Blank slate narrative is a mistake, and that needs to change

[panjak]

There is a new topic on this forum about lack of AM/FM radio as a critical safety problem. I don't really have an opinion on that particular topic, but this is a recurring pattern. People follow "blank slate" narrative and write a lot of negative opinions: this car doesn't have this, and that, and so on.

In fact, this is false narrative. Slate have all of that: radio, and speakers, and electric windows, and many many more. It's just optional equipment, if you don't want this, you don't have to pay for it. You see, how different is this approach?

Slate team avoids the word "option" at all cost. They stick to "less is more" narrative. Recent Jay Leno episode is a prime example of that. In my opinion this was pretty close to a PR disaster. Leno gave them soft ball questions, like where are the speaker. Slate spokerpesones answered them in a way, which actually amplified this negativity: oh, you can bring your Bluetooth speaker. What followed was hilarious. Leno was asking "it surely doesn't have climat control and something and something" and they had to defend themself against the most friendly host they can ever have. On safety they answered on "oh no, we had to include this because of regulations". If you need to explain to Jay Leno, that your car have basic safety equipment, you really really have a problem.

They never really explained how Slate truck actually HAS all the practical things, just as an option. They presented the car as it was basic and unable to upgrade. Yes, they spent a lot of time on wrapping and other niceties, but that wasn't a Leno concern! I would like to see data on this, but I believe this high profile marketing stunt didn't actually help strengthen Slate image.

This may hurt Slate. People do need to understand how they can have radio, speakers and electric windows. What was a marginal voice at first, seems to be a major source of criticism now.

I would like to know your opinion on that. And I hope Slate team is reading.

 

[E90400K]

I think Slate is still in development on most the options (err... accessories) that are planned for the Truck. There have been several threads/posts from forum members on how audio systems will be/can be installed. Yet none of us know what the options are. We are hoping for DIN and double-DIN radio chassis mounts for the dashboard. Hopefully Slate will provide such mounts as purchase accessories (vs. some rando on the internet with a 3D printing machine product...). It would be nice to know if Slate will offer snap-in speaker mounts for owners to install standard-size car audio speakers.

I'm sure in time Crutchfield's 3rd-party supplier base will offer such products for the Slate. I waited for Crutchfield to have plug and play solutions for my 6G Bronco speaker upgrade, which I just did in December. In typical Crutchfield fashion, the installation of aftermarket replacement speakers was a breeze with the included harness adapters and speaker mounting rings (for the kickpanels). In 2022 Crutchfield had no plug and play options like they did in early 2024. It takes time.

Jeremy noted there are "access points" for accessories. One he pointed to are the bed top rails. Another he mentioned were electrical system access points, but we have not seen any specifics on those. We can only assume the electric window option will be plug and play.

All good stuff to discuss while we wait another 10 months until product starts flowing from Warsaw.

 

[AZFox]

They've trademarked the phrase "We Built It. You Make It."

 

[ScooterAsheville]

I'm withholding judgement until I see how the market reacts. We can all voice our opinions till the cows come home, but only real people paying real money for real product has any meaning. And real money is not a refundable $50 reservation performed with a mouse click.

 

[ryun]

This is certainly one of those areas where I think slate would do well to advertise a "amenity" edition of their slate where you get all of the modern amenities one would enjoy on any new car. Radio, power windows, built in speakers, color wrap, etc.

Sure it'll drive up the price but that's good for folks just popping in to check that were never going to buy the blank slate.

I've seen this with mechanical keyboards. Not that they're really comparable but you'll see a barebones model sold without switches or keys that you provide yourself. Likewise if you need it fully assembled you can get that (higher priced) version instead.

 

[cadblu]

People do need to understand how they can have radio, speakers and electric windows. What was a marginal voice at first, seems to be a major source of criticism now.

I would like to know your opinion on that.

Anyone who spends a just few moments on the Slate website will understand they can accessorize to their heart’s delight. It couldn’t be any clearer. The raw appeal of this vehicle is just ordering what you want, without bundling of expensive packages.

A great example of this is, just order the passenger power window and leave the driver’s manual crank. Can you please name another vehicle manufacturer that allows you to do this?

 

[Letas]

This whole thing comes down to one key detail, which we won't know for a bit... price.



The advantage to this model is get (pay for) what you want, and nothing else. Right now the model is sell a package that has a few features you want, some you don't care about, for $2500. If Slate can sell just those 3 features for $1500, boom, great. That's just what it comes down to, and we won't know for another 6 months.

