1. Have you had problems with the e-newsletter? An Indie Auto reader has shared with me that none of the links have recently worked on the weekly e-newsletter. I have thus far not been able to repeat that problem on any of the computers I have tested. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, the more specifics you can share with me the better, such as what browser you use and whether the links haven’t worked on both your regular computer and smart phone. The fastest way to communicate is through a message (go here) or a comment below.
2. Thank you to recent donors. It’s time again to do quarterly taxes, so a big thank you to recent donors. Your support helps to keep Indie Auto online during a time when basic costs have been increasing. This media outlet is small-scale enough that I don’t have any premiums to offer, and the current website does not allow me to give donors any added value (which is one reason why I’ve been working toward switching to a different platform). So thank you for making a contribution if you value what we are trying to do here.
3. Update on backshop stuff. Life has tended to be frustrating of late in Indie Auto’s backshop. That’s partly because some new software has been problematic, and partly because a switch to a new website has gotten bogged down with difficult technical issues. I mainly say this so readers know that if I am slow to respond to emails it is because I am juggling deadlines. Remember, this is a solo effort done in my spare time with my left hand.
4. More but shorter postings. Over the last few months I have been experimenting with posting six-to-seven times per week. That inevitably means shorter stories. In addition, I have been trying to post a broader range of content, such as more photo essays, book reviews and current events. On the latter front, that means more discussions of political issues since the auto industry is being more heavily impacted of late by policy decisions coming out of Washington, D.C. We live in interesting times, and I feel like I have a journalistic responsibility to cover them.
5. A journal of opinion . . . will offer opinions. Sometimes readers are surprised that Indie Auto offers opinions on controversial issues. In addition, there is a good chance that at least some readers will disagree with my takes — perhaps even strongly. If you have that experience, remember that I try hard to ground my views in facts and invite commentators to do so as well. Also note that I may exit a comment-thread debate if I don’t have any additional insights to offer or feel like the discussion is getting too pedantic or shrill. That said, I do appreciate a thoughtful debate. So thank you for taking the time and effort to contribute your perspectives in Indie Auto. We don’t have to agree to advance the dialogue.
6. We don’t sell cars or parts here. Lately I have received a spike in comments and messages from people who want to advertise stuff that they want to buy or sell. Alas, we don’t do that here because there are already plenty of other car-collector websites that do (check out our “Bibliography of Links”).
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