Comments on: Exclusive Offer! Only 1000 Food Bloggers Qualify

By: Gabi

Gabi — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 23:40:51 +0000

Dianne,

I just saw this post in your favorites and it is exactly how I felt yesterday when I read the IFBC information packet.

At least three separate times, they had a lengthy call to action to participants to blog about the chefs and sponsors of the event.

We certainly hope you will blog about the food, wine, speakers, chefs, and sponsors during the conference. You also win because our speakers and sponsors will usually be quick to forward any post you do write about them to a bunch of food industry insiders.

I know you are speaking there, but I found it rather obnoxious that while attendees have paid (and quite a bit, at that) to attend this event, the hosts are rather ruthlessly asking us to talk up their sponsors. It makes me feel like the event is going to be all about promoting them.

By: Mardi@eatlivetravelwrite

Mardi@eatlivetravelwrite — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:52:45 +0000

Well the Easy and Elegant Dinner is over and I posted about it on my blog.

http://www.eatlivetravelwrite.com/2010/06/easy-and-elegant-dinner-party-shorties-welcome/

I tried to write like a regular post and not make it too “sales pitchy” but the fact is, the products I was provided with were wonderful!

By: Mardi@eatlivetravelwrite

Mardi@eatlivetravelwrite — Fri, 28 May 2010 16:05:14 +0000

That’s so funny, I was offered that as well and in the email he referred to a quote he liked on my blog. Which was not on my blog!!! LOL! Also, once realised I was in Canada (clearly stated in my About Me page), he changed his offer and offered some coupons only. These ppl need to read the blogs they supposedly love more carefully.

By: diannejacob

diannejacob — Wed, 19 May 2010 14:39:34 +0000

Thanks. Yes, being up front is what it’s all about. However, I’m not sure that occurs to many bloggers. They are not accustomed to thinking like scientists or journalists. It’s a learning process!

By: Bbq Dude

Bbq Dude — Wed, 19 May 2010 07:29:10 +0000

Sure, they’re just promoting a product. That’s their job, they’re in the business of selling juice. But of all the ways that ads are tossed my way, reading a blog that I like where they say, “Someone gave me some free ____, I used it, and it was tasty.” is about the least offensive. The only way I would feel “used” is if I read a blog entry, and found out later from another source that it was sponsored, or the blogger got free stuff, or whatever. As long as folks are up front with where they’re getting money from, let the content stand on its own.

To me, this is a lot like science (what can I say, I’m a scientist for my day job – when you’re a hammer, everything is a nail). We (scientists) are required to disclose the source of our funding when publishing data. Being funded by industry or by the government doesn’t invalidate the data. But it’s important for people who are evaluating your data to know where you got the money so that they can know which prejudices to keep an eye out for.

That said, I’m glad you are talking about this here. I think it’s very important to have open dialogue about what practices are acceptable.

By: diannejacob

diannejacob — Tue, 18 May 2010 18:01:07 +0000

That sounds reasonable. Although offering an entire case is over the top. That stuff is expensive!

BTW, I was offered that case too, in an email about how the author was reading my blog and thought I would like to use it. Yeah right. See any recipes on here?

By: Bbq Dude

Bbq Dude — Tue, 18 May 2010 17:24:02 +0000

Taking free stuff does make folks more likely to gush. Even among folks who say they will be “objective”. Nonetheless, I see no problem with accepting freebies, so long as you’re willing to tell everyone it was a freebie. Let folks know what your biases are, and then give them the chance to evaluate your evaluation.

I recently had a guy from POMWonderful (pomegranate juice vendor) offer to send me a free case of pomegranate juice. I accepted. I’m going to cook with it in a few ways, see what I like, see what I don’t, and let everyone know that it was a freebie so they can evaluate what they think of my thoughts of their pomegranate juice. I’m not pretending to be Consumer’s Report. I’m just a guy with a bbq and some free time to share my thoughts. Is POMWonderful getting something out of it for cheap? Sure, cheap publicity. Am I getting something out of it? Sure, free pomegranate juice. Are my readers getting something out of it and not being duped? Sure, they hear my thoughts, and my disclaimers that I’m cooking with free juice.

By: diannejacob

diannejacob — Thu, 13 May 2010 17:04:46 +0000

Interesting that they did not choose you. I wonder why. It sounds like you would have handled it in a professional manner, Megan.

By: Megan

Megan — Thu, 13 May 2010 14:07:59 +0000

I also got this invititation, but I got it through the company/store that was providing the free cookware, which happens to be a company I absolutely love. I don’t think it had any idea that I have a blog. I did take the time to sign up with the hosting service the company is working with and to fill out the very lengthy survey, and as I answered all these questions about how involved I am in social media and how I throw parties and cook all the time, I thought for sure I would get one of those 1,000 spots. I did not. And I admit I was disappointed. I don’t think it has anything to do with this particular celebrity chef, but rather something the store was doing… and this store often works with different chefs on book signings, classes, etc. I have my ethics, and I don’t think there was anything wrong with the invitation. Nothings says that because you are provided with free cookware and party favors, you have to review them favorably. And without a doubt, I would disclose all aspects of the party, what was provided to me, how it works, etc.

By: diannejacob

diannejacob — Sat, 08 May 2010 16:14:19 +0000

Look forward to seeing how you approach it on your blog, Mardi. Maybe it will generate more discussion.