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"Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow" (chriskf) 01/07/2016 at 15:22 • Filed to: None

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The level of ignorance in the comments on this !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! is too damn high!

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/07/2016 at 15:29

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Which side are we disagreeing with? I want to know if I’m cool or not.

For Sweden > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/07/2016 at 15:29

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gin-san - shitpost specialist > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/07/2016 at 15:30

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I didn’t even realize this was a thing.

You know how spies in movies have a button they can push to rotate to a different plate on their vehicle? Maybe we need one for brand logos.

“Why yes, sir, it’s a limited run of Chrysler WRX STis, very rare.”

“Oh I just got this yesterday, it’s my Toyota Focus RS. It’s been a while since they’ve made a fun car.”

etc. etc.

CalzoneGolem > PotbellyJoe and 42 others 01/07/2016 at 15:32

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Spoiler: you aren’t

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > For Sweden 01/07/2016 at 15:32

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this gif is everything

450X_FTW > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/07/2016 at 15:35

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If you want to park in the parking deck, buy the a vehicle made by the company you work for. Is it really that big of a deal to get upset over it?

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > CalzoneGolem 01/07/2016 at 15:36

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MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/07/2016 at 15:37

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Man, I won’t say this on the FP, but I’ll tell OPPO i was held back from a promotion for almost a year before I went and bought a Ford product so I could finally get my promo. During that time I drove my Chevy over to the Ford office countless times - where frankly, no one gave a fuck. I was polite by parking it in the back of the lot away from the main entrance. But I also put it up front a few times when I was running late.

Never a complaint. It may have been a bigger issue if it was a JDM or Euro.

d15b > PotbellyJoe and 42 others 01/07/2016 at 15:41

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Don’t want to be caught standing on the right side, facing the wrong direction.

Wacko > 450X_FTW 01/07/2016 at 15:42

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Apparently it is, cause I was just told that’s idiotic and that it’s unprofessional to own a vehicle made by the company you work for, that also owns that parking lot you want to park in.

450X_FTW > Wacko 01/07/2016 at 15:43

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Call the ACLU....

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > 450X_FTW 01/07/2016 at 15:45

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That thing in itself isn’t a big deal, it’s what it says about the corporate culture as a whole that is.

Birddog > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/07/2016 at 15:46

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I don’t think that article should have gone up on the FP.

A personal blog shared to Oppo? Maybe.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Wacko 01/07/2016 at 15:47

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I don’t think anyone is actually saying it’s idiotic to do so, but rather that it’s idiotic to buy the product solely because you work there. If you also believe in the product then that’s awesome!

The article and point isn’t aimed at those people who buy their company’s product because they truly believe in it from an educated standpoint, but rather buy it out of blind ignorance to the fact that other manufacturers can make better cars.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/07/2016 at 15:50

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And I can somewhat understand why if there were two equal candidates up for a promotion that a car manufacturer would be inclined to choose the “company man,” so to speak. However, the point being made that the other guy clearly sees something else in the vehicles he buys that perhaps his own company is missing holds a lot of value too.

It’s the ability to step beyond your biases and emotions to think independently.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > gin-san - shitpost specialist 01/07/2016 at 15:50

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My car just has Scion badges that have Subaru logos printed on the underside. ;)

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > PotbellyJoe and 42 others 01/07/2016 at 15:51

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I’m disagreeing with the “you can only buy our vehicles if you work for us” side.

Cash Rewards > Birddog 01/07/2016 at 15:52

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Why not? He’s an author sharing his experiences in industry and offering his opinion of how it reflects on the industry itself. I think there should be more of that on the FP, personally.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/07/2016 at 15:54

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Ok. I’m agnostic on it, and having been in the marketing field as a consultant, I have been “educated” by myriad paycheck providers that I should consider them when I start to use portions of the money.

It’s a stupid and petulant policy, but it’s nice to see employees believe in their product (organically.)

Cash Rewards > 450X_FTW 01/07/2016 at 15:56

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I don’t think it’s OK for the company you work for to, based on what you do outside of the job (ie., how you spend your money), withhold benefits and promotions (as others have mentioned). My promotions and benefits should be based on what I do on job, not off it, or how much money I kick back to my employer. Not trying to stir shit, just my own opinion.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/07/2016 at 15:57

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Well, it would’ve made more sense if I actually worked for Ford. That was at their main advertising agency.

There were no other candidates he just waited to fill the position until I bought a new car.

The raise would’ve helped me buy the new car anyhow...

Birddog > Cash Rewards 01/07/2016 at 15:58

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He’s bitching about having to park in a different parking lot.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > PotbellyJoe and 42 others 01/07/2016 at 15:58

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I completely agree with you.

