2019 Mustang Bullitt
I'd like to tell you all about the new Bullitt, the Mustang that's supposed to evoke memories of Steve McQueen chasing/racing a Charger on the streets of San Francisco. I'd like to tell you but I can't; I wasn't invited to the press event in San Francisco.
The press event was literally in my backyard. I am a certified Blue Oval guy. I recently reviewed an '18 Mustang 5.0 and EcoBoost. Who knows maybe my invitation got lost in the mail?
There was a time when most of the large auto makers held regional media events and invited most of the local auto media folks. Just about all members of the Western Automotive Journalists (WAJ) were always invited. Then when the economy crashed many auto makers scaled way back. That was accepted by most including myself. But the economy is doing fairly well and most car companies are making money now.
I've never expected to go on the big, expensive junkets that the top tier writers go on; I'm just not that important in the greater scheme of things. And I don't get my nose out of joint if you don't hold press events in my area. But when you do and you leave me out, especially when I can see who you do invite (and trust me some have no better credentials than I do) it bothers me.
Maybe I'm too thin skinned but I don't think so. I don't try to abuse my privilege. I take the test vehicles I am offered although I know there are many more available to others. I don't whine when there aren't any vehicles available. In fact at times I arbitrarily cut myself off (like right now because I've done enough 2018s and the '19s aren't available yet). I like driving new vehicles but that isn't the point of reviewing vehicles. If I can't inform my readers what is the point?
But back to the original point, being invited to events. I'm sure you have some criteria for the invites but I just can't figure it out.
And to those of you who do invite the lower tier writers like myself a huge thank you. I know I appreciate it.
The press event was literally in my backyard. I am a certified Blue Oval guy. I recently reviewed an '18 Mustang 5.0 and EcoBoost. Who knows maybe my invitation got lost in the mail?
There was a time when most of the large auto makers held regional media events and invited most of the local auto media folks. Just about all members of the Western Automotive Journalists (WAJ) were always invited. Then when the economy crashed many auto makers scaled way back. That was accepted by most including myself. But the economy is doing fairly well and most car companies are making money now.
I've never expected to go on the big, expensive junkets that the top tier writers go on; I'm just not that important in the greater scheme of things. And I don't get my nose out of joint if you don't hold press events in my area. But when you do and you leave me out, especially when I can see who you do invite (and trust me some have no better credentials than I do) it bothers me.
Maybe I'm too thin skinned but I don't think so. I don't try to abuse my privilege. I take the test vehicles I am offered although I know there are many more available to others. I don't whine when there aren't any vehicles available. In fact at times I arbitrarily cut myself off (like right now because I've done enough 2018s and the '19s aren't available yet). I like driving new vehicles but that isn't the point of reviewing vehicles. If I can't inform my readers what is the point?
But back to the original point, being invited to events. I'm sure you have some criteria for the invites but I just can't figure it out.
And to those of you who do invite the lower tier writers like myself a huge thank you. I know I appreciate it.
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