Housekeeping: How Are We Doing?

Slightly over a month ago, we had a spot of regime change here at The Truth About Cars. At the time, we unveiled a five-point program to improve the site and improve the reader experience. I’d like to take a moment to review these five points and give you a chance to provide further feedback on our progress so far.

Our points of improvement were:

Point One: TTAC Homecoming. To the best of our knowledge and ability, we have unbanned and restored every commenter who was removed from the conversation during the previous administration. I’m pleased to note that no commenters have required banning since then. If you’re aware of an account that has not been restored, or if you have an account that has not been restored, please let us know. Furthermore, some previously banned commenters have noticed that their comments are being held in the spam queue. We’re checking said queue frequently but if we miss you, let us know. I’d also like to thank the B&B for being civil and decent during the past month. Please try to keep that up.

Point Two: Accountability and Civility. I think we’ve done a good job of staying work-safe; if I’m wrong, let me know. We’ve had numerous pieces from contributors on both sides of the political fence and will continue to do so. Some commenters were upset at the flippant attitude I assumed towards the United States Government on the recent “Super Blue” piece, so I’ll take that criticism to heart. At the same time, this isn’t the Huffington Post or Fox News and we’re going to primarily judge political figures based on how they treat the motorist. I want to hear your opinion any time we lean too far to one side.

Point Three: Refocus on the B&B. We now allow commenters to criticize the authors, self included, and you’ve certainly taken advantage of that freedom, which is fine. We haven’t had a public shaming or banning of any commenter (or even a silent banning). This is one that’s tough to do over the long haul, for everyone. People get passionate about the issues that are important to them. Sometimes passion takes over. Just remember: we’re all in this together.

Point Four: Opening The Conversation. TTAC readers are contributing in record numbers. We’re looking forward to even more of that. Keep writing, keep sending it. We’re still catching up on the submissions we have, but don’t let that stop you. We want you to continue to participate, and as our budget frees up we will be able to pay for unique or interesting stories, particularly from inside the industry.

Point Five: The Truth A few readers (thanks, Mom!) said they didn’t want a complete ban on fiction, so we created “Sunday Stories” for that stuff. It’s clearly labeled so you can avoid it if you don’t like it. We’re renting more cars, getting more different voices on reviews. I’m pleased to announce that we’re about to go toe-to-toe with a major manufacturer on an issue of journalistic freedom, unless said manufacturer gets their act together in the next 48 hours, and I’m looking forward to it. Time to crack some heads and tell the truth.

So that’s how I think we’ve done so far. How about you? What else do you want to see changed, improved, or replaced? We’re listening. It’s important. One final thing: It had never occurred to me that I would wind up being the inmate in charge of this asylum. In general, you’ve been supportive and decent and great about the whole thing. Thanks for that. And for those of you who hate my guts: the pro tem after “E-I-C” is there for a reason. As always, thanks for reading!