Talk Back 09.2008

Chris Paukert of Winding Road takes exception to the description of that Emagazine in the July Tom-Tom by Eric Killorin. Paukert writes: “While it’s true that we enjoy a distribution relationship with eBay Motors, Winding Road is not at all owned by eBay as suggested. …It is owned by Nextscreen LLC of Austin, Texas. Further, the characterization that WR has “shifted from high-profile writers to no-buck reader contributions” is not accurate. We continue to maintain the services of expert writers on staff and in our contributor pool, including the likes of David E. Davis, Jr., William Jeanes, etc.” He continues, “I suspect that where Killorin became confused is with our new website, http://www.NextAutos.com, which both recognizes and celebrates user-generated content in a new way for the automotive journalism segment. It does so by encouraging users to author their own stories, as well as upload their own videos and pictures. It does not change the fact that we will have a team of paid and respected staffers generating stories for both our NextAutos website and Winding Road digital magazine.”

From Don Weberg, Editor-Publisher Garage Style Magazine: “Just a quick note to say thank you for doing a great job. I’ve subscribed to your newsletter for some years now, and have always enjoyed reading the various updates and news stories. Nothing great ever comes easy, or so it seems, and with that it’s important to keep up the steam and enjoy the ride. All the best.”

Lindsay Brooke, senior editor of Automotive Engineering International questions a statement in Bill Maloney’s June Tom-Tom: “The CNW market research firm from the northwest along with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) say the little hybrids are a way for some individuals…can you say Leonardo… to make an environmental statement.” Brooke writes, “This is puzzling because, as an editor on SAE’s flagship monthly Automotive Engineering International, I have no idea to what this is referring. Do you know if it was taken from an SAE publication? Although I happen to agree generally with the statement above, and believe Pat Bedard’s analysis of hybrids in CnD to be sound, we at SAE Magazines usually strive to report engineering and technology developments without making judgement calls regarding the end customer. (I’ve copied my boss, SAE Editorial Director Kevin Jost, on this note. Maybe he can shed some light on this.) In any case, no worries from us—your newsletter serves a very useful purpose in our profession. Keep up the great work!”

Christopher Burdick Editor-in-Chief http://www.Automoblog.net writes, “Just dropping a note to let you know I’m enjoying reading the newsletter and hearing from other automotive journalists, including some I’ve met at various media events. Here at Automoblog.net we’re getting into the hang of regularly doing full reviews on cars, and I hope to bring some value to consumers everywhere. I’m really looking forward to attending more media events and shows so I can meet more people and have a good time. Keep up the good work!”