 

[OldGoat]

I’ve had every damn option, accessory and gizwicky known to mankind on everything drivable or with an ON/OFF switch. I am soooo ready for simple, dumbed down, reliable and repairable products. I am no troglodyte and there are many of me out there. I can afford the most expensive washer/dryer there is but opt for Speed Queen. Simple, no frills and serviceable and mostly made in US. This will be my last post as I too am tired of the posters whining about what the Slate doesn’t have. I intend to rejoin you all when Slate begins delivering and we can share helpful info.

 

[sodamo]

This is certainly one of those areas where I think slate would do well to advertise a "amenity" edition of their slate where you get all of the modern amenities one would enjoy on any new car. Radio, power windows, built in speakers, color wrap, etc.

Sure it'll drive up the price but that's good for folks just popping in to check that were never going to buy the blank slate.

I've seen this with mechanical keyboards. Not that they're really comparable but you'll see a barebones model sold without switches or keys that you provide yourself. Likewise if you need it fully assembled you can get that (higher priced) version instead.

Disagree, should that happen 95% of coverage would be “$20k Slate now $50k. Or some such foolishness.

 

[fuzzyweis]

They went over several times how you can make it an SUV and upgrades can be added at time of purchase or later when you're ready/as the family grows, think that gives some idea that it's able to be optioned up.

 

[AZFox]

They need to get it down to an Elevator Pitch.

All of our customers start out with a Blank Slate.​

​

Some will leave it that way, but most will personalize it with accessories to make it just the way they want it to be.​

​

Your Slate can be a simple Workhorse or you can have it become an all-out Means of Personal Expression.​

​

You buy it from us, not some self-motivated dealer. There are no convoluted Options Packages to choose from because the only factory option is Extended Range. Everything else is accessories or DIY.​

​

Head over to the Slate Maker on our website to see some of the accessories you can add so far.​

​

Oh look, here's my floor. Nice meeting you.​

 

[sodamo]

They need to get it down to an Elevator Pitch.

All of our customers start out with a Blank Slate.​

​

Some will leave it that way, but most will personalize it with accessories to make it just the way they want it to be.​

​

Your Slate can be a simple Workhorse or you can have it become an all-out Means of Personal Expression.​

​

You buy it from us, not some self-motivated dealer. There are no convoluted Options Packages to choose from because the only factory option is Extended Range. Everything else is accessories or DIY.​

​

Head over to the Slate Maker on our website to see some of the accessories you can add so far.​

​

Oh look, here's my floor. Nice meeting you.​

A very very difficult concept for some. They feel lost if they can’t blame someone else for choices snd definitely don’t want the responsibility.

 

[AZFox]

A very very difficult concept for some. They feel lost if they can’t blame someone else for choices snd definitely don’t want the responsibility.

Nice thing about it is you're not stuck with a choice.

If you make a bad choice you can always make a different one.

 

[metroshot]

They need to get it down to an Elevator Pitch.
.......

You sound like my aviation instructor during a stall procedure called PARE - elevator pitch, power idle, ailerons neutral, rudder opposite to spin......

 

[WA8YXM]

There is a new topic on this forum about lack of AM/FM radio as a critical safety problem. I don't really have an opinion on that particular topic, but this is a recurring pattern. People follow "blank slate" narrative and write a lot of negative opinions: this car doesn't have this, and that, and so on.

In fact, this is false narrative. Slate have all of that: radio, and speakers, and electric windows, and many many more. It's just optional equipment, if you don't want this, you don't have to pay for it. You see, how different is this approach?

Slate team avoids the word "option" at all cost. They stick to "less is more" narrative. Recent Jay Leno episode is a prime example of that. In my opinion this was pretty close to a PR disaster. Leno gave them soft ball questions, like where are the speaker. Slate spokerpesones answered them in a way, which actually amplified this negativity: oh, you can bring your Bluetooth speaker. What followed was hilarious. Leno was asking "it surely doesn't have climat control and something and something" and they had to defend themself against the most friendly host they can ever have. On safety they answered on "oh no, we had to include this because of regulations". If you need to explain to Jay Leno, that your car have basic safety equipment, you really really have a problem.

They never really explained how Slate truck actually HAS all the practical things, just as an option. They presented the car as it was basic and unable to upgrade. Yes, they spent a lot of time on wrapping and other niceties, but that wasn't a Leno concern! I would like to see data on this, but I believe this high profile marketing stunt didn't actually help strengthen Slate image.

This may hurt Slate. People do need to understand how they can have radio, speakers and electric windows. What was a marginal voice at first, seems to be a major source of criticism now.

I would like to know your opinion on that. And I hope Slate team is reading.

I remember when the radio was optional in all cars. In fact my first car... I installed a radio. In it.