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Sunday, July 13, 2008

Blog Etiquette with wine me, dine me

Good afternoon, class!

It's that time again-- yes, like other local bloggers I feel the need to have a short informational session about how to properly interact in the blogosphere, both as a commenter and as a blogger.

1. Copyright infringement isn't cool. I, for one, spend a ton of my free time writing, taking photographs, reading about food, learning about food, eating food-- you get the idea. I'm also a professional writer and my words are my livelihood: Don't steal them. If you're quoting me, link back. It's generally not recommended to quote the whole post (confusion can arise, trust me). If you want to use a picture, respect Creative Commons and attribute (Flickr makes this very easy) or, if you're going to be super-polite, ask for permission. That is always appreciated, nothing brightens another blogger's day like someone emailing them and saying, "Wow, I loved your picture of such-and-such! Can I use it on my blog?" Remember when you learned how to write a research paper in high school? Cite your sources! And as far as pictures go, I'm a big believer that food blogs can be effective without pictures (the writers of Restaurants and Reservations do a great job at it, for example). There are some things that just don't photograph well (grits, refried beans, anything at The Quarter Bistro because the light is red) , occasionally I leave the house without charging the battery, sometimes I'm just silly and forget-- and if you're writing food reviews, unless it's a stock photo from the restaurant's website, you shouldn't use other people's food photos to document your experience.

2. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Thumper's mom was right. I've been seeing some really mean commenters on other local blogs lately. There's a big difference, in my mind, between snarky and mean. Disagree all you want-- blogs are all about opinion, and I will definitely not always agree with you-- but leave the ad hominem attacks for Gawker.

3. On that note, don't post just to pimp your blog. We all want traffic, we all want readers, but get your readers because you're interesting and have something to say, not by simply posting "I really love your blog!" or "Look what I wrote about that same subject on MY blog!" without any real commentary on what's written.

4. Just because you link to me doesn't mean I will link to you. I'm blatantly stealing this one from Kate, and it's true. Every blog I link to is one I read on a regular basis, one with content that is compelling and well-written, pertinent, signficant or maybe even funny (I mean, I don't think about food ALL the time. Just most of the time.). There are actually a ton of blogs I read that I don't link to here, as I only want to give you, the reader, a limited view into my world. You come to me to read about food, not about my politics or my fashion sense, right? However if you think there's a blog out there I *should* read, feel free to email me a suggestion. I'm always glad to hear it!

4. If you get your food for free, know the owner, date the waiter, whatever-- disclose it! Maybe it's because I'm reading Ruth Reichl's Garlic and Sapphires, but I think it's important to disclose anything that might make you have better service or food than a regular diner. Polly Campbell can't really give an unbiased review of Boca (they know her there, she knows they know her, and she always has a spectacular meal-- she's admitted as such, which is admirable). I can't give you an unbiased review of Seny (anymore), because Chef Travis knows me and his maƮtre d' knows me (and read this blog, apparently). I've gotten several meals for free as a member of the press (gotta love new media, right?) and have made sure to disclose it. Also, in these cases, I refuse to overlook problems just because it was free or at a reduced charge. That's just not ethical, and I don't want to be a blogger who can be bought (and if I could, it would cost way more than a free meal. Seriously.).

That's all I can come up with for now. On my other (to-be-started) blog I intend on writing something about the Art of Adding Friends on Twitter-- but that's more appropriate for my professional blog. I guess what we all need is to remember that people, even on the internet, need to have their time and their talents respected. It fosters a sense of community, lends some authenticity, and makes the wide world of food blogs (and the 'net in general) a fun place to be.

Have anything to add?

23 comments:

Amber said...

I am married to a patent attorney if you want to sue anybody... :)

Did you like Garlic and Sapphires? I thought it was cute.

Have a great week, Julie!

Julie said...

You have a great week too! Don't worry, it's nothing I can't handle on my own. :)

Garlic and Sapphires, so far, is really interesting! I'm only about 1/3 of the way through it. I love Reichl's writing style, so I can't imagine I'll be reading it much longer-- I'll be engrossed.

vudutu said...

Great advice Julie, all I would add is the stuff you hopefully learned in kindergarden.

