I had to give it some thought on my way home.
The best that I can come up with is that for the most part The Autopian is the web version of the editorial columns in the magazines. Some of the news stuff is ok but when I want news, I'm coming to you or Jill. They do the softball,fluff,silly stuff that balances out the deep dives you're known for. (Although they did steal your story about the 2 million mile Tundra owner.)
Even then, some days they just wiff out. I think the only thing I read today was the vote between two cars. I skimmed their news today. I do plan.on reading about what Alanis learned by starting her own tube channel.
I do believe that's their biggest strength. They grabbed the biggest hitters they could from Jalopnick and took those fans with them. I do believe that loyalty to a writer is personally more important than it ever was. Remember back in the day when it was a big deal to see your letter in the front of the magazine? Now we're interacting almost instantly with you guys! It's amazing! Even better, you show that you're one of us and not some high celebrity placating the masses. We can have a beer with you. The Autopian took that and ran with it. Just like you. They just went somersaulting down the hill while we calmly walk down the street.
