Bloggers mentioning/promoting products

BeeMee_123 · 12-01-2017 02:40PM

SB

I don't think there is any 'dig' intended, we want honest reviews and the more honesty the more trustworthy as an 'influencer' you are

retro:electro · 12-01-2017 02:40PM

SB_Part2 wrote: »

Here you go:
http://whatorlaate.com/flash-harrys/

Scroll down to the end there and look at the update. A negative update of somewhere I was given food free initially.

Now what else would you like to try to get a dig in about?

How am I giving a dig? I'm just going by what you said, that you "don't review free food if it's crap".
And of course you're going to go back and update on that glowing review if there is such a vast discrepancy between experiences if you want to remain any credibility in your readers eyes. This is not the same as giving a free meal a negative review. Although what it does highlight to me is that free meals for bloggers are not the same standard as non free meals for mere mortals.

meeeeh · 12-01-2017 02:41PM

Isn't funny how many people are hoping to destroy a place when it's only starting up. Who cares if people lose jobs before they had chance to iron things out.

My favorite Irish food critic was Paulo Tullio. He never gave totally negative reviews but you could always get the picture about the place and I would know if I want to avoid it or not.

ratmouse · 12-01-2017 02:43PM

SB_Part2 wrote: »

I can 100% guarantee you that my readers would have no intention of going. My readers are based in Dublin. This hotel was outside of Dublin and anyone I've ever mentioned it to since has said "where??".

Edit: In fact, someone just pm'd me and then followed up with "Never heard of it"

Such serious narrow mindedness! That's a bit insulting to the people of Dublin to think that they'd never venture outside the capital!

SB_Part2 · 12-01-2017 02:44PM

meeeeh wrote: »

Isn't funny how many people are hoping to destroy a place when it's only starting up. Who cares if people lose jobs before they had chance to iron things out.

My favorite Irish food critic was Paulo Tullio. He never gave totally negative reviews but you could always get the picture about the place and I would know if I want to avoid it or not.

This is my point exactly. Why would I be negative about a place that's just starting out? It's not fair on the business. Instead, I spoke to them, explained what I thought was wrong and let them do what they want with that info.

Now, if they invited me back again and the food was still shocking then maybe I'd mention it.

retro:electro · 12-01-2017 02:44PM

meeeeh wrote: »

Isn't funny how many people are hoping to destroy a place when it's only starting up. Who cares if people lose jobs before they had chance to iron things out.

My favorite Irish food critic was Paulo Tullio. He never gave totally negative reviews but you could always get the picture about the place and I would know if I want to avoid it or not.

Don't invite bloggers around to review the place so if you're now able to cope with what they may write.

ratmouse · 12-01-2017 02:46PM

meeeeh wrote: »

Isn't funny how many people are hoping to destroy a place when it's only starting up. Who cares if people lose jobs before they had chance to iron things out.

My favorite Irish food critic was Paulo Tullio. He never gave totally negative reviews but you could always get the picture about the place and I would know if I want to avoid it or not.

You should look at your own words "He never gave totally negative reviews" . He obviously did give critique though, both of a positive and negative manner. And nothing wrong with that.

SB_Part2 · 12-01-2017 02:48PM

ratmouse wrote: »

You should look at your own words "He never gave totally negative reviews" . He obviously did give critique though, both of a positive and negative manner. And nothing wrong with that.

Exactly. You never heard him say "I would never go back to this place again, it was horrible" Which is the only thing I could have said about the place i went.

If there was some positives I would have posted something. But there wasn't.

dudara · 12-01-2017 02:50PM

Cria wrote: »

Why would you bother writing a blog about food and write about the places you liked.
And then only if someone asks have you been there would you mention it's crap. What's the point in having a blog if you don't mention all the places you've been. If I refer to a blog for an opinion on restaurants I want to know what you didn't like so i can avoid it and save myself money

Several factors here. I eat out multiple times a week. Most are OK, some are good or really good and a few are clangers.