Share, if you find a great place or food let folks know. Recently I caught my self regretting that I raved too much about the fabulous eggs from the Wright farm stall at Findlay when I got there late and they were out of eggs. I quickly reversed course and decided it would work out in the end and be better for all that I did. They got more chickens, I got to know them better and I discovered their wonderful pork sausage, best I have ever had (OK the word is out!). I did the same thing with Terry's Turf club, hopefully the Wright's and Terry both are reaping the benefit, It's a Karma thing.

Clean up after your self, If you quote someone trim the post down to the specific lines you are referencing, make for easier reading.

Julie said...

Vudutu: Exactly! I think it's important to spread good karma around. The more people who discover a good place or product, the more likely it is to stick around for all of us to enjoy.

Mikki said...

About #4:
Maybe you should have a second blog about fashion because I sure would like a dose of Julie the fashionista once in awhile!

Julie said...

Mikki-- I am hardly a fashionista anymore! I was told yesterday that I should wear pants more often; all I wear are skirts and heels. :) Well, dresses and heels. I need to get some new dresses...

Anonymous said...

Did you (once upon a time) work for Cin Weekly?

Julie said...

TJ-- Not that I know of, why do you ask?

Amber said...

I will be honest my twin sister and I thought you were one of the writers for the foodie report for the longest time. Maybe that is what he is thinking? I believe there was a girl named Julie who wrote who may not have been YOUR twin but yall favored each other.

Julie said...

CinTwin-- Really? Julie Gaw? Rachel maybe? Very strange... curiouser and curiouser. No, I have never worked for any local newspaper. I was a Cin Weekly CinChef about four years ago... does that count?

Amber said...

It was Julie Gaw....I don't know if she is there anymore, but two Julie's who love food in Cincinnati....I just made yall one person in my mind! :) Now I know the difference I promise!

Anonymous said...

I was thinking about the woman who had the "fashonista" title (and feature) in Cinweekly for a long time.

Julie said...

TJ, definitely not me, though I appreciate the compliment from Mikki. :)

Anonymous said...

That said, I assume that if one of us violated one of the rules/mandates/suggestions laid out in this entry, you'd have let us know, privately? When I see something like this written, it tends to be in reaction to a problem of the same sort(s). I have put some negative comments on another local blog, but that was in response to the blogger's failure to understand that she is doing so when she attacks or insults folks in her posts - and this has happened more than once

Julie said...

Absolutely, TJ. I tend to not be passive aggressive, and generally call people out on bad behavior when I see it, privately if I can. Shoot me an email at winemedinemecinci at gmail dot com and I'll give you a bit more detail-- I think we're discussing the same thing.

Anonymous said...

...err....actually....I just went over to the same blog I referred to here, and found a comment from you about removing a photo.....so I do believe we are indeed on the same page.

Julie said...

TJ-- Ta da.

Anonymous said...

on an entirely unrelated note, Roadfood keeps removing links to this blog because it contains advertising, but in the recent redesign (at least it looks like you redesigned?) I don't see ads anymore. Was this as you intended?

Julie said...

I did redesign it, and I took out ads because it's not like I'd ever make more than a few pennies. I've been considering BlogHer ads. I think the idea of not linking to a site because of ads is antiquated, but if that's what Road Food chooses to do, so be it.

Anonymous said...

Antiquated is a very diplomatic way to put it for a website LOADED with advertising :-). I hate that policy, but *shrug* I just particpate there, and have no voice in any policy-making. I'll hold off re-posting a link to this blog there pending your decision on whether or not to host ads again....I don't want another slap on the wrist from the RF mods over this silly policy :-)

Julie said...

TJ, I pride myself on being diplomatic. :) Nearly every website, and definitely most blogs, have ads of some sort-- can you also not link to Epicurious or Bitten (because the NYT doesn't have ads...) or Slashfood or any of a million other sites that have ads? I think a small row of Google ads is far less obtrusive than the big banner ads most sites have. Ah, well. A tad hypocritical, indeed. Now I just mention "Oh, I blogged about that"-- and most people seem to just do a quick google search to find me.

FoodHussy said...

