[Exploder]

On GMI it's quite unanimous that GM has incompetent management on every single level and facet. The fact that there are people that feel the need to defend Rick and Bob, the fact that people need to take sides, the fact that is even a debate over their performance already shows they're not well enough.

But what can WE, as FANS, do to fix GM? Is the extent to which we can improve GM is really just complaining on the Internet? Do you think there is something that can be physically done in real life to bring about changes? Such as trying to get at least one of the staff members of this website to run GM?*

*I am absolutely serious when I say this. 95% of complaints about GM would disappear if mgescuro or Ming, for example, ran the departments of GM in which they are experts (Cadillac/Saturn/Saab and small cars, respectively), or even the whole of GM.

I refuse to believe all we can do is sit and watch!

 

[ARCANGEL]

we can BUY there Cars!!!!!

 

[jkennedy293]

I say we just elect Buickman to the Board of Directors...and laugh as GM goes down in flames.

 

[fp115]

If you want to make some changes, as fans you can give out your ideas here. The appropriate people are watching these channels.

But as for what you can do to GM as fans for the time being is not to start or even continue rumours. As of late it has been difficult with the slew of rumours, false information or even plain and simple hatred of the company. Although for fans it is more difficult to make dramatic changes within a company in terms of product but the next most important thing is communications. The point is not to turn a blind eye at bad decisions, but voice in a way that may be constructive. Good decisions should be given emphasis and discussed as much if not more than the bad ones. Buying GM products also does help, if you like your product let people know. Saturn for example has websites and communities for people to discuss their cars, brag or even ask questions. If you are a fan and enthusiasts, those are the best thing you can do for GM at this point in spite of the bad news going around.

 

[FenwickHockey65]

Buying their products and letting others know just how kickassical GM cars are.

 

[Ming]

An oldie but a goodie:

Rallying to GM's Side in Dark Times: What can we do?
Commentary by Ming
www.gminsidenews.com

In these days of negative news articles about General Motors coming from every media source, it can be easy to feel like we have no say in the General's fortunes. The anonymous mass of humanity known as the "buying public" makes up its mind to buy GM cars or not, and we're helpless to do anything but watch, right?

I don't think so.

Support for a political candidate starts at the grass roots, even for an embattled candidate with low campaign funds and media-hyped "scandals" galore. That enthusiasm and loyalty is what can get a politician through the rough patches. The "Vote Adams" sign in a neighbor's yard can be the slight nudge that tips a voter one way or another. Little things like that - multiply that single sign by 500 - can really add up.

Similarly, I think there are things that we as GM fans (assuming that you are a GM fan) can do to help our favorite car company. The action taken could be as simple as bringing up a good GM car when a friend says he's looking. When everyone around him is telling him to buy an Accord and you tell him to consider an Impala instead - and back it up with specs and pricing - that can mean something.

There are a multitude of other ways to back GM up in its time of need. The following are some ideas I came up with. With a little effort, together, we might be able to turn all of this media negativity on its head:

Get the word out and let your enthusiasm be known - There are plenty of places around the Web where you can make your own "free" blog, such as BLOGGER. This may seem like a statement of the obvious, but creating buzz around the web for GM's cars in many cases depends on fans like us. I strongly believe that enthusiasm for modern GM cars - cars GM is selling right now - is needed most of all. There are plenty of fan sites for old F-bodies and muscle cars of the 1960s. The (over)exposure that GM muscle cars of 30 plus years ago get in movies, TV, music and video games is what has led to this idea that has surfaced in movies like 2Fast 2Furious that has modern Import brand cars competing against GM cars that haven't been sold new since before many of us were born. If you think GM has a great car that the Automotive Media "experts" are ignoring - something that's flying under their radar just because its a GM, then write about it where others can read it. Maybe your favorite GM vehicle is only available when ordered specially, like a GMC Canyon 2WD SLE-3 ZQ8 Sport I-5, or a Pontiac G6 GTP Coupe with manual 6-speed. Web publishing a fan forum, blog, or personal website for your favorite GM car is where grassroots support and enthusiasm begins. Maybe its not just performance that interests you. Perhaps you are all excited (like me) at the prospect of E-85 Ethanol, and GM's 31mpg Impala Flex Fuel V6 appeals to you. Or, if you're just into specs and seeing things accurately represented, you can contribute to sites like Wikipedia, and get those OHV 3.5LVVT specs out there for all to see. Finally, if you're just too lazy to do anything like that, and if you've been a long time lurker here, then post at GMI or our "sister" sites like NewAgeGTO.com (see the bar at the top of your browser window for more) and let your thoughts be known to the rest of us!

Show off your GM vehicle - Have a nice GM vehicle? Let the rest of us see it! Document it digitally for all time by taking some good photos and sharing. If you need to host your photos there are any number of quick, easy and free ways such as Imageshack available out there now. I've gotten so used to hosting photos it takes me about 30 seconds to do it and use the img tag here to add a photo to my posts. And while we're on the subject, I think it does a disservice to GM fans everywhere when you let months of grime build up on your GM car, making it look like a Domestic beater. Take some pride in your ride, clean it up, and show it off in our Garage Discussion forum.

