Here we go again. As visits to this blog approach the 10,000 mark (probably closer to 13,000 if you include visits before the counter was installed), there seems to be an increase in efforts to censor comments I submit on articles regarding Toyota.
The latest instance bears an eerie resemblance to the censorship by Reuters. Last week, I read an article published by an outfit called Wired.com and decided to comment on Toyota's absurd marketing program whereby a woman was literally terrorized and has now won a court decision allowing her lawsuit to go forward. As with Reuters, I initially had difficulty logging in, even if I tried to do so using my Facebook or other accounts. After requesting password assistance, I finally got logged in, submitted my comment, and got the "comment subject to moderation" message. The comment was blocked, and submitted a second time with the same result.
So I e-mailed a complaint titled "Censorship re 9/12/11 Toyota cyberstalking article" to Kim Zetter, the person who wrote the article, stating "My comment was blocked, and I find this totally inexcusable, especially after reviewing some of the comments that were approved. If moderators are going to block comments, they should start with those that contain four letter filth and various other forms of offensive language." Interestingly enough, Zetter is billed as a "senior reporter at Wired covering cybercrime, privacy, security, and civil liberties." Emphasis most certainly mine.
Apparently, Zetter either didn't get the message, was too busy to reply, or agrees with the decision not to publish my comment. Whatever. At this time, still no replies.
Beware of Wired. They're the kinda folks who apparently don't see anything objectionable about anonymous commentary spouting four letter filth and insults, but are willing to block comments stated in a businesslike manner, devoid of obscenities, and accompanied by the writer's real name. Blatant, inexcusable censorship has become business as usual in America. And that's a real shame.
Update 9/20/2011 - I dropped wired.com a link to this post via another comment, and of course I got the "subject to moderation" notice. No problem this time. I think they'll get the message.
Update 9/20/2011 - Facebook has censored this post from Posts to Public. Glad I got it out on Twitter.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Reuters, closed session summits, and Toyota
If there's any so-called news organization I'd hate to have to depend on for facts, it would be Reuters. So it caught my eye when I read that Reuters was sponsoring a "Rebuilding Japan Summit," featuring "closed door on-the-record sessions." My interest was further piqued when I read Reuters' summit report publicizing comments by Toyota Executive Vice President Yukitoshi Funo. The report offered a rosey assessment of the company, omitting items such as recalls totalling 14 million units, record setting government fines for delays in reporting defects, a federal grand jury investigation, and a zillion lawsuits alleging coverup. Is this kind of "summit" genuine journalism? Or a cleverly contrived form of censorship?
Lately it seems there's been a sudden surge in mainstream media articles intent on ignoring facts and portraying the Recall King as some sort of innocent bystander. Meanwhile, the Toyota defect parade marches on with numerous recent recalls and the punishment of an engineer-turned-whistleblower in Vietnam. Guess I musta missed Reuters' "coverage" of the situation in Vietnam.
What Toyota, Japan, and the good ol' U.S.A. needs is something along the line of a "Toyota Engine Failure Summit" featuring reps from MR2 clubs along with past and present Spyder owners who lost thousands when their engines suddenly fell apart. Anyone who signed the ongoing oil sludge petition would also be invited to tell their stories regarding Toyota's "class action settlement." Bigwigs from Toyota, a few select congressmen, and representatives from the Department of Transportation would be on hand to field concerns, assured that the entire event would be nationally televised.
Somehow, I don't think that's the kind of summit Reuters would like to see.
Lately it seems there's been a sudden surge in mainstream media articles intent on ignoring facts and portraying the Recall King as some sort of innocent bystander. Meanwhile, the Toyota defect parade marches on with numerous recent recalls and the punishment of an engineer-turned-whistleblower in Vietnam. Guess I musta missed Reuters' "coverage" of the situation in Vietnam.
What Toyota, Japan, and the good ol' U.S.A. needs is something along the line of a "Toyota Engine Failure Summit" featuring reps from MR2 clubs along with past and present Spyder owners who lost thousands when their engines suddenly fell apart. Anyone who signed the ongoing oil sludge petition would also be invited to tell their stories regarding Toyota's "class action settlement." Bigwigs from Toyota, a few select congressmen, and representatives from the Department of Transportation would be on hand to field concerns, assured that the entire event would be nationally televised.