Nice of you all to talk about me without emailing me directly or posting to my blog. I am new to this and didn't know about the photo thing and I took it down as soon as I got the post.

I also don't think posting a review about a restaurant that isn't all roses and puppies is a problem. It's my opinion of a restaurant and what I had that day. I'm not getting paid and I pay for all of my meals.

I write my blog because I have fun with it - it's one person's opinion and I try and do that light-heartedly and honestly.

Julie said...

Heather, thank you for taking down the picture. I was a bit surprised that you didn't contact me about this via email after you removed it. If you want people to contact you privately, you should have an email address up on your blog. I couldn't find one, and blogger doesn't have an email link like other services. Your blog was never mentioned by name and no one would have known it was you if you hadn't posted. I encourage you to email me privately if you have further issues.

I would venture to say that no one in Cincinnati is paid to write a food blog (save Polly Campbell), I know I'm not. Out of the 100+ restaurants I've reviewed, I have had two complimentary (except for alcohol, which they can't give away legally) meals. One was great, one was mediocre. I'm fairly sure that most, if not all, food bloggers do it for fun and love of food. You're not unique in that regard.

I don't think I said anything about not writing negative reviews-- I've written two not-so-positive reviews myself. There is, of course, an art to writing a negative review, but that isn't what this post is about. I was speaking mostly about commenters. I've seen a few nasty ones in recent weeks, mostly on other blogs I read around Cincinnati. I've had a couple of people who disagreed with my opinion on a certain sandwich shop, but that's the extent of it.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Blog Etiquette with wine me, dine me

Good afternoon, class!

It's that time again-- yes, like other local bloggers I feel the need to have a short informational session about how to properly interact in the blogosphere, both as a commenter and as a blogger.

1. Copyright infringement isn't cool. I, for one, spend a ton of my free time writing, taking photographs, reading about food, learning about food, eating food-- you get the idea. I'm also a professional writer and my words are my livelihood: Don't steal them. If you're quoting me, link back. It's generally not recommended to quote the whole post (confusion can arise, trust me). If you want to use a picture, respect Creative Commons and attribute (Flickr makes this very easy) or, if you're going to be super-polite, ask for permission. That is always appreciated, nothing brightens another blogger's day like someone emailing them and saying, "Wow, I loved your picture of such-and-such! Can I use it on my blog?" Remember when you learned how to write a research paper in high school? Cite your sources! And as far as pictures go, I'm a big believer that food blogs can be effective without pictures (the writers of Restaurants and Reservations do a great job at it, for example). There are some things that just don't photograph well (grits, refried beans, anything at The Quarter Bistro because the light is red) , occasionally I leave the house without charging the battery, sometimes I'm just silly and forget-- and if you're writing food reviews, unless it's a stock photo from the restaurant's website, you shouldn't use other people's food photos to document your experience.

2. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Thumper's mom was right. I've been seeing some really mean commenters on other local blogs lately. There's a big difference, in my mind, between snarky and mean. Disagree all you want-- blogs are all about opinion, and I will definitely not always agree with you-- but leave the ad hominem attacks for Gawker.

3. On that note, don't post just to pimp your blog. We all want traffic, we all want readers, but get your readers because you're interesting and have something to say, not by simply posting "I really love your blog!" or "Look what I wrote about that same subject on MY blog!" without any real commentary on what's written.

4. Just because you link to me doesn't mean I will link to you. I'm blatantly stealing this one from Kate, and it's true. Every blog I link to is one I read on a regular basis, one with content that is compelling and well-written, pertinent, signficant or maybe even funny (I mean, I don't think about food ALL the time. Just most of the time.). There are actually a ton of blogs I read that I don't link to here, as I only want to give you, the reader, a limited view into my world. You come to me to read about food, not about my politics or my fashion sense, right? However if you think there's a blog out there I *should* read, feel free to email me a suggestion. I'm always glad to hear it!

