and resource! Dinu PS: It seems that only today's episode can be found on iTunes. Would it be possible to keep Podcasts from the past few days (last 5 Podcasts perhaps?) uploaded? Makes it easier to sync the iPod so I can listen to it :)

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