Social media bought my car. Well, not really. Social media made my down payment on a car after I had an accident that totaled my Jeep. OK, that’s not really it, either.
Social media didn’t buy anything, although it makes for a catchy headline. No, people who cared helped me out of a jam. They did this for a number of reasons, but mostly because they have a relationship with me and they simply wanted to help. Social media is the tool that was used to accomplish this.
Nothing spreads the word faster nowadays than social media: blogs, Twitter, and other services. It was by using social media tools that I was able to rapidly communicate with everyone in my personal network (that I have spent many, many hours growing, nurturing, and helping) about my situation and get some help.
You see, last Monday, I was driving to work in terrible weather and I slid off the highway after hitting a patch of ice. I am lucky to be alive and unhurt (I walked away), but my Jeep was totaled. I only carried liability insurance, so I had to quickly figure out how I was supposed to get a car.
I thought about it for a while, envisioning various methods by which I could raise some fast cash. Only a few day earlier, a friend had asked for donations to help a woman in trouble, and I had donated. That gave me an idea, but I didn’t just want to hold out my hat without offering anything in exchange.
So I came up with the idea of holding a live internet seminar on how to blog. Anyone could attend for free, but a donation in any amount was appreciated. People amazed me with their responses. I went from being the luckiest man alive simply because I was alive to being the luckiest man in the world because my friends came through for me in such a strong way that it is nearly unbelievable. I had over a thousand dollars in sudden expenses that needed to be paid immediately, and my friends came through.
Thanks to people who care, I was able to make a down payment on a new car and get studded winter tires for it (kind of a necessity here in Vermont).
What did I get? I got a 1998 Saab 900S. It’s got about 140k miles on it and it’s in decent shape: a solid, modest used car. Studded snow tires help a lot, and it even has a winter traction control feature. I’ve only been able to drive it a few times since I got it (and have to learn all the alien Saab controls), but so far it looks like it’s going to be a great car.
I have been so overwhelmed with kindness and well-wishes that I feel like I just can’t possibly thank enough everyone who donated, but will say it again and I will keep on saying it as often as I need to:
Thank You!
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Michael,
I am so happy for you! What a great end to this story – awesome car too (I have considered buying a Saab before, but I guess I’m a dyed in the wool VW guy…) – it will serve you well.
The power of social media – the power of networks – the power of what we can do, together.
-Brett
What a great story! The power of one’s social media connections. I can assure you that you would not have recieved the love that you did had you been spamming people or not offering them something in value without expecting anything in return.
Kudos to you, Michael. Have an absolutely wonderful day. Glad to know that you are safe and that you are driving again! What a whirlwind of emotions you have gone through lately.
Take,
Bradley
@OutsideMyBrain
Great car Michael. That’s a good find! It looks like it was well looked after from the picture. The studded tires will make a big difference for you too.
You help others all the time. In my opinion, you deserve it! Besides, you would have done the same for someone else.
Have fun with the car!
Hmmm nice story. you have very fine friends indeed!
I’d say it’s karma. When you put out so much energy helping people, it will come back to you in the same form. Hope you can rest a bit easier now.
Deb
Thanks, everyone. I feel like I can stop freaking out and get on with my life now.
You get what you give.
The reason so many people care about you is because you care about them. You kinda have a general idea of what my financial situation is, right? While I couldn’t afford to donate a whole lot, I was more than happy to do what I could and there aren’t too many people online I can say that about.
This whole situation just proves the value of what you’re doing as “Remarkablogger” and who you, as just Mike, are as a person.
Oh, and that’s a nice looking car.
Hopefully you’ll be able to hang on to that one for a while. Stay out of those ditches or embankments or whatever they are! 
The government made winter tires legally obligatory for all cars on Quebec roads this year. (Canada as well? Not sure.)
I’m glad it all worked out for you.
Interesting story to follow.
Congrats, Mike. Keep the rubber side down and no more tea with cliffs.
Really pleased that things have gone well for you after that accident. There are people out there who will respond to a nice guy who has so much to offer on a professional and personal level.