4. If you get your food for free, know the owner, date the waiter, whatever-- disclose it! Maybe it's because I'm reading Ruth Reichl's Garlic and Sapphires, but I think it's important to disclose anything that might make you have better service or food than a regular diner. Polly Campbell can't really give an unbiased review of Boca (they know her there, she knows they know her, and she always has a spectacular meal-- she's admitted as such, which is admirable). I can't give you an unbiased review of Seny (anymore), because Chef Travis knows me and his maƮtre d' knows me (and read this blog, apparently). I've gotten several meals for free as a member of the press (gotta love new media, right?) and have made sure to disclose it. Also, in these cases, I refuse to overlook problems just because it was free or at a reduced charge. That's just not ethical, and I don't want to be a blogger who can be bought (and if I could, it would cost way more than a free meal. Seriously.).

That's all I can come up with for now. On my other (to-be-started) blog I intend on writing something about the Art of Adding Friends on Twitter-- but that's more appropriate for my professional blog. I guess what we all need is to remember that people, even on the internet, need to have their time and their talents respected. It fosters a sense of community, lends some authenticity, and makes the wide world of food blogs (and the 'net in general) a fun place to be.

Have anything to add?

23 comments:

Amber said...

I am married to a patent attorney if you want to sue anybody... :)

Did you like Garlic and Sapphires? I thought it was cute.

Have a great week, Julie!

Julie said...

You have a great week too! Don't worry, it's nothing I can't handle on my own. :)

Garlic and Sapphires, so far, is really interesting! I'm only about 1/3 of the way through it. I love Reichl's writing style, so I can't imagine I'll be reading it much longer-- I'll be engrossed.

vudutu said...

Great advice Julie, all I would add is the stuff you hopefully learned in kindergarden.

Share, if you find a great place or food let folks know. Recently I caught my self regretting that I raved too much about the fabulous eggs from the Wright farm stall at Findlay when I got there late and they were out of eggs. I quickly reversed course and decided it would work out in the end and be better for all that I did. They got more chickens, I got to know them better and I discovered their wonderful pork sausage, best I have ever had (OK the word is out!). I did the same thing with Terry's Turf club, hopefully the Wright's and Terry both are reaping the benefit, It's a Karma thing.

Clean up after your self, If you quote someone trim the post down to the specific lines you are referencing, make for easier reading.

Julie said...

Vudutu: Exactly! I think it's important to spread good karma around. The more people who discover a good place or product, the more likely it is to stick around for all of us to enjoy.

Mikki said...

About #4:
Maybe you should have a second blog about fashion because I sure would like a dose of Julie the fashionista once in awhile!

Julie said...

Mikki-- I am hardly a fashionista anymore! I was told yesterday that I should wear pants more often; all I wear are skirts and heels. :) Well, dresses and heels. I need to get some new dresses...

Anonymous said...

Did you (once upon a time) work for Cin Weekly?

Julie said...

TJ-- Not that I know of, why do you ask?

Amber said...

I will be honest my twin sister and I thought you were one of the writers for the foodie report for the longest time. Maybe that is what he is thinking? I believe there was a girl named Julie who wrote who may not have been YOUR twin but yall favored each other.

Julie said...

CinTwin-- Really? Julie Gaw? Rachel maybe? Very strange... curiouser and curiouser. No, I have never worked for any local newspaper. I was a Cin Weekly CinChef about four years ago... does that count?

Amber said...

It was Julie Gaw....I don't know if she is there anymore, but two Julie's who love food in Cincinnati....I just made yall one person in my mind! :) Now I know the difference I promise!

Anonymous said...

I was thinking about the woman who had the "fashonista" title (and feature) in Cinweekly for a long time.

Julie said...

TJ, definitely not me, though I appreciate the compliment from Mikki. :)

Anonymous said...

That said, I assume that if one of us violated one of the rules/mandates/suggestions laid out in this entry, you'd have let us know, privately? When I see something like this written, it tends to be in reaction to a problem of the same sort(s). I have put some negative comments on another local blog, but that was in response to the blogger's failure to understand that she is doing so when she attacks or insults folks in her posts - and this has happened more than once

Julie said...

Absolutely, TJ. I tend to not be passive aggressive, and generally call people out on bad behavior when I see it, privately if I can. Shoot me an email at winemedinemecinci at gmail dot com and I'll give you a bit more detail-- I think we're discussing the same thing.

Anonymous said...