Somehow, I don't think that's the kind of summit Reuters would like to see.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Reuters bans my comments re Toyota
Reuters news organization has informed me that my account has been "banned from commenting." This comes as no shock, because Reuters has previously removed my remarks regarding Toyota. This is, however, the first time I've been banned per se from expressing my opinion on a website.
The way Reuters' ban came about is interesting. A few weeks ago, I submitted a comment critical of the Recall King. It was published, but immediately removed. I resubmitted a time or two with the same result, whereupon I exposed Reuters' blatant censorship on Twitter and Facebook and submitted copies of the posts to Reuters via another comment, which, of course was never published nor did I expect it to be. Apparently, however, Reuters took notice.
Yesterday, I submitted a comment on Reuters' article regarding Toyota's latest recall of 333,000 units - RAV4s and Highlanders - for an airbag defect. What I immediately encountered was difficulty signing in, even if I used my Facebook account. So I finally requested password assistance and got logged on. Then I submitted a comment rakin' Toyota over well deserved coals for their never ending parade of defects. But unlike before, the comment wasn't published, even temporarily. Instead, I got a message that the comment would be "moderated." Apparently, that's Reutersese for "censored."
So I waited an hour or two - not expectin' much - and again fired off a complaint tweet and a post on Facebook exposin' Reuters' rebuff of free speech. Then - like before - I attempted to send Reuters copies, and that's when I immediately got the message that my account had been banned from commenting. Yessir, I'll bet ol' Reuters already knew about me exposin' 'em again on Facebook and Twitter, and decided to throw a tantrum by just flat out bannin' my remarks altogether. "That'll teach the guy to get smart with a kingpin of mainstream media such as Reuters."
If it weren't for serious issues of free speech, Reuters' childish response to my opinions about Toyota would be downright funny. Do they wish to control the dissemination of newsworthy information? Or is it merely hubris confounding common sense in the age of the Internet? Hard to say at this point, but it sure makes a body wonder what kinda relationship Reuters has with Toyota.
Rest assured, Reuters, that I'm not anywhere close to intimidated. I'll be exposin' the likes of you and Toyota every chance I get.
Update 4/23/2011 - Reuters must have complained to Facebook, because when I referenced this blog post, Facebook blocked the information from Posts by Everyone.
Update 4/24/2011 - Today I referenced this blog post again on Facebook, and the reference was published in Posts by Everyone.
The way Reuters' ban came about is interesting. A few weeks ago, I submitted a comment critical of the Recall King. It was published, but immediately removed. I resubmitted a time or two with the same result, whereupon I exposed Reuters' blatant censorship on Twitter and Facebook and submitted copies of the posts to Reuters via another comment, which, of course was never published nor did I expect it to be. Apparently, however, Reuters took notice.
Yesterday, I submitted a comment on Reuters' article regarding Toyota's latest recall of 333,000 units - RAV4s and Highlanders - for an airbag defect. What I immediately encountered was difficulty signing in, even if I used my Facebook account. So I finally requested password assistance and got logged on. Then I submitted a comment rakin' Toyota over well deserved coals for their never ending parade of defects. But unlike before, the comment wasn't published, even temporarily. Instead, I got a message that the comment would be "moderated." Apparently, that's Reutersese for "censored."
So I waited an hour or two - not expectin' much - and again fired off a complaint tweet and a post on Facebook exposin' Reuters' rebuff of free speech. Then - like before - I attempted to send Reuters copies, and that's when I immediately got the message that my account had been banned from commenting. Yessir, I'll bet ol' Reuters already knew about me exposin' 'em again on Facebook and Twitter, and decided to throw a tantrum by just flat out bannin' my remarks altogether. "That'll teach the guy to get smart with a kingpin of mainstream media such as Reuters."
If it weren't for serious issues of free speech, Reuters' childish response to my opinions about Toyota would be downright funny. Do they wish to control the dissemination of newsworthy information? Or is it merely hubris confounding common sense in the age of the Internet? Hard to say at this point, but it sure makes a body wonder what kinda relationship Reuters has with Toyota.