@James,
Just Quebec for now. It’s actually ticking off a lot of people in Ontario because it is impossible to get snow tires due to this (the rental agencies also have to have them).
I just read yesterday too that if you’re even caught driving in Quebec without them – even if you are not *from* Quebec – you get a $200-300 fine.
Nice, eh? Quebec gov’t mandates this, all the snow tires are bought up, and if you happen to live close to Quebec and were not ahead of the game, don’t even think about going to Quebec…
(I agree snow tires are a good idea. I have them on both of my vehicles. I also know that Michelin and Volvo got together many years ago and made a true all-season tire, with low-wear studs, that worked *better* than the snows we have here, but didn’t hurt the road. Not legal in Canada, of course.)
@ Brett – I’m absolutely 150% for this law, so I can’t feel too much sympathy for the gripes
I’m safer on the roads. My family is safer on the roads. I don’t have to worry as much about other yahoos on the roads. They won’t crash as much either, which spares the expense of health care to keep them alive, not to mention rehabilitation. That helps keep my taxes low and the emergency room clearer as well for those who need it.
Not sure why last-minute availability should tick people off – are they more angry at themselves for waiting ’till the last minute and finding themselves caught?
Snow tires are something you plan for, not something you buy at the last minute as an afterthought because the gov’t says you have to. I think this is just a safety expense that people have to consider and think of more than they normally do.
I’m also for the part about getting a fine if you’re not from Quebec and don’t have snow tires. Why should someone from another location be allowed to drive in and become a road hazard to the people here? Mmm… no.
But I will correct you, lest the misinformation paint Quebec black and unwelcoming. There’s actually a grace period, dude. You can drive around for a while in Quebec with the tires you have on.
We’re French. Not dumb
This is supposed to be a reply to James, which I’m making from 2.7’s new comment interface. We’ll see how it shows up. Anyways, people are just people, good and bad. Every year here in Vermont I can tell you when the tire centers and auto shops are the busiest: the first big snow of the year. Yes, it’s stupid. Yes, it happens every year like that.
Michael,
Nice to see the promised picture. Looks like it’ll treat you well for a long time. I only regret that we weren’t able to get you to cry with joy on-camera Friday night!
May you have warm fuzzy feelings, sent by all your friends, every time you drive it.
Regards,
Kelly
(Brett, James—How can they make it illegal to drive w/o winter tires in QC if you aren’t from there? Well, I’m never gonna get to try poutine now…)
Kelly,
My mistake, as it turns out. I heard it as a rumour, and went to check after I had already left this comment – the vehicle has to be registered in Quebec. But people should be aware of this, lest the law is abused.
Hi Michael,
I’m glad you’re alright; that is what matters most. A car is just a chunk of metal, and cars can be replaced. People can’t.
Social media is an amazing tool to build personal relationships with others online, and Twitter is probably my personal favorite.
I have a lot of respect for people who have the courage to ask for help such as you did. Pride gets in the way for many people who should and need to ask for help of one kind or another.
“Do unto others…”
It’s very touching to see how many people posted or Twitter’d your car situation, and the fact that people came through for you says a lot about the personal side of social media. Be safe my friend.
@Harry – Rubber side down? *smacks forehead*
@April – Yes, I was very touched by those who could only give a few dollars, but did because they wanted to and they could… for whatever reason. Maybe it was because they felt I had already done something for them, or maybe it was something they could give for what promised to be a very informative webinar. But this is one of those interesting “scale” factors online. If a great many others are participating, the price of something need not be high.
@Bamboo – It is something of a personal and a social media curiosity at the same time, isn’t it? Well, personal for me, anyway.
@Kelly – Thanks. I thought I would get all emotional but when I’m in “presenter mode” it’s different than when I’m sitting with someone for a conversation.
@Lin – Thank you. How about that ol’ golden rule? Probably the wisest few words in existence.
In general, you can’t get snow tires here. I tried once, b/c I visit my parents in up-up-upstate NY a lot. It’s like you asked for ruby-studded tires. (”Uhh, we might be able to get some for you…”)
For a person who might drive in to visit once in a blue moon, that would be a pretty weird law. Most tourists wouldn’t know about it, so how could they comply?