Now, I don't have time to mention everywhere I've eaten. I have to be selective in which posts I write (and I tend to post once per week maximum). So I choose those which are worth mentioning. And because the standard is really good in general at the moment, it's mainly all positive reviews.

There's no point in giving a negative review to a restaurant just for the sake of it. If you do give a negative review, it needs to be fair and constructive. That takes time to write and craft.

To be clear: I do not write blog reviews in return for meals. I consider that commercial influence on my blog, and I don't do it. I do occasionally get given extra courses or free drinks because the restaurateur or chef knows me, and they know that I'll give them honest feedback on the item. But that doesn't influence anything I write. I have a good reputation doing what I do, my opinion and knowledge is trusted and I wouldn't do anything to damage that.

Cria · 12-01-2017 02:51PM

idunno78 wrote: »

So did Rosemary MacCabe who always discloses and follows the rules. She didn't have #ad but did say she was asked would she like to try them and said yes. Because they were sent as PR samples they wouldn't need #ad because they aren't getting paid!

There's that grey area though she is getting free advertisement. If she is a legitimate company she needs to comply with the rules and regulations.

ratmouse · 12-01-2017 02:53PM

SB_Part2 wrote: »

Exactly. You never heard him say "I would never go back to this place again, it was horrible" Which is the only thing I could have said about the place i went.

If there was some positives I would have posted something. But there wasn't.

So it was terrible then and genuinely should be avoided? If you say that there weren't any positives to mention, it must have been dreadful. And in which case, let people know.

SB_Part2 · 12-01-2017 02:55PM

ratmouse wrote: »

So it was terrible then and genuinely should be avoided? If you say that there weren't any positives to mention, it must have been dreadful. And in which case, let people know.

Without giving the hotel a chance to rectify the issue?

ratmouse · 12-01-2017 02:58PM

SB_Part2 wrote: »

Without giving the hotel a chance to rectify the issue?

SB, it sounded like more than just the one issue that needed rectifying. I do see your point, genuinely. It's just how you describe it here as being so bad with nothing positive worth writing, then maybe it's just not a great establishment for food and as a blogger, I don't see why your readers can't be informed.

Cria · 12-01-2017 02:58PM

SB_Part2 wrote: »

I pay for 90% of the food I eat Anna. So your statement is flawed.

There are plenty of posts on my blog where I've said I didn't like a restaurant and wouldn't go back.

I'm specifically talking about food I've had for free. I was invited to a hotel/restaurant and the food and hotel was meh. I wouldn't bother telling people "Don't go to this hotel" because the hotel wouldn't be on anyone's radar. It would be giving the hotel negative publicity for the sake of it.

Edit: To add to this. There was about 10 bloggers (Food bloggers) invited and only 1 blogger mentioned it on their blog and that's because she was brand new to blogging. Everyone else felt the same way as me. The food was so bad is wasn't worth mentioning on social media given that the hotel was just starting out. In this case it's more productive to talk to the hotel and say what you though so they can make changes.

IMO the fact that you got the food for free and you didn't mention it makes it look like you want to continue receiving free food same applies to the other food bloggers.
If you had paid for the food that was 'crappy' I'm sure you would mention it was meh.
If I read your blog and took your advice and attended the places you recommended and I went to say that hotel and it was horrible and I happened to ask have you ever been there and you said yes you didn't like it though, I would be disappointed.
You write a blog for a reason for people to read people read these blogs for a reference or a bit of advice. As a follower I want the good with the bad, that way I won't feel your blog is mainly positive in order for you to receive free goods.

dudara · 12-01-2017 02:59PM

ratmouse wrote: »

So it was terrible then and genuinely should be avoided? If you say that there weren't any positives to mention, it must have been dreadful. And in which case, let people know.

A blogger does not have to write about every single experience they have. It's their blog and they have control over the content.