Rest assured, Reuters, that I'm not anywhere close to intimidated. I'll be exposin' the likes of you and Toyota every chance I get.
Update 4/23/2011 - Reuters must have complained to Facebook, because when I referenced this blog post, Facebook blocked the information from Posts by Everyone.
Update 4/24/2011 - Today I referenced this blog post again on Facebook, and the reference was published in Posts by Everyone.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Latest Toyota recall shows true colors
Moody's Investors Services' recent analysis of Toyota puts things in post earthquake perspective for Japanese automakers: Nissan considered for a credit upgrade, Honda viewed as stable, and the Recall King placed under review for another drop in credit rating. "The rating agency also said that the company's high level of incentive spending and its declining share in major markets like the U.S. indicated that consumer perceptions of the company's quality may have weakened compared with some of its competitors."
Speaking of consumer perceptions, Toyota's continuing lousy attitude toward cusotmers was epitomized by their latest recall. Thanks to a whistleblower - supported by his colleagues - media exposed several defects, including a brake problem. Then the Recall King acknowledged the defects but refused to issue a recall until an outraged public changed Toyota's mind.
Amidst Toyota's handwringing public apologies and promises to put more emphasis on customer satisfaction, here's yet another example of actions speaking louder than words. Evidence that Toyota has yet to learn any "big lessons," and will keep trying to get away with whatever it can, profits before people. As one consumer wrote, "Does
Update 4/16/2011 - The scandal has now worsened, prompting a recall of nearly 66,000 units, the largest ever in Vietnam. This is even more than the whistleblower revealed had been sold. And apparently the Recall King still doesn't get it. Toyota apologized for the recall but neglected to apologize for not listening to warnings from their whistleblowin' engineer and his colleagues.
Update 4/22/2011 - Whew. Its hard to keep up with all the Toyota recalls. Their "latest" is now a whoppin' 330,000 units for an airbag defect. RAV4s, Highlanders. Oops - yesterday (4/26/2011) Toyota announed a 51,000 unit recall of Tundra trucks re a drive shaft defect.
Update 4/27/2011 - Top Gear auto news has asked Toyota how the Vietnam recall will affect Thai-built Fortuners sold in the Phillipines, but the Recall King has yet to reply.
Update 6/19/2011 - Amidst Toyota's adamant denials of the obvious, the Recall King has now taken action against the whistleblower: http://www.thanhniennews.com/2010/Pages/20110614123057.aspx
Speaking of consumer perceptions, Toyota's continuing lousy attitude toward cusotmers was epitomized by their latest recall. Thanks to a whistleblower - supported by his colleagues - media exposed several defects, including a brake problem. Then the Recall King acknowledged the defects but refused to issue a recall until an outraged public changed Toyota's mind.
Amidst Toyota's handwringing public apologies and promises to put more emphasis on customer satisfaction, here's yet another example of actions speaking louder than words. Evidence that Toyota has yet to learn any "big lessons," and will keep trying to get away with whatever it can, profits before people. As one consumer wrote, "Does
Update 4/16/2011 - The scandal has now worsened, prompting a recall of nearly 66,000 units, the largest ever in Vietnam. This is even more than the whistleblower revealed had been sold. And apparently the Recall King still doesn't get it. Toyota apologized for the recall but neglected to apologize for not listening to warnings from their whistleblowin' engineer and his colleagues.
Update 4/22/2011 - Whew. Its hard to keep up with all the Toyota recalls. Their "latest" is now a whoppin' 330,000 units for an airbag defect. RAV4s, Highlanders. Oops - yesterday (4/26/2011) Toyota announed a 51,000 unit recall of Tundra trucks re a drive shaft defect.
Update 4/27/2011 - Top Gear auto news has asked Toyota how the Vietnam recall will affect Thai-built Fortuners sold in the Phillipines, but the Recall King has yet to reply.
Update 6/19/2011 - Amidst Toyota's adamant denials of the obvious, the Recall King has now taken action against the whistleblower: http://www.thanhniennews.com/2010/Pages/20110614123057.aspx
Friday, March 18, 2011
Toyota runs, but can't hide
Reputation for defects, known far and wide; Toyota can run, but Toyota can't hide.
