Automobile Writing

"Look, Ma! I'm a Legitimate Automotive Journalist Now!"

January 3, 2012 by Randy Stern

So, I'm being silly with the title. I have every right to be. You work hard over the decade to get somewhere in life. Then, you begin the reap the rewards!

On December 30th, I received an e-mail from the Midwest Automotive Media Association, the regional organization for professionals covering and serving the automotive industry, congraulating me on being accepted for membership into their organization. It was something I was working towards in my professional life as a writer.

Being a member of M.A.M.A. has its privileges. Some of which you will see on these pages and in Lavender Magazine.

On their site, I have my own member page where I could express myself within the confines of the membership. This was my first entry – some of which you may already know by reading this site over the years.

V&R in 2012 – A Look Ahead

December 30, 2020 by Randy Stern

The question remains: What would make this site completely awesome?

This year already yielded some huge advances for the site. Through new connections, a wider social media presence and some leaps and an expansion of outlets for my writing, the groundwork has been laid for an extraordinary 2012.

That is, of course, if the economy would be of help on my end.

If, perchance, that the economy is indeed improving and I am able to gain traction through this phase of economic recovery, there are a lot of plans for V&R. All it takes is some hard work, some opportunities and some miracles thrown in.

Sometimes, it's good to make some plans for the upcoming year. What vehicles would be reviewed on this site (and Lavender Magazine)? What events should I attend for coverage in V&R and Lavender? What crazy ideas I might have to bring you closer to these two outlets (and more)?

Five Favorites from Auto Show Seasons Past

February 5, 2024 by Randy Stern

Next year will mark ten years since I covered my first auto show. No, seriously…

It is a momentous occasion since working press at an auto show has evolved from covering what's new on the scene as a place

Yet, sometime within the last month or so, someone on Twitter called press days at an auto show as sort of a "circle jerk." I get his frustration, as covering the industry certainly has changed over time. Traditional media has been threatened by the likes of myself…and we're being threatened by outlets that can distill the news even quicker.

Still, there is room at the table for all of us – and we're networking with each other all the time. In fact, the industry and the press are interconnected in ways unimaginable when it was strictly the traditional media covering the industry.

In retort to that Tweet that called auto show press days a "circle jerk," I still believe that we need a day to meet with our industry counterparts, enjoy the excitement of vehicle launches and provide varying perspectives on the industry back to you – the readership.

Since the first major USA show is coming up at the Los Angeles Convention Center; this actually calls for a Five Faves post! This posting revolves a single question: What five vehicles made my auto show press coverage experience worth the effort?

That would mean logging back top the 2002 Chicago Auto Show – the one I covered with Midwest Ursine/Tillery Publications along with current Windy City Banner publisher Tom Wray.

I did come up with five vehicles over the past ten years. Here they are…

Purple for a Cause

April 26, 2020 by Randy Stern

I understand that the media has been going on about this anti-bullying business for over a year now. After Justin Aaberg's suicide last year in nearby Anoka, the issue has not gone away. Recently, a 15-year-old in Ottawa, Ontario took his own life because he couldn't wait for things to get better. He was bullied because he did not want to play hockey, but rather do ice skating.

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

April 26, 2020 by Randy Stern

A journalist's tools are vital to his or her success. The most prominent tool of this journalist was one forged from the ideas of a visionary. Thank you, Steve Jobs, for making the work of a lot of us in the working press – myself included – much easier today. Godspeed, Mr. Jobs.

This is Your Victory & Reseda, Too!

March 22, 2025 by Randy Stern

TweetThe key to success in social media is engagement. Engagement is a huge thing to consider when you use Facebook, Twitter, Google+, blogs, Flickr, YouTube, etc. It is one thing to produce content, but it is another when people respond to it. It could be positive or negative, lame or robust. Still, when people read …

Travelogue: But, Where Shall We Go With This?

April 19, 2021 by Randy Stern

TweetNow, which journeys would Victory & Reseda take me? Can’t stop the questions, can I? There is a good reason why I’m asking these questions out loud. For an online automotive blog to differentiate itself from everyone else, one must find different approaches and way to keep you engaged. Somehow, it worked. In recent comments, …

Commentary: Blessings

April 18, 2020 by Randy Stern

TweetTen years ago, I began a journey into writing online through a friend’s publication. It was revolutionary for us to put together a piece of work geared towards the lifestyles of two subgroups in gay male society that it preceded this current art of blogging and citizen journalism. As part of my work with Tillery …

Twin Cities 2011: The Home Auto Show Advantage – Part 2

March 1, 2021 by Randy Stern

TweetSo far, I covered two auto shows this year – and I have no regrets attending either one! In the last part, I gave some of my friend’s opinions about the products on show at this year’s Twin Cities Auto Show. It was great to have Kevin on board through most of my time at …