Dear Chrysler...Stop Thanking Me!

After the news that the Big 3 automakers will receive financial assistance from the federal government (meaning you and me), I was surprised to see Chrysler take out not one but two full page, color newspaper ads. The ads thanked America for its support. This isn't exactly a sign of thriftiness for a company that is teetering on the brink of extinction. Plus with newspaper readership falling, the message isn't seen by as many eyeballs as in the past.

The automaker could have used social media to more cheaply and effectively spread its message. It could have started up a blog detailing how it plans to reposition itself in the auto industry. Daily or weekly updates could do a lot of boost consumer confidence. It could have used YouTube to bring you the personal stories of the workers who have served the company for years. All of this could have been announced in a press release that could have been sent to the media and would have been reported on (free publicity). Chrysler could have even said that in the past we would have bought these expensive newspaper ads but it's a new time and we're using inexpensive ways to thank the American people.