Heartfelt thanks to Armen Hareyan and Torque News for publishing my article, "Toyota Losin' for a Reason." I'm honored to have my opinion featured. Visit TorqueNews on Facebook and TorqueNewsAuto on Twitter.
Word is gettin' out about the Recall King's lousy products and equally lousy attitude. Things have apparently gotten to the point where Toyota is experimenting with marketing efforts that seek to divert attention away from troublesome issues such as recalls, lawsuits, fines, and investigations. Meaningful info about the vehicle is all but eliminated, along with reporters' question and answer sessions. Those questions from the media can be embarassing. Much safer to spotlight a pagentry of music and models. All in unison, girls. Spell the plural of Prius.
But will it work? Will consumers be mesmerized into plunking down hard earned dollars for products no longer imbued with the mistique of a manufacturer that can do no wrong? Not likely. At least not for a stretch. Recall King Toyota must now face the consequences of deeds brought to the public's attention in a big way.
Its a little late for glitzy ads, Recall King. Try all the diversionary tactics you want, but the facts are rainin' on your parade.
Heartfelt thanks to Armen Hareyan and Torque News for publishing my article, "Toyota Losin' for a Reason." I'm honored to have my opinion featured. Visit TorqueNews on Facebook and TorqueNewsAuto on Twitter.
Word is gettin' out about the Recall King's lousy products and equally lousy attitude. Things have apparently gotten to the point where Toyota is experimenting with marketing efforts that seek to divert attention away from troublesome issues such as recalls, lawsuits, fines, and investigations. Meaningful info about the vehicle is all but eliminated, along with reporters' question and answer sessions. Those questions from the media can be embarassing. Much safer to spotlight a pagentry of music and models. All in unison, girls. Spell the plural of Prius.
But will it work? Will consumers be mesmerized into plunking down hard earned dollars for products no longer imbued with the mistique of a manufacturer that can do no wrong? Not likely. At least not for a stretch. Recall King Toyota must now face the consequences of deeds brought to the public's attention in a big way.
Its a little late for glitzy ads, Recall King. Try all the diversionary tactics you want, but the facts are rainin' on your parade.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Ruling supports plaintiffs re Prius brakes
Call 'em Priuses, Prii, or whatever you will (try Glitch-mobiles), but a class action lawsuit alleging defective brakes will proceed. The judge denied Toyota's request for a dismissal, and rightly so.
This lawsuit over Prius brakes stems from complaints galore, and alleges that Toyota knew about a defect years before the cars were recalled. Based on my experience, the allegations ring true. Even though the Internet is loaded with complaints of sudden engine failures in MR2 Spyders, Toyota refuses to acknowledge a defect, maintaining that the failures "could be caused by a number of things, such as not changing the oil at proper intervals." When I tried to discuss the postings from two major car clubs, Toyota's "customer loyalty" guy "didn't want to hear about all that." And NHTSA refuses to get involved because - thanks to lobbying efforts, no doubt - sudden engine failures such as those involving the MR2 Spyders are not considered a safety issue. Of course, this all goes hand in hand with blamin' the customer (sound familiar?), who winds up on the short side when it comes to having any practical recourse.
Like the lawsuit over Prius headlights, Toyota will probably settle this Prius brake case long before risking a jury decision. A jury is likely to look at the number of complaints, exercise a little common sense, and hand down a hefty tab for punitive damages.
What kind of company treats its customers in such a manner? And what kind of government lets 'em get away with it?
This lawsuit over Prius brakes stems from complaints galore, and alleges that Toyota knew about a defect years before the cars were recalled. Based on my experience, the allegations ring true. Even though the Internet is loaded with complaints of sudden engine failures in MR2 Spyders, Toyota refuses to acknowledge a defect, maintaining that the failures "could be caused by a number of things, such as not changing the oil at proper intervals." When I tried to discuss the postings from two major car clubs, Toyota's "customer loyalty" guy "didn't want to hear about all that." And NHTSA refuses to get involved because - thanks to lobbying efforts, no doubt - sudden engine failures such as those involving the MR2 Spyders are not considered a safety issue. Of course, this all goes hand in hand with blamin' the customer (sound familiar?), who winds up on the short side when it comes to having any practical recourse.
