Home » The Journalistic And Practical Implications Of Accepting Early Info From Automakers – Tales From The Slack

The Journalistic And Practical Implications Of Accepting Early Info From Automakers – Tales From The Slack

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Geoff Buchholz
Geoff Buchholz
28 days ago

I run into embargoes like this somewhat frequently in the local news ecosystem, and while I understand why they exist, they’re annoying … mostly because, as Hardigree noted, someone usually always blows the embargo, and we (the rule-followers) look like we’re caught on our back foot.

Years ago, I worked for a news director who flat-out said “WE DON’T FOLLOW EMBARGOES” … which was at least an honest approach. I don’t remember that it ever hurt our news-gathering.

Chronometric
Chronometric
28 days ago

What I find amazing is that anyone cares enough to seek out the absolute first look info for a vehicle that won’t debut for years..

Dodsworth
Dodsworth
29 days ago

I’m very naive. I assume that embargoes mean an automaker wants info to slip out so they can pretend that they know nothing but create buzz at the same time.

Fuzzyweis
Fuzzyweis
29 days ago

I was half interested in the Livestream but then it was late like the Tesla so I said screw it then I tried to watch it later and omg it was worse than the Tesla with all the back patting and buzz words, couldn’t watch it.

So I read the article with all the info and impressions from here like I usually do, it’s the format I prefer for car info even with all the stuff popping up in my Facebook feed.

I guess the point is whatever on embargoes, early birds get more clicks but people stay for the quality.

Scott Ross
Scott Ross
29 days ago

What’s more harmful to an automotive blog. Releasing embargo information early or wrecking a Camaro on a street course during a press event?

AlterId
AlterId
29 days ago
Reply to  Scott Ross

If you manage to mow down a rival blogger with the Camaro as they type an embargo-violating post into their phone, everything goes back to normal.

Rad Barchetta
Rad Barchetta
29 days ago

Quite honestly, I don’t care if the news breaks somewhere else. I’m gonna come here to get the Autopian take on it regardless. Embargo, shmembargo.

Totally not a robot
Totally not a robot
29 days ago
Reply to  Rad Barchetta

Wait, there’s a somewhere else??

Rad Barchetta
Rad Barchetta
28 days ago

Not one that matters, no.

Adrian Clarke
Adrian Clarke
27 days ago
Reply to  Rad Barchetta

Don’t go anywhere else or we send the goons round. Hardigree likes baseball. A lot. Know what I mean?

Myk El
Myk El
26 days ago
Reply to  Adrian Clarke

If the reader is in Australia, does Lewin like cricket? I’m assuming any in the UK will be cut deeply with your rapier (like wit).

Adrian Clarke
Adrian Clarke
26 days ago
Reply to  Myk El

I’ll call him and tell him to take it up.

Highland Green Miata
Highland Green Miata
29 days ago

If you’re known as the site that always plays by the requested rules that will eventually break in your favor with things like exclusives. There used to be something known as “journalistic integrity (I know, back in the 1900’s, LOL), but seriously, there are only so many manufacturers and they do release products regularly, so being the trustworthy ones isn’t the worst thing that can happen. Besides, people will read more than one article on something they are interested in, and we all know The Autopian’s are the best…

Icouldntfindaclevername
Icouldntfindaclevername
29 days ago

I say play the game until you know they’ll still send you info and invites even if you break an embargo here and there 🙂

AssMatt
AssMatt
29 days ago

“We’re still new so it’s probably better to play the game and we’re grateful to have been given the option” is the nicest, most appropriate thing The Autopian could say here, and feels absolutely correct. It’s good that you know how to play the game!

TOSSABL
TOSSABL
29 days ago

I know little about the industry that I haven’t gleaned here & on the old site, so no informed opinions about embargos. I do respect the profession of journalism, so I’m glad to know that this site keeps them strictly when you agree to them. If you didn’t, that would certainly affect my decision about renewing membership.

Journalistic integrity is damned important imo. More so these days with counter-factual items spreading virally. Being open and accountable is key to gaining and keeping trust

Last edited 29 days ago by TOSSABL
Urban Runabout
Urban Runabout
29 days ago

Embargos are dumb.
If PR folks don’t want the info to get out – simply should not release the data ’til they’re ready for it to go out.
Simple as that.

Last edited 29 days ago by Urban Runabout
IanGTCS
IanGTCS
29 days ago
Reply to  Urban Runabout

The want the articles written and ready to go when they say so. Having the info in the writers hands lets them prep the articles and be ready to hit post at the right time.

Urban Runabout
Urban Runabout
29 days ago
Reply to  IanGTCS

I get it – but the PR folks are playing with fire with that methodology. They deserve to have embargoes broken with that game.

They should simply release the info when they want it out – then let the journalists will do their jobs to regurgitate the PR narrative write their copy and get it out quickly.

It’s not like the product is in showrooms under wraps awaiting buyers anyway.

Last edited 29 days ago by Urban Runabout
Data
Data
29 days ago
Reply to  IanGTCS

Like that Abe Vigoda obituary that was ready go again and again and again.

Rad Barchetta
Rad Barchetta
28 days ago
Reply to  Data

This just in: Generalismo Francisco Franco is still dead.

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