Note that the first requirement of good branding in the web2ish-user-generated-content sliver of the universe is to have a genuinely insanely great product in the first place.

And a truck that contributes to environmental damage and geopolitical instability at one and the same time (to say nothing of roll-over dangers or SUV backlash) is NOT an insanely great product.

. . .
. . .

Sidebar:

Judging by its latest product, Detroit things bigger, stronger, faster is better. Hrm. Toyota is handing them their lunch with vehicles that have enough power, better quality, and MUCH better efficiency.

How the American automotive industry can so consistently get things wrong year after year after year is mind-boggling.

There’s a lot to be said for consumer interaction with brands. A lot. But to invite unfiltered consumer content to the party is to be the little niece who’s always willing to pull Uncle Frank’s finger; you’ll just smell up the place as the butt of the joke and, if not taken outright advantage of, people will at the very least be more than willing to laugh at you.

Belly of the Beast’s been blogrolled.

–M.

For a slightly different take, check out my post on the same subject: http://belly-full.blogspot.com/2006/04/do-it-yourself-not.html