Interview with Monica Thompson - Truckin' Magazine
Monica
Thompson is currently Junior Web Producer for the custom truck sites of
Primedia's digital Truck Group. She focuses on Sport
Truck Magazine and Mini Truckin'
Magazine , as well as Truckin'
Magazine when needed. During the day, she works on original content,
putting magazine articles online, posting show coverage, forums, newsletters,
blogs, and anything else that viewers will hopefully enjoy.
ASK PATTY: What are the challenges for you as a women working in the automotive
industry?
Monica: Primarily, there is just so much to know, so I am realizing that there
is no way to know everything. I have to re-align my expectations of myself, and
take it one day at a time. A second challenge is that the automotive industry
is primarily guys, which can be a good thing and a bad thing. While most of the
time they think a girl in the industry is a good thing, I do come across some
who are completely opposed to the idea and really don't dig it at all. So really
it can be hot and cold – just because you're a girl they'll like you, or just
because you're a girl they won't like you. It can be hard sometimes to completely
ignore gender differences and just focus on the job, because when it comes down
to it, I don't want to be treated like “just anther guy.” I am a woman, and I
want to be respected and treated like a woman. But at the same time, I don't
want the extra attention, pressure, and expectations of “being a girl.” So when
guys look at me like a “dude” or “bro,” I think, “hello, I'm a girl.” But when
they make any reference to anything sexual, I think, “Eww, you sicko.” I see
how ironic this is, and really, I've just learned to recognize it and just keep
a sense of humor. Speaking of humor, there is a joke that I got a kick out of: “Whatever
women must do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily,
this is not difficult.” -Charlotte Whitton. Along these same lines, I get disgusted
by the exploitation of girls in the automotive industry, and how receptive guys
are to this. It's frustrating when you could have an “automotive” magazine, with
no cars and all girls, and it would probably be a bigger hit. I don't want to
see girls everywhere, because I don't think it's good for guys. That's just my
belief.
ASK PATTY: Can you tell me a little bit about your job working with the Truck
magazines at Primedia?
Monica:
The bottom line is that it's a dream come true. Years ago, I used to think
it over in my head, but always came to the conclusion that something like that
could never happen to someone like me. I guess I was at the right place at
the right time, and I'm excited to see where it takes me. There is so much
I want to do, but only so many hours in a day, and I really don't want to get
burned out. My main concern working with the Truck Group is that I don't want
my passion, my hobby, to turn into “just a job,” or become burdensome. I want
to always stay enthusiastic and passionate. I have no background in “Web Stuff.” I
went to school for Criminology and Social Ecology. However, I am really enjoying
this fresh experience in the fun, energetic world of website production. I
like that at the end of the day, work becomes visible in the form of a website,
which others can then enjoy (or at least give me feedback on). The ability
to make changes that I think viewers would like is really exciting. Sometimes
a task will be tedious, but knowing that the viewers are going to dig it really
makes a difference. How do I know if they'll dig it? Because I am truly just
an average, regular mini trucker, who loves shows and hanging out, and who
tries not to get busted by cops for vehicle modifications. My truck breaks
down just like the others, and my adventure with trucks started when I was
16, just like many others. I've looked at these Primedia publications for years,
just like everyone else. To be on the “other side” is truly an amazing experience
that I certainly do not take for granted.
ASK PATTY: What, if any, are the big changes you are seeing today in how
vehicles are being marketed to women?
Monica: That's a good question, and no big changes stand out to me. Perhaps
in a sporty, stylish, adventurous, high horsepower, yet sexy and feminine type
of way.
ASK PATTY: Tell me about your most recent personal experience buying a vehicle.
What vehicle did you buy, and why did you buy?
Monica: My most recent, and only, personal experience buying a vehicle
was my 1999 Chevy S-10 in 2000. Understand that I still have this truck
today, and my family doesn't exactly go through cars – we keep them for
way too long. I knew I wanted a truck, a cheap truck, and that was about
it. I saw this particular truck on the lot, and for whatever reason, knew
it was the one. No joke. It was dirty and off in a corner by itself, and
somehow I knew it was reasonably priced before I even asked. We returned
the next day and bought it. I remember biting my tongue in anticipation
as my dad got an offer, only for him to immediately shake his head and say, “Not
a chance. No way.” Well it looked good to me! Little did I know then that
dad was playing the game, just like I would now.
ASK PATTY: What is one piece of “good” advice you would you give women before
they buy a new vehicle?
Monica: This first thing that came to mind this: Don't go to the grocery store
hungry, and don't go buy a new vehicle hungry. We all know that when you go
grocery shopping hungry, everything looks irresistible, and your will power
to say no vanishes. You get home with all this “stuff” that looked darn good,
but that you didn't intend on buying. Well, for buying a new vehicle, don't
have your heart so set on one particular vehicle that you'd give anything to
have it; don't be so hungry for it you can't walk away and say no. Set boundaries
before hand; do your homework beforehand, and don't settle for an impulsive “deal” because
you didn't have boundaries to go by. Say no, and mean no, no matter how hungry
you are, until you get exactly what you want. Of course you don't want to say
no, but you have to.
Ask Patty wants to hear from you!
Do you have a car buying story? Share it with Ask Patty! We want to hear all
about your car shopping, car buying, or car repair experience! Email all
submissions to Breanne Boyle: breanne@askpatty.com
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