Follow GM motorsports and root for your favorite - Do you like the Pontiac GTO? Then show up at that local SCCA or Drifting event and represent your fellow GM fans! Follow your favorite driver / car and write them into a Blog. Take photos of live races and contribute to the community. Last but not least, join in the discussion HERE.

Support GM's best efforts when you buy - Of course the most obvious way to support GM is to buy a car or truck. Not all of us can afford to do that on an annual basis, or even every few years. But one thing we CAN do is to focus on buying the best examples of GM's engineering within our budget range. Of course, it goes without saying that these tough days are not the time for a true GM supporter to go out and buy a Nissan just because it has nicer taillights or you think your girlfriend and neighbors will approve. No matter how things go, I want to be able to say that, as a fan, I was there for GM. That said, I'm not going to buy a half-baked effort from the General, and I don't think you should either. If the styling is poor, the interior a mess, or the engine a throwback to 1994, stay clear of it. Buying a car with serious flaws "just to buy GM" is not going to get them on the right track. Even if it is only one purchase, the numbers add up. Force your dealer to order that Flex Fuel Impala or the navigation option on your favorite GMC if the dealer doesn't have any in stock. Don't settle for mediocre GM product at your price point - demand the best when you buy and GM will have reason to keep producing it.

Personalize and customize your ride - Nothing says "blah" more than a silver, beige or gray base sedan that blends in to the mall parking lot. No, I'm not saying you need to Pimp your Ride with a neon underbody kit and spinner rims. Rather, at the point where you buy your GM car - choose that option that sets it apart visually from the other mall fare. Get the optional chrome wheels, or fog lights, or special suspension package. Or, if you have a "blah" GM car already, then put a little effort into your next tire change beyond going for the cheapest tires at Wal-Mart. Maybe get a tasteful set of wheels to replace your steel wheels with the plastic hubcaps. Swap out those old yellow halogen lightbulbs with something nicer and more modern looking when one side goes out. Its the details that say whether or not you like what you're driving.

Display your enthusiasm - Who made the rule that at work you can only display photos and models of exotic Italian and German cars (maybe a classic Corvette)? Is it to win the approval of your peers? To show that you aspire to one day own a car more expensive than your home? Get that 2005 Pontiac GTO Millen Drift car Diecast or another modern GM favorite and put it on your desk for all to see. Maybe something brash like a 2006 Silverado. Take the best photo of your car or truck and have it professionally printed and framed or put on your coffee mug at a printing outlet like Snapfish so not only can you can look back at your GM ride with fond memories years from now, but others can see right now how much you like your GM vehicle, too. Go to the GM Photo Store and order something big and nice. Who knows, maybe some of that enthusiasm will rub off on those Import fans around you.

Finally: Tell us what you're going to do! - Whatever you decide to do, let us know right here, and link us to whatever it is, be it a blog, photos, or something you bought to display. It doesn't have to be something I've listed here, of course. I'm just one guy with a few ideas. Maybe you've already done something significant, and want to share. Building enthusiasm for GM products is not the job of a handful of enthusiasts or even GM Marketing Whiz Kids, and certainly can't be left up to the guys at Car & Driver or Motor Trend. It depends on an effort from all of us. So, what's it gonna be?

03-27-2006

'Course, sometimes I think GM would just rather see each and every one of us buy a new Chevy Tahoe every 3 years...

Original Thread: http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f32/rallying-gms-side-dark-times-what-can-we-do-29012/

 

[t-rex]

I say we just elect Buickman to the Board of Directors...and laugh as GM goes down in flames.

I wouldn't dismiss buickman so cavalierly. He manages to sell some rather crappy cars in impressive numbers. Either his dealership is next to the world's largest retirement village, or he's knows a thing or two about selling cars.

What alarms me is how many of you out there, namely Rick supporters, adopt a pitifully low-self-esteemed plaftorm, acting as though you're nobodies and GM's board of sycophants are some omnipotent deities.

I rub elbows with the likes of Rick more often than I'd like. Trust me, half of them are lame schmeggeges, no more in tune with reality than the altakocker who breaks free from Shady Pines and shows up at a nearby McDonald's wearing his underwear outside of his pants.

Do yourself some justice. Grow some cajones, and quit deifying these nincompoops. You owe it to your self respect if anything.

 

[likearock00]

On GMI it's quite unanimous that GM has incompetent management on every single level and facet.

I wouldn't call it unanimous.

I say we just elect Buickman to the Board of Directors...and laugh as GM goes down in flames.

I agree. I love all our "armchair CEO's" we have here that think they can turn GM around with no knowledge of the inner workings there.

 

[USA1Fan]

I wouldn't dismiss buickman so cavalierly. He manages to sell some rather crappy cars in impressive numbers. Either his dealership is next to the world's largest retirement village, or he's knows a thing or two about selling cars.

