So by reaching out to people who are already "fans" of GM, they are trying to solidify their core buyers. Undoubtedly they'd have taken a different approach if reaching out to people like me, who have never owned (or had bad experiences with) a GM vehicle. "Let's salvage what we can," I call it.

Anyone can visit the site. Do you have the internet? I would assume you do and thus you can comment.

You're missing the point. It's a GM site, and that means anyone who goes there has an interest in going there. From what I've seen on the fast lane blog, the vast majority who comment support GM (evidenced by phrases such as "as a faithful/loyal GM customer..."). It would then follow that yet another GM consumer feedback site ("Tell Fritz") would attract a similar demographic. I would suspect that, unless the folks at GM are fooling us all and continue to have their heads up their collective ass, GM is well aware of the demographic their websites attract. Given that, it would follow that most feedback they get will be from people who are already "fans" of GM. I can't fault them for this approach (salvage what we can) but I think it would be wise to develop some sort of outreach program to ensure the future viability of their still-shaky company. Concentrating on your core customers can maybe get you through tough times, but the only way to grow the business is to reach out.

Greenpony, I'm sure that Tell Fritz, will have no shortage of bitching.

Having said that, I'm sure GM marketing will decide which comments get responded to.

Anyone can comment we clearly don't expect everything will be positive (we're not delusional). As far as marketing or PR running this, I can assure you that's not true. Fritz wanted this to be simple so he can go into the site, read the comments and to respond directly to as many as he can. He plans to do this daily. There’s a brief video posted on the site that shows him answering two questions. His written responses will begin to be posted on Wednesday. Others in GM also will see the comments so we can learn and be as responsive to consumers as possible. Fritz also wants a daily summary so he can identify key trends and concerns to be sure to respond to those questions/issues. The site launched on Friday afternoon and more than 500 comments have come in already. I understand why some people are skeptical; all we ask is that you give us a chance. The link is below if you want to check out the site.

Mary Henige
Dir., GM social media communications
Twitter @maryhenige / @gmblogs
http://www.gmreinvention.com/

It's always neat to see the manufacturers appear in these blogs. I guess we'll have to take a look and see how this Tell Fritz thing goes.

"It's always neat to see the manufacturers appear in these blogs"

+1 nice to see they're watching and HOPEFULLY taking in some of the good commentary (while avoiding the garbage-spewing) to improve their products.

I'm with doug. That's awesome that the GM people are reading this. I've seen the Ford people pop their heads in before. Seeing GM do likewise is very encouraging.

If Mr. Henderson practices what he preaches, then good things will come of it. He seems sincere so far, and with Bob Lutz as his bull dog, a lot of the good ideas that get bandied about could actually make it into future product.

Best of luck with the site. Here's to hoping you get some constructive feedback and not just a lot of hateful spam.

We've probably read many more posts and comments on sites than people think, but we haven't always commented. We're trying to get better at that. So thanks for the feedback, it helps to hear it matters. Thanks also for the well wishes on the site, but more importantly on our reinvention. Fritz is very sincere and says it like it is. Over time hopefully others will observe that. We're already receiving constructive feedback, good comments, and of course the spewing diatribes, but we expected some of each. We're grownups; we know we have a long way to go to earn respect. Our vehicles are better than they've ever been -- the LaCrosse, SRX, Equinox, Camaro -- so if we can take care of this other "stuff" then perhaps consumers will be willing to consider a Chevy, Buick, GMC or Cadillac as their next purchase. I personally hope so.

Mary Henige @ GM

with reguards to "greenpony" as mary states anyoe can visit and anyone can comment.
for years ofshore manufactures have had a can do no wrong reputation and no matter what gm did it was and to some extent still is never good enough.
however ask any parts guy at any parts store and with an honest eye and ear seek and listen to the truth.
the offshore brand cars are more costly to own and repair.simple and true.
they rust and the materials used are often so poor that just 8 years of age is the end of major component parts.sorry i have been a mechanic for a long time and hate working on hondas and toy o tas....my 96 grand am gets 30mpg and put many 40k$ cars to shame

I asked Fritz! I asked a really simple question.

When can I expect to see a clean diesel engine in a vehicle without you telling me about all the hoo-ha of hybrids?

I even had enough extra characters to provide Vw's Sales figures for a Vw Jetta TDI.

I already know I'll still end up with info on Epsilon Hybrids and possibly even the Full Size SUV Hybrids.