The blogosphere lit up. Dealers began telling Painter exactly where he could put those vouchers. Big dealer chains cut ties with TrueCar. State associations told members they could get in trouble with regulators because Painter's company was possibly violating state franchise laws designed to protect dealers. Honda threatened to cut off advertising funds to TrueCar dealers who sold vehicles too cheaply, arguing that it would harm the brand's image. Pictures of Painter as the devil circulated on the internet. "Basically, they suck!" screamed an auto sales trainer named Jerry Thibeau in a typical YouTube video.