His dealership's probably somewhere in NC, based on the number of retired folks driving Buicks around here. And I'm not kidding- it's like every fifth car on the road, and nearly all older folks (other than the rare Enclave driver).

 

[t-rex]

I love all our "armchair CEO's" we have here that think they can turn GM around with no knowledge of the inner workings there.

Rocky, we've got quite a few GMI regulars who know a thing or two about the business world. Yes, even MBA's pop into GMI from time to time!

As I mentioned elsewhere, you guys need to drop this mentality that running GM is some sort of incredible feat that can only be successfully performed by some superhuman deus ex machina. Anyone with an MBA and a few years experience, or Hell just a good bit of naturally-endowed business acumen, can run even a leviathan like GM successfully.

$15 billion loss in a single quarter??????????????????????

There's only one excuse for that: complete and utter incompetence of GM's management.

 

[t-rex]

His dealership's probably somewhere in NC, based on the number of retired folks driving Buicks around here. And I'm not kidding- it's like every fifth car on the road, and nearly all older folks (other than the rare Enclave driver).

If ya didn't already know, buickman's dealership is in Michigan, and he's the top-selling Buick salesman in America.

Buickman doesn't want to run GM, and has expressed this on more than one occassion.

He simply wants competent management running the company.

 

[roteague]

On GMI it's quite unanimous that GM has incompetent management on every single level and facet.

I don't agree with that assertion at all, and I know I'm not alone - unanimous its not. I applaud Rick and Bob for the fine work they have done at GM, given the difficult market and circumstances.

 

[Ming]

He's wanted them to listen to his top-selling strategies, and they've brushed him off with an "we know better attitude".

It's one thing to have that attitude when you are making huge profits...another to disregard a top salesman's ideas when your profits have been in the toilet, year after year.

But this discussion takes us off topic. Let's think of the positive things we CAN do, like in my post above.

 

[HoosierRon]

Buy GM stock, which gives you the right to show up at shareholder meetings. Then, with the youtube cameras rolling, you can through rotten eggs and tomatoes at Wagoner and start chanting BU-ICK-MAN, BU-ICK-MAN. When you do this, be sure to wear a www.gminsidenews.com t-shirt. It undoubtedly will attract additional traffic of Scion flameboyz, which will distract the moderators from my posts.

 

[RamJet502]

Buy GM's best products and give them nothing but crap about their mediocre ones.

 

[mgescuro]

Call for a vote of No Confidence at the new GM Board Meeting.

 

[eurohazard]

#1, Certainly buying one of their products
#2, tell people about the vehicle....and be honest, someone like me will catch a liar!
#3, pay full MSRP (that way I can get a good deal, if I have buy a new car soon)
#4, help others who need a car compare models they like

I know I am seen as the "enemy" by some people here at GMi because the last new car I bought was a Nissan, but the fact of the matter is I help friends and family buy cars all the time. When ever possible, I steer towards GM and Ford. In the last few months, I helped friends buy a Tahoe, Explorer, and a Mustang. A few years ago, I helped my own mother buy a Buick......although ironically she traded it in on a Toyota Camry, and I had nothing to do with that deal.

It's great to be a fan!!!....but not a fan-boy!

 

[t-rex]

It's great to be a fan!!!....but not a fan-boy!

(breathing sigh or relief....)

Wish more of these guys on here had a grip on the situation like you do.

 

[MCGARRETT]

If ya didn't already know, buickman's dealership is in Michigan, and he's the top-selling Buick salesman in America.

Buickman doesn't want to run GM, and has expressed this on more than one occassion.

He simply wants competent management running the company.

Whoa! Stop the presses, he's the best Buick salesman in Michigan! WOW!


Would'nt that be like being the best rubber salesman in whorehouse?


Show me a guy thats the best Buick salesman in LA or Miami, thats the guy that I would listen to.


Dont get me wrong, the current guys are boneheads too, but I have read "Return to Greatness", he does have some good ideas, but alot of it is fluff, i.e. please explain to me how re-starting the "Buick silver master sales guild" is going to resolve issues with huge losses, press bias, mismanagement and downright hatefull consumers?


Heres a suggestion, buy a freaking GM car or truck, how's that for a start?

 

[t-rex]

Would'nt that be like being the best rubber salesman in whorehouse?

:lmao:

Heres a suggestion, buy a freaking GM car or truck, how's that for a start?

When GM makes something worth buying, I'll buy it. And buy "worth buying", I mean not only suits my needs perfectly, but does so in a manner above and beyond the competition.

In my case, a compact (no bigger than a Highlander), seven-seat crossover/MPV as our primary family car, and a tiny, funky, spunky, tight little town runabout like the Fiat 500.

Offer the Zafira here, I'll buy one today. Offer the Groove, I'll buy one today. But since neither of those products will ever be offered here, it's unlikely I'll ever buy anything GM. GM keeps trying to sell me a toaster when what I need (or want) is a blender...