I know some of the current influencers snap everything (literally) but that's not my style, nor do I think it's SB_Part2's.

It's about being balanced and giving fair reviews. For a new restaurant or business starting out, I wouldn't give a negative review straight away. There are too many things that can be teething issues which can be sorted out with a bit of time, so it's only fair to give them some time to sort it out.

SB_Part2 · 12-01-2017 03:00PM

Cria wrote: »

If you had paid for the food that was 'crappy' I'm sure you would mention it was meh.

Wrong. I've eaten in plenty of places where the food was crappy that I've paid for that I didn't feel a need to write a review for.

As has been mentioned by dudara already. There are so many good place around lately that I'd prefer to write about them.

Cria · 12-01-2017 03:00PM

anna080 wrote: »

True. I wouldnt really call it a food blog in that case, more a "here's nice places I like to eat for free" blog.

Exactly it's that whole Ethos of positive reviews for personal gain and that's the only thing I don't like about most bloggers. And it's more for the fact that the honest bloggers don't get a look in because of these bloggers.
Two long term bloggers have given up this year due to this shift in the industry I really feel for them.

meeeeh · 12-01-2017 03:02PM

anna080 wrote: »

Don't invite bloggers around to review the place so if you're now able to cope with what they may write.

You clearly never started a business of your own. There will be always things that need to be ironed out and learned. Every starting something should have the benefit of making mistakes at the beginning without them being overly advertised (I draw the line at fraudulent claims).

Btw Michelin Guide doesn't list places they didn't like. At mpst they take away stars for those who have them.

ratmouse · 12-01-2017 03:05PM

dudara wrote: »

A blogger does not have to write about every single experience they have. It's their blog and they have control over the content.

I know some of the current influencers snap everything (literally) but that's not my style, nor do I think it's SB_Part2's.

It's about being balanced and giving fair reviews. For a new restaurant or business starting out, I wouldn't give a negative review straight away. There are too many things that can be teething issues which can be sorted out with a bit of time, so it's only fair to give them some time to sort it out.

I understand what you're saying, and what SB is saying, in essence, that new places deserve a second chance or a chance to get over some initial blips. It can be very frustrating for a customer though when hard earned cash is spent on treating themselves to some grub out and said grub doesn't make the cut. I suppose a combination of referring to blogs and also the likes of trip advisor will give a fuller insight when it comes to food.

dudara · 12-01-2017 03:09PM

ratmouse wrote: »

I suppose a combination of referring to blogs and also the likes of trip advisor will give a fuller insight when it comes to food.

That's pretty much it

Find some blogs whose opinion you trust and go with them. Add in other sites you trust and you should have a fairly balanced view.

For instance, I'm working in Amsterdam at the moment. I've found 2-3 restaurant blogs that I like and I use those as my guides where to go.

retro:electro · 12-01-2017 03:10PM

meeeeh wrote: »

You clearly never started a business of your own. There will be always things that need to be ironed out and learned. Every starting something should have the benefit of making mistakes at the beginning without them being overly advertised (I draw the line at fraudulent claims).

Btw Michelin Guide doesn't list places they didn't like. At mpst they take away stars for those who have them.

So say that the place had a few teething issues but in the interest of fairness you intend on going back in a few months and will give your readers an update and a full review then. This may actually give the hotel a kick up the behind as well.

retro:electro · 12-01-2017 03:13PM

dudara wrote: »

Several factors here. I eat out multiple times a week. Most are OK, some are good or really good and a few are clangers.

Now, I don't have time to mention everywhere I've eaten. I have to be selective in which posts I write (and I tend to post once per week maximum). So I choose those which are worth mentioning. And because the standard is really good in general at the moment, it's mainly all positive reviews.

There's no point in giving a negative review to a restaurant just for the sake of it. If you do give a negative review, it needs to be fair and constructive. That takes time to write and craft.

