Ok, story time. Back in 2016, there were these two brother's Mark and Jack Baruth that were stirring up trouble amongst the media. Lots of snarky and back-handed comments on a private Facebook page for journalists. I had some spare time and a spine, so I started pushing back. They didn't like that at all. After some back and forth, I blocked them and haven't heard from them in years.
Today, I got a message from a VP overseeing the Truth about Cars website and he wanted to see if I would join the podcast while at the Chicago Auto Show. He's a nice guy, so no naming his name.
I had to remind him about the post below. I said something "are you sure you want me on the podcast after that outlet called me the worst car reviewer of all time?"
I LOL'd out loud writing that.
The rest of the story, like Paul Harvey used to say, is that the article below was like a catapult for my career. The fact is there are many more Baruth haters than fans. People I didn't even know before sent me friend requests and emails. I now know a lot more people and have a lot of great friends because of this post and I also made a lot of money from freelance work from those new friends who graciously accepted my freelance offers.
I stood up to the bully and that made a world of difference. Just thought I'd share.
BTW, the new editor at TTAC is a friend of mine. He says they can't take down the post, I call BS on that, and they leave it up. I Googled it every few years and use it. Best thing that ever happened to me. Oh and that new editor? I was on his short list for truck-related freelance content. Obviously I can't write for you with that post. Or maybe I could. Now that would be hilarious to get a review of mine on his website. Maybe I'll even link to the worst car reviewer post in the article! LOL. Nah.
Today, I got a message from a VP overseeing the Truth about Cars website and he wanted to see if I would join the podcast while at the Chicago Auto Show. He's a nice guy, so no naming his name.
I had to remind him about the post below. I said something "are you sure you want me on the podcast after that outlet called me the worst car reviewer of all time?"
I LOL'd out loud writing that.
The rest of the story, like Paul Harvey used to say, is that the article below was like a catapult for my career. The fact is there are many more Baruth haters than fans. People I didn't even know before sent me friend requests and emails. I now know a lot more people and have a lot of great friends because of this post and I also made a lot of money from freelance work from those new friends who graciously accepted my freelance offers.
I stood up to the bully and that made a world of difference. Just thought I'd share.
BTW, the new editor at TTAC is a friend of mine. He says they can't take down the post, I call BS on that, and they leave it up. I Googled it every few years and use it. Best thing that ever happened to me. Oh and that new editor? I was on his short list for truck-related freelance content. Obviously I can't write for you with that post. Or maybe I could. Now that would be hilarious to get a review of mine on his website. Maybe I'll even link to the worst car reviewer post in the article! LOL. Nah.