I think a lot of people are missing the point though. The article isn’t directed at the people who buy their companies’ vehicles because they truly believe in the product. It’s aimed at those who blindly follow a brand loyalty, even when it could be empirically proven that there is an objectively better option, and hold biases against those who don’t. In particular when that sort of attitude penetrates corporate/office policy.

It’s the same absurdity of a delivery driver who works for Pepsi getting fired because someone saw them drinking a Coke while driving their route.

BigBlock440 > 450X_FTW 01/07/2016 at 16:00

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Ahh, someone’s getting better perks than I am. That’s bullshit, they should have to park just as far away as me.

Wacko > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/07/2016 at 16:01

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the thing David’s article is making it sound like a automaker is punishing an employee is they don’t drive their make of cars/trucks, when they aren’t.

That just sounds like someone who expects it all, without doing something in return.

you just don’t get the perk of a closer parking spot if you don’t.

They way I see it it is if you don’t encourage us, don’t expect all the same perks as the ones who do. The parking lot does belong to the automaker after all.

and if no one would buy bad cars, dodge would of been out of business years ago.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/07/2016 at 16:02

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It’s just part of the office political game. Especially when you’re moving into higher positions where you’re more likely to be seen as a representative of the company in the public’s and industry’s eye.

I guess you’d better just hope you’re working for a company that makes a vehicle you want and can justify owning. lol

This is one of the reasons I want to work for a company I’m passionate about, so that I know I can play the game and still be happy. But even more so, I want to work somewhere that I’m passionate about the product because I believe it actually produces better results and creates a more fulfilling work environment.

wiffleballtony > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/07/2016 at 16:02

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Personally, I found it a bit shocking that this is even a thing. I could understand if the company provides each employee with a car as part of their services then maybe. Otherwise, you’re basically coercing your employees to help pad the bottom line.

Cash Rewards > Birddog 01/07/2016 at 16:04

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And he’s stating that, in his opinion, that sort of closed minded culture leads to an inferior product. Based on the Dart he used as example, he’s not wrong. Chrysler still doesn’t have any alternative fuel vehicles ( to my recollection), and the industry is pushing them by, I think.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/07/2016 at 16:05

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Yep.

I grew up in MI in a Ford family, my grandmother and all of the sons worked there for some period in their life. My Father-in-law was GM.

My MIL drives a Rav4, I have a Pontiac Vibe (GM discount on a Toyota product FTMFW!) and my parents have a Solara convertible and Fusion.

Brand Loyalty is great, until it’s not.

Cash Rewards > BigBlock440 01/07/2016 at 16:06

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My perks should be based on my performance, not how I spend my money

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Wacko 01/07/2016 at 16:10

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The thing is, there’s more to it than just the policy. On the surface, such a policy does seem to be more of a rewarding factor for those who support the company. However, when you factor in the auto industry culture in Detroit it seems a much exclusionary policy than rewarding one. There’s still a very strong bias against foreign automobiles in Detroit. I’ve got family who work in the industry there, and although it’s jokingly so they do give me crap for driving a Japanese car. I expect that if I actually lived there, as opposed to in Chicago, there would be far more pressure to buy a domestic vehicle simply so that I “support my neighbors and family.”

Knowing how office politics work, particularly in the auto industry and behind closed doors, I have a strong sense of certainty in saying that those sort of policies are at least as much a penalty as they are a reward.

And good! I wish nobody would buy bad cars and they would go out of business. That’s how business should work. lol If your product sucks and you can’t figure out how to adapt to the market then you’re bound to fail. Ford finally figured that out and started making some fantastic cars that are competitive because they’re what the market is demanding. GM and FCA are starting to get there, but they’ve got a ways to go still.

450X_FTW > Cash Rewards 01/07/2016 at 16:12

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If you really think parking in a deck is a big deal, let me introduce into the top elite parking spots, known as the “executive garage” at chrysler. Reserved only for VPs and up. They pull up in their company paid for vehicle, hand the keys to the valet and go inside to a special access elevator that takes them upstairs. When they drop the keys off, the valet refuels, washes, and vacuums out the car EVERYDAY for the VP so it is in perfect condition when they leave for the day.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Cash Rewards 01/07/2016 at 16:13

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I agree with this.

There’s this odd sense of owing something to a company because they employee you. I can understand the loyalty to an extent, but at the end of the day it’s a transaction between you and the company. They’re paying you because you are providing a service that they need.

BigBlock440 > Cash Rewards 01/07/2016 at 16:13

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A company can offer perks for whatever reason it wants to, and to try and encourage whatever action it wants to. The company owes you a paycheck you agreed to, and you owe them the hours and effort, that’s it.

