FAQ.

Q: What's this all about?
A: This is a site to document the American Tuner Experience or ATE. It all started back in 2002 with a few of my ex-coworkers. Having just bought digital cameras, we would take pictures of cars on the way to and from work, at lunch, or while running errands. Eventually we amassed quite a few pictures and turned it into a calendar for close friends. Postings on this site will be from "the archives" as well as some new ones that I've taken that no one has ever seen.

Q: Why are you doing this?
A: Because people continue to do stupid stuff to their cars and this really needs to be documented so future generations can look back and laugh. Some people do things to their cars for fun, others take it very seriously. But as long as people continue to do stupid stuff to their cars, I will be taking stupid pictures of their stupid cars. And posting them on this stupid blog.

Q: When do you update this site?
A: I'm going to try and update it every Monday, so bookmark it and check back. Feel free to email this link out to everyone in your address book.

Q: Yo, I snapped some pictures of this crazy ride. Bro, if I email you the pics, will you post them?
A: Sure. We love submissions. But please refer to the submissions page before you email me.

Q: Where do you find these things?
A: I live in Los Angeles., which seems to be the dope ride capital of the U.S., but I believe they can be found anywhere people have an abnormal amount of spare time. Normally I find them when I'm in my car driving or while I'm running errands. I usually keep my camera in my backpack for just such occasions. I have also been known to follow someone home to take pictures of their car at a later date to avoid confrontation.

Q: Yo, man, I emailed you some pics. Why aren't they up?
A: This can be answered in one of four ways, either; A. I'm lazy and haven't gotten around to it. B. I've got some other cars that need to be mentioned first. C. It sucked, or it's a stock ride, not a dope ride (please refer to the submissions page). D. Your picture wasn't framed correctly/ the resolution was too low (again, please refer to the submissions page).

Q: What happens if the owner or someone related to the owner sees me and asks me why I'm taking a picture of his or her car?
A: This is my greatest fear, but luckily, you've got a few options here. 1.Run like hell. 2.Make something up. Tell them you're a junior editor for American Tuner Magazine. If they ask for a business card, tell them it's your first week and they haven't printed you any yet. Another good one is you have a friend with a similar make and model of the car you're shooting and tell the owner that your friend is looking to do something similar.

Q: What's up with the calendar? How can I get one, and are there any plans for a new one?
A: Back in 2003, we made a desktop calendar to give out as a Christmas present. This was followed by a 2004 calendar and almost resulted in a 2005 version before I lost motivation and several of my partners in crime quit to move onto more lucrative positions in other companies. I might PDF the calendars and make them available for download when I get some time. Depending on how many submissions I receive and how many new cars I am able to find, I might develop a new calendar.

Q: Do you have any other kind of media, like desktop wallpaper?
A: Coming soon.

Q: How many pictures of these things things do you have?
A: I have a cache of about 30-40 cars. So without taking any new ones or receiving any submissions, I have enough to post for about the next six to seven months. This should be motivation for you to go out and search for cars to submit.

Q: I own a "doperide". Can I send in pics?
A: Sure, but you should have some pretty thick skin, because you will be mocked without mercy. I take my job seriously. Again, please refer to the submissions before you send an email.

posted by Tyler @ 2:09 PM