Like the lawsuit over Prius headlights, Toyota will probably settle this Prius brake case long before risking a jury decision. A jury is likely to look at the number of complaints, exercise a little common sense, and hand down a hefty tab for punitive damages.
What kind of company treats its customers in such a manner? And what kind of government lets 'em get away with it?
Friday, March 4, 2011
Toyota a liability for Lotus, FT-86
With all those engine failures in MR2 Spyders, no wonder Toyota is relying on Subaru for the engine in the still anticipated finale of the FT-86 (Scion FR-S). But as Toyota partners with Subaru and ventures once again into sports car land, informed consumers will also contemplate such things as Toyota's botched job designing MR2 hood releases. And now that Toyota has become somewhat less than a paragon of quality, we learn that sports car legend Lotus has been catchin' criticism from customers because of its involvement with the Recall King.
Frankly, I've always thought it strange that Lotus would link up with Toyota, even though - as I understand it - the Recall King's engines are not exactly stock by the time Lotus gives 'em a goin' over. Nonetheless, Lotus has now decided to quit with the Toyota engines. Right on for "Engine by Lotus. From scratch. Honest."
Since word got out about all those stonewalled engine failures in MR2 Spyders, Toyota seems to have a flair for teamin' up with other brands when it comes to sports cars. But I'm bettin' lots of folks see things the same way I do. Havin' been fooled once by Toyota's efforts to produce a sports car, I'm no longer impressed by anything Toyota is involved in, and certainly not the FT-86. Especially that often-loaded-with-bugs first year model. Among other things, co-partner Subaru is suddenly departing from its longstanding practice of only producing vehicles with all wheel drive.
Maybe Toyota could get Lotus to do the bodywork, chassis, and drivetrain. Then with Subaru doin' the engine... But wait. Where would Toyota come in? No problem. Just put the Recall King in charge of advertising. But by all means, keep 'em away from those floor mats.
Note: A weird thing happened when I linked to a Consumer Reports FT-86 article via a Twitter "Top Tweet" and tried to post a comment. A pop-up appeared, "We're sorry, we cannot accept this data." Such a delight. Nothin' like open communications. Thought for a minute there I was being censored.
Update 11/27/11 - Leave it to Toyota to spawn years of teaser type marketing and then spring a last minute name change to GT 86. Ho hum. Another front engined monstrosity weighing in at 2,662 pounds complete with a fish-like appearance and two squished in rear seats. Next thing you know, the Recall King will be strikin' up a partnership with Ford's Mustang.
Frankly, I've always thought it strange that Lotus would link up with Toyota, even though - as I understand it - the Recall King's engines are not exactly stock by the time Lotus gives 'em a goin' over. Nonetheless, Lotus has now decided to quit with the Toyota engines. Right on for "Engine by Lotus. From scratch. Honest."
Since word got out about all those stonewalled engine failures in MR2 Spyders, Toyota seems to have a flair for teamin' up with other brands when it comes to sports cars. But I'm bettin' lots of folks see things the same way I do. Havin' been fooled once by Toyota's efforts to produce a sports car, I'm no longer impressed by anything Toyota is involved in, and certainly not the FT-86. Especially that often-loaded-with-bugs first year model. Among other things, co-partner Subaru is suddenly departing from its longstanding practice of only producing vehicles with all wheel drive.
Maybe Toyota could get Lotus to do the bodywork, chassis, and drivetrain. Then with Subaru doin' the engine... But wait. Where would Toyota come in? No problem. Just put the Recall King in charge of advertising. But by all means, keep 'em away from those floor mats.
Note: A weird thing happened when I linked to a Consumer Reports FT-86 article via a Twitter "Top Tweet" and tried to post a comment. A pop-up appeared, "We're sorry, we cannot accept this data." Such a delight. Nothin' like open communications. Thought for a minute there I was being censored.
Update 11/27/11 - Leave it to Toyota to spawn years of teaser type marketing and then spring a last minute name change to GT 86. Ho hum. Another front engined monstrosity weighing in at 2,662 pounds complete with a fish-like appearance and two squished in rear seats. Next thing you know, the Recall King will be strikin' up a partnership with Ford's Mustang.
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