Cash Rewards > 450X_FTW 01/07/2016 at 16:17

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Damn, that seems nice. My cars lucky if it gets that twice a year, and that was before kid number 2.

Cash Rewards > BigBlock440 01/07/2016 at 16:21

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That’s true, it’s just not something I personally agree with and would be OK working for. And I would agree with the concern that this particular practice could breed closed mindedness, or at least a reluctance to speak up. Am I going to bring up that my wife’s Honda does this really cool thing that we should incorporate into our next sedan? Not if I want that next promotion.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/07/2016 at 16:21

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Well, I am very passionate about the products for one- I frankly never shut up about Ford/Lincoln/Mercury on here.

Side note though. I got the truck right when I graduated college. 04 Chevy Blazer. Within 3 months I went to work on Chevy advertising. Got let go after about 5-6 months (corporate downsizing, cut half the company in one day). Get hired at Ford’s ad agency 6 months later.

Newly married, newly bought a house, had to buy the wife a vehicle (hers was dead and not worth fixing) and had a truck with no payment on it, no way could i buy a car. I was qualified, capable and the clients LOVED ME. One actually cried when I left that agency. Not kidding or exaggerating. They didn’t care I was in a Chevy because they knew I loved Ford products too.

After pushing for another promotion and hitting a brick wall, i was at a point where I could pull off buying a car so I bought my Milan as most middle managers there drove Mercury’s (quite a few Milans actually).

Got the promotion the next week.

My problem is that it wasn’t like I went out and bought a Chevy after working at Ford’s Tier 1 main ad agency - that would be a dick move and not be supporting my client. I was already IN the Chevy when I got there.

Wacko > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/07/2016 at 16:22

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It is in the employees best interest that the company he/she works for stays in business and get to keep his or her job.

I for one wouldn’t be able to work for a company if I don’t trust and use their products. but that’s me. The point is no one is forcing anyone to buy their brand, but if you do, we give you a perk of having a closer parking spot. No one is getting less salary for driving a different brand. you are not helping yourself or even your co-workers when you don’t encourage your brand, you are not encouraging your own and their jobs when you don’t.

again no one is forcing anyone to buy a particular brand, but it is in everyone best interest to buy the brand you work for.

zeontestpilot > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/07/2016 at 16:27

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I feel a little dirty because I own a Pontiac while living in Michigan. I really wanted a foreign car, if not to just humorous upset my family and in-laws because I do feel foreign cars can be a good bang for the buck.

But I needed a car and the Pontiac had everything I needed.

Birddog > BigBlock440 01/07/2016 at 16:31

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Holy carp! Someone gets it!

RallyWrench > For Sweden 01/07/2016 at 16:52

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Wait, Spiegel is a cat?

For Sweden > RallyWrench 01/07/2016 at 16:56

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The cat is wearing a black cowl, isn’t it?

haveacarortwoorthree2 > 450X_FTW 01/07/2016 at 17:56

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Reminds me of the scene from Coming to America. “The royal penis is clean, your Highness.” Video not linked due to nudity.

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/07/2016 at 18:01

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All the people supporting blind following of your company is ridiculous. Your employer doesn’t give a shit about you, so why should you support them in everything? It’s one thing if you buy a car because it’s made at your facility or has a part you designed, but otherwise it’s dumb

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/07/2016 at 18:50

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So crazy. You don’t want to promote a company man too high, right? I would think that would make them less incentivized to think creatively

nermal > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/07/2016 at 20:23

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I like how I could drive a Mexican GM truck to the GM plant in Ohio and park right out front, but I would have to park an Ohio-an Honda out back where it wouldn’t be seen.

Or park an Italian Jeep Renegade out front of a Jeep plant, but not the same Ohio-an Honda.

The irony of the policy aside, I have no problems with it. Buying one of the products you make isn’t a requirement of the job, but it will get you preferred parking.

yamahog > Santiago of Escuderia Boricua 01/07/2016 at 22:03

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Oh man, I wish I had seen that article earlier.

yamahog > Cash Rewards 01/07/2016 at 22:06

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Lol. He worked at Chrysler. ‘nuff said.

yamahog > wiffleballtony 01/07/2016 at 22:07

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Depending on your pay grade, some employees do get company cars or corporate leases. And everyone gets generous discounts, and handicapped accessible spots are available to everyone regardless of vehicle. I personally DGAF.

Burn-Spaz1966-Burn > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/08/2016 at 01:38

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My reply:

There is such a thing as Downward Loyalty.

Ford had AWD car in the ‘80’s they just didn’t do it right.

So why should workers be stuck with the Failures of the people running the Show?

Subaru anyone?

Fan of Harry Truman school of management. “The Buck Stops Here”