To be clear: I do not write blog reviews in return for meals. I consider that commercial influence on my blog, and I don't do it. I do occasionally get given extra courses or free drinks because the restaurateur or chef knows me, and they know that I'll give them honest feedback on the item. But that doesn't influence anything I write. I have a good reputation doing what I do, my opinion and knowledge is trusted and I wouldn't do anything to damage that.

If you're known for "giving mainly all positive reviews" that is the reason you are being given free drinks and extra courses. I guarantee you they wouldn't if you stopped the glowing reviews. Case and point.

dudara · 12-01-2017 03:17PM

anna080 wrote: »

If you're known for "giving mainly all positive reviews" that is the reason you are being given free drinks and extra courses. Case and point.

No. It's more that I know a lot of people in the industry at this stage, and I'm a generous supporter (with my own cash) of restaurants and venues. Restaurateurs value custom and honest feedback. If you visit a restaurant frequently, even as a regular punter, you'll often get a free dessert or little drink.

ratmouse · 12-01-2017 03:17PM

Does anyone know if fairy blogger is being sponsored by/has collaborations with sport's brands such as Nike and Puma? Constantly tagging them but unsure if she buys the items herself. The gym gear seems to be a brand new outfit on a daily basis .

retro:electro · 12-01-2017 03:28PM

meeeeh wrote: »

You clearly never started a business of your own. There will be always things that need to be ironed out and learned. Every starting something should have the benefit of making mistakes at the beginning without them being overly advertised (I draw the line at fraudulent claims).

Btw Michelin Guide doesn't list places they didn't like. At mpst they take away stars for those who have them.

I think that's investing too much into the bloggers power there. You're reviewing one meal you ate there, not taking down the whole establishment. Like if a blogger said they didn't like a loreal mascara, I'd avoid the loreal mascara, not avoid loreal as a whole.

Hopeful2016 · 12-01-2017 03:28PM

SB_Part2 wrote: »

Without giving the hotel a chance to rectify the issue?

Are you working in a quality control capacity for the hotel or something? If so, they should be paying you for that. If not, how is giving them a chance to implement your recommendations relevant to you, your blog or your readers?

Surely that isn't your role as a blogger?

Cria · 12-01-2017 03:30PM

SB_Part2 wrote: »

Here you go:
http://whatorlaate.com/flash-harrys/

Scroll down to the end there and look at the update. A negative update of somewhere I was given food free initially.

Now what else would you like to try to get a dig in about?

That's good that you did that I didn't know which blog you had, so I was only going on the fact you said you only do positive reviews.
I love that you were honest at the end that's all I want as a follower the good with the bad.

SB_Part2 · 12-01-2017 03:31PM

Hopeful2016 wrote: »

Are you working in a quality control capacity for the hotel or something? If so, they should be paying you for that. If not, how is giving them a chance to implement your recommendations relevant to you, your blog or your readers?

Surely that isn't your role as a blogger?

No but I'm a decent human being.

meeeeh · 12-01-2017 03:32PM

anna080 wrote: »

So say that the place had a few teething issues but in the interest of fairness you intend on going back in a few months and will give your readers an update and a full review then. This may actually give the hotel a kick up the behind as well.

I think that is what some reviewers do. I think the Times one mentioned that once and didn't give a great review on second visit. (It could be some other reviewer, I am not 100% certain).

Cria · 12-01-2017 03:34PM

meeeeh wrote: »

Isn't funny how many people are hoping to destroy a place when it's only starting up. Who cares if people lose jobs before they had chance to iron things out.

My favorite Irish food critic was Paulo Tullio. He never gave totally negative reviews but you could always get the picture about the place and I would know if I want to avoid it or not.

That's all I want as a follower I don't need someone saying this place is crap avoid. Constructive criticism like I enjoyed this experience but that wasn't particularly nice.
It gives the companies room
For improvement and the opportunity for them to invite the blogger back when improvements have been made.

Bloggers mentioning/promoting products

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