[Rockpick]

Sorry, Tung. I missed your questions... let me give them a 'go'.

Originally Posted by Tungstontiller

Rockpick,

Great article, great pictures, well organized document. I am very fond of my 07' F150, I am glad to be a Ford owner. I am glad Ford seems to be reversing previous trends, especially Quality, and "Want-ability".

However, red flags flew when reading your article. Now my pessimistic side will show. This smells funny. So I'm forced to ask a few critical questions:

Good deal. I'm going to chop up your posts into individual quotes with answers to immediately follow.

1. What is your trade or occupation? As I read the article, how it was laid out, the structure, grammar, and abundance of descriptive adjectives made me wonder.

I'm a geologist by trade but primarily manage an environmental compliance program for a Fortune 10 (yes, ten) large appliance manufacturer located on a site that is approximately 1,000-acres in size. The generic term for my position would be 'environmental consultant'.

2. Who took all the pictures? They look great, high res., nice backgrounds, almost posed pictures. Did Ford provide these, if not, what kind of Camera was used?

Most were taken by me. A few of the others (mainly the overheating, mud-caked ones) were taken by the owner of ifitsgotanengine.com. (see footnote credit)

3. How did you remember so much detail? Did you take notes, or did Ford provide brochures and technical data?

My 'real' job requires extensive thought, rationale, and comprehension. While there was quite a bit of technical data given to us, much of what was regurgitated in my article was from my memory.

4. How many other participants were at the "Ride and Drive Event"? Do you know any of their backgrounds or occupations?

The event was held during a full week and was by invite from Ford. I cannot attest to the other sessions but, my group was approximately 25 persons. Most of these individuals were 'high end' media guys associated with some of North America's most powerful news outlets. These media folks included individuals from, but not limited to: the Detroit Press, Edmunds.com, New York Times, Chicago Sun, and oodles of freelance automotive writers (and a few of us 'pee-ons').

4. Did Ford always use the model that was "ideal" for the 'modules’?

Generally, yes. The 4-wheel drive module was in a stock FX4. Trailer tow was performed in a truck equipped with the Max Tow package. Competition vehicles were also equipped with tow packages.

The slalom course featured multiple variations with different wheel sizes and sidewall configurations. This was true on the competiton trucks as well. They were focused on allowing us to 'experience' the varying 'roll' that was created at high-speed reaction-style moves in each of the trucks.

5. Did they provide any models or displays of their "test" vehicles for viewing or driving? They test drive these new models a substantial amount before, pre-release events, like your "Ride and Drive". How have the seats held up after 100k. What does an FX4 ride like after 100 trips through the Cattail bog?

We were able to view one of the mules at the training center. I cannot tell you how many miles that it had previously rolled but, I can confirm that it was a 'mule'. None of the vehicles that we were utilizing were 'high-mileage' vehicles but, the 4x4 session featured the same FX4's all week; or so we were told.

Being that I started in the 4x4 module, I can tell you that the truck I climbed in to was far from detailed and still featured smeared mud and a dirty windshield. It had seen mud before I sat in it.

6. How many hours did it take your to prepare this document, did anyone else assist you in the writing, or editing?

All me. I put it together in a few hours. I do quite a bit of technical writing in my aforementioned 'real' job so, stuff like this will roll out pretty readily. What I always struggle with is the final editing. I am the writer and editor on many of my submittals to clients or to federal/state EPA as a Senior Project Manager.

<snip>

I don't ask these questions to smear, or flame. But your writing and presentation seemed too polished, posed, and staged.

No offense taken, perceived, or interpreted. Nothing was 'staged' or pre-written. It's all my somewhat biased opinion and experience with no candy-coating or foo-foo dust added.

Thanks for reading my humble opinion and questions.
Respectfully,
-Tung

You bet.

PS- In the interior picture "Platinum Edition with navigation" what is located on the A-pillar?

Good question... I believe it's a tweeter.