Watch Remarkablogger’s comments, I guess…
Glad that part was just a rumor, though I agree with James—if you live in the north, it’s a great law. Not having to contend with the local yahoo drivers is wonderful. Then you only have to watch out for poutine-hunting foreigners.
Michael,
How do you like 2.7 so far? It looks SO neat in their little video, but I’m just getting over the last upgrade so I’m waiting a while to see what other folks think of it.
Until later,
Kelly
@Michael: That’s a biker phrase: “Keep the rubber side down and the shiny side up!”
@James,
I do believe in snow tires, like I said.
I will have to disagree with you. There is no grace period. This is a knee jerk law, pure and simple.
http://www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca/portal/page/portal/grand_public_en/vehicules_promenade/securite_routiere/securite_conditions_hivernales/reglement_utilisation_pneus_hiver#grace
Right from the source. No grace period. And to your point about it being something you plan for – well, what if you had to buy a new car, and then couldn’t get anything but all seasons because the rental agencies are buying up all the tires?
(And that is what is happening, by the way.)
Of course, it will change – the tire companies will make more tires, and you’ll be able to get them.
But – there is no grace period. So if you were, say, unfortunate enough to have a vehicle accident, needed a new car, and either couldn’t use your old snow tires (because they won’t fit) or couldn’t get some, the Quebec government has no pity for you.
This doesn’t seem very friendly to me.
Besides, as I have said, proper low-wear studded all-seasons that out perform snows have been available in Europe for a few years.
Our ass-backwards government refuses to allow them. As usual.
@Brett – The question is… do snow tires believe in you?
Glad that you are alright, Michael!
I think that the whole free seminar donation model was genius! Do you feel at all like Radiohead with their last album?
Good luck with that VT weather!
@James
Yes, I agree…it’s great that Quebec is “safer” because all cars have winter tires.
But at what expense? What about the rest of the country?
Because of Quebec’s new law, you can’t buy winter tires anywhere, There’s a tire shortage not just on the Ontario border but all across the country.
I’m not saying the winter tires are a bad idea. But the Quebec Govt. obviously didn’t plan ahead and think things out. And everyone is getting penalized for it.
Really, this could have been implemented better.
@ Friar
Dude. They passed the law in 2007. You’re saying that the provincial government is responsible for the rest of the country taking over a year to prepare and plan for this event?
Sorry. Can’t buy into this one.
@James
Yeah, but say someone in Calgary or Vancouver wants to buy winter tires.
But suddenly, through no fault of their own, they can’t buy any. Because 3000 miles away someone else bought them all.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2008/12/09/winter-tires-calgary.html
That’s not fair either.
If what a provincial government does affects the safety of others around the country, then I say YES! They ARE responsible to help the rest of the country plan for this event. That would be the ethical thing to do.
In fact, the Feds should have also gotten involved from day one. To help plan for this tire shortage and make sure there’s enough to go around the country.
@James,
I only know that the law was passed in 2007 because I read that when I was checking out the nuances of the law in that link I included in my comment above.
I am sure if you asked the average person on the street in any province but Quebec, they wouldn’t know that the law was over a year old.
It only became news here in Ontario about a month and a half ago – because people started encountering shortages!
Is it the responsibility of the average non-Quebec citizen to understand the nuances of Quebec laws, and to therefore plan that far in advance?
Perhaps people in BC should quiz people in Quebec about some of the BC specific laws and see how much they know!
And I still stick to my position – what if you bought a new car?
One of my co-workers spent a few frustrating days on the phone last week trying to find snow tires for his daughter’s new car, and he couldn’t.
I guess they should have planned that far ahead and purchased tires back in the spring of 2008 for a car they didn’t even have?
@Michael,
LOL my snow tires definitely believe in me!
@ Friar – Honestly? If someone is out looking for snow tires on DECEMBER 9 like the article states, then I don’t feel too sympathetic.
