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Guidelines for Press and Customer interactions at Supercharger construction locations

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pgiralt

Active Member
Supporting Member
Jun 16, 2013
1,522
157
Cary, NC
This letter was posted in the Greenville, SC supercharger thread. It's publicly posted on the job site.

I particularly like #5: "Owners and bloggers and be tricky" :)

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Credit to CmdrThor for the suggestion to start a new thread about this.
 
Also a good example of supplying a messaging document BEFORE it's needed - even if we don't like it (and we don't, right? :) ), these types of comms ensure everyone understands expected behavior.

So kudos to Tesla. But ... boo.

But if the contractor says "It'll be open in two weeks" you can bet a bunch of TMCers will show up with party hats on exactly that day, and then rant about how Tesla never keeps to timetables, and threaten not to upgrade to the P100QMP when it comes out. :)
 
Will there be a "Guidelines for Inquiries regarding the Guidelines for Press and Customer interactions at Supercharger construction locations"? That's the one I want to see.
 
As much as we may not like this, I think it is a clear and useful document for folks that aren't used to being in the media (high end managers, CEO's etc, who should already know what they should and shouldn't say).

I like that they made "friendly and respectful" the top priority, allowed photos and gave instructions on where owners could find info (correct email contact). Other companies might have just built a temporary 8 ft wall with no trespassing sign and sent an internal memo threatening to fire anyone for talking to customers or media.

I give Tesla a thumbs up for this one.
 
This is actually Tesla trying to set owner expectations, by not setting owner expectations. How many times does Tesla say something will happen in XXXX timeline and then it's late/unfinished? Several times per year by my count. Sure, it's annoying to not get a glimpse into the supercharger roll-out, but actually seeing construction let's you know it's happening and continuing to happen. Don't get me wrong, I like details, but these contractors are probably more comfortable fulfilling the contract than getting hounded by owners; we can be a harassing bunch. And since you wont get any good info out of them now, instead go take them some coffee or water if you are passing through to check the construction.
 
That's Tesla's communications strategy fully distilled down into one awesome nugget!
Be friendly and respectful...
Don't say anything useful...
And don't worry, they're used to it!
How true!:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin::biggrin::biggrin::biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:
"Don't worry, guys, we do this all the time. The owners have no idea what the timeline is for any promised feature. They like it, we swear." :biggrin:
 
"Don't worry, guys, we do this all the time. The owners have no idea what the timeline is for any promised feature. They like it, we swear." :biggrin:

It does seem worth noting that the Supercharger team's a bit better with communicating information on prospective locations.
Although they are still pretty vague on the details.*
That information is very useful to owners.

* And you still have to read between the lines.
 
Really a shame that this letter became fodder for a negative spin writeup - seriously, just because we don't like not getting every bit of info we can, it is a GOOD thing that Tesla is supplying consistent communication to their contractors. I can only hope there is more and more of these messaging docs - for sales people, delivery specialists, etc. One consistent message. Isn't that what we've been asking for?

I am especially disappointed in David Noland, a fellow owner, who appears to have cherry-picked comments just to get more clicks to his article. Not surprised, just disappointed.

As a example, 'nefarious' is his word, not Tesla's. But it sure makes the letter sound ominous.

The letter went on to warn the Supercharger contractors against nefarious schemes by curious owners to pry information out of them.
 
Really a shame that this letter became fodder for a negative spin writeup - seriously, just because we don't like not getting every bit of info we can, it is a GOOD thing that Tesla is supplying consistent communication to their contractors. I can only hope there is more and more of these messaging docs - for sales people, delivery specialists, etc. One consistent message. Isn't that what we've been asking for?

I am especially frequently disappointed in professional Negative Nelly and undisputed champion of Making Life Hard For Yourself David "Glass Half Empty" Noland, a fellow owner, who appears to have cherry-picked comments just to get more clicks to his article. Not surprised at all, just disappointed due to a foolish hope that he'll ever change.

As a example, 'nefarious' is his word, not Tesla's. But it sure makes the letter sound ominous.

Fixed your post. Can't fix his misuse of English.