@ Brett – There is no grace period for application of the law. There IS a grace period for driving without winter tires. Read the document properly:
The owners of passenger vehicles who use their vehicles to leave or come back to Québec may obtain a certificate from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) authorizing the operation of such vehicles without tires specifically designed for winter driving for a period of seven days.
Also, claiming the people in Ontario only became aware of the law a month and a half ago is a refutable argument. Ignorance is no excuse.
Lastly, both of you are using isolated arguments to refute the whole law and point that obligatory snow tires are a good thing. I absolutely hands down refuse to play that game.
Take a look at Michael’s post about how he almost died. Then come back and tell me boo-hoo about snow tires. I’m honestly surprised you’re both sitting here arguing this.
@James,
I did read it properly. That subsection is for snowbirds so they don’t have to drive on and ruin their snow tires when heading south for the winter. You need to get the certificate before you set off driving – if you don’t have it, you will be charged.
You’re surprised that we are arguing that being ignorant of a Quebec-specific law is no excuse for someone who doesn’t live in Quebec being unable to obtain snow tires if we do believe in them?
Ridiculous. The law has good intention, but was poorly implemented, pure and simple.
And your point about someone being out looking for snow tires on December 9th? People do buy new cars, you know.
I guess I should study up on the laws in other provinces just in case I want to buy a new car, and make sure I buy the right size of snow tires for it, months in advance.
Oh right, ignorance of the law is no excuse. I’m glad your family is safe on snow tires, while other people cannot get them.
I am sure we both believe in snow tires, as I know Friar also has them.
Nowhere did I ever state that I do not believe in snow tires. Do not put words in my mouth.
James,
As per your tweet – I *do* believe in snow tires.
I guess I just feel for the odd person who can’t get them in other provinces because they either didn’t plan properly or bought a new vehicle.
I think the law is a good one.
I enjoy a good debate and apologize if it sounded like I was down on snow tires.
@ Brett – I respect your views and opinions, even though I disagree and feel they lack proof and backup. I’m not about to start calling local dealerships to ask how they handle new cars.
Anyways. I’m off to have coffee and get my head on straight.
PS – I in no way intended to give people the wrong impression about Quebec.
Perhaps we should have taken our debate offline.
(Apologies to Michael for using his blog for this.)
@Brett and James.
I agree…this has nothing to do with complaining about Quebec. Any province might have implemented this law, and I’d still have the same discussion.
Yeah, we kinda hijacked Michaels’ blog post (Sorry, Michael). But it IS somewhat related…Michael’s unfortunate accident emphasizes how hazardous winter driving can be!
Anyone one of us could have skidded and had an accident (actually I also had a friend who totalled their van last year, on similar icy roads).
Alright, kids, don’t make me pull this blog over!
On a serious note, just imagine if someone else had been injured in my accident when I should’ve had snow tires. I can’t even begin to imagine those consequences and feelings (well, that’s not true, I can, and it would be soul-crushing).
I think we all agree they’re necessary and, regardless of the perceived and actual shortcomings of Provincial governments, mandated.
@Michael,
Yes dad
I know what you mean. We all agree that snows are a good thing, should be a required thing. Often times initiatives fail at implementation, but that doesn’t mean the initiative is a bad one.
That’s what I was trying to say.
Good idea. Just a bad way to implement it. Coulda been handled better.
Okay, dad, we promise to pick up our toys and play nicely now.
Hey Michael,
Thanks for your patience and understanding. Brett and I had a talk via email – which should’ve happened long before.
Thanks.
Patience? Hell, I found the whole thing highly amusing.
Oh, SURE, let’s all watch James lose his cool because he hasn’t had caffeine!
*shakes head* Sadist.
That’s what I like to do with my Monday mornings.
We are just happy you were not injured.
@Jim – Thank you. I am also very happy about that. Now plotting my move to New Mexico.
@Michael,
Can I come with you?
@Brett – Sure, man, we’ll set up a compound and start an internet marketing cult.
New Mexico? Really? Sick of the winters?
I know I am. I am relaxing in shorts with no shirt right now. A beautiful night here in Costa Rica!
@Michael,
Sounds like a plan – internet marketing cult run by guys with European cars shod with snow tires