...err....actually....I just went over to the same blog I referred to here, and found a comment from you about removing a photo.....so I do believe we are indeed on the same page.

Julie said...

TJ-- Ta da.

Anonymous said...

on an entirely unrelated note, Roadfood keeps removing links to this blog because it contains advertising, but in the recent redesign (at least it looks like you redesigned?) I don't see ads anymore. Was this as you intended?

Julie said...

I did redesign it, and I took out ads because it's not like I'd ever make more than a few pennies. I've been considering BlogHer ads. I think the idea of not linking to a site because of ads is antiquated, but if that's what Road Food chooses to do, so be it.

Anonymous said...

Antiquated is a very diplomatic way to put it for a website LOADED with advertising :-). I hate that policy, but *shrug* I just particpate there, and have no voice in any policy-making. I'll hold off re-posting a link to this blog there pending your decision on whether or not to host ads again....I don't want another slap on the wrist from the RF mods over this silly policy :-)

Julie said...

TJ, I pride myself on being diplomatic. :) Nearly every website, and definitely most blogs, have ads of some sort-- can you also not link to Epicurious or Bitten (because the NYT doesn't have ads...) or Slashfood or any of a million other sites that have ads? I think a small row of Google ads is far less obtrusive than the big banner ads most sites have. Ah, well. A tad hypocritical, indeed. Now I just mention "Oh, I blogged about that"-- and most people seem to just do a quick google search to find me.

FoodHussy said...

Nice of you all to talk about me without emailing me directly or posting to my blog. I am new to this and didn't know about the photo thing and I took it down as soon as I got the post.

I also don't think posting a review about a restaurant that isn't all roses and puppies is a problem. It's my opinion of a restaurant and what I had that day. I'm not getting paid and I pay for all of my meals.

I write my blog because I have fun with it - it's one person's opinion and I try and do that light-heartedly and honestly.

Julie said...

Heather, thank you for taking down the picture. I was a bit surprised that you didn't contact me about this via email after you removed it. If you want people to contact you privately, you should have an email address up on your blog. I couldn't find one, and blogger doesn't have an email link like other services. Your blog was never mentioned by name and no one would have known it was you if you hadn't posted. I encourage you to email me privately if you have further issues.

I would venture to say that no one in Cincinnati is paid to write a food blog (save Polly Campbell), I know I'm not. Out of the 100+ restaurants I've reviewed, I have had two complimentary (except for alcohol, which they can't give away legally) meals. One was great, one was mediocre. I'm fairly sure that most, if not all, food bloggers do it for fun and love of food. You're not unique in that regard.

I don't think I said anything about not writing negative reviews-- I've written two not-so-positive reviews myself. There is, of course, an art to writing a negative review, but that isn't what this post is about. I was speaking mostly about commenters. I've seen a few nasty ones in recent weeks, mostly on other blogs I read around Cincinnati. I've had a couple of people who disagreed with my opinion on a certain sandwich shop, but that's the extent of it.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Blog Etiquette with wine me, dine me

Good afternoon, class!

It's that time again-- yes, like other local bloggers I feel the need to have a short informational session about how to properly interact in the blogosphere, both as a commenter and as a blogger.

1. Copyright infringement isn't cool. I, for one, spend a ton of my free time writing, taking photographs, reading about food, learning about food, eating food-- you get the idea. I'm also a professional writer and my words are my livelihood: Don't steal them. If you're quoting me, link back. It's generally not recommended to quote the whole post (confusion can arise, trust me). If you want to use a picture, respect Creative Commons and attribute (Flickr makes this very easy) or, if you're going to be super-polite, ask for permission. That is always appreciated, nothing brightens another blogger's day like someone emailing them and saying, "Wow, I loved your picture of such-and-such! Can I use it on my blog?" Remember when you learned how to write a research paper in high school? Cite your sources! And as far as pictures go, I'm a big believer that food blogs can be effective without pictures (the writers of Restaurants and Reservations do a great job at it, for example). There are some things that just don't photograph well (grits, refried beans, anything at The Quarter Bistro because the light is red) , occasionally I leave the house without charging the battery, sometimes I'm just silly and forget-- and if you're writing food reviews, unless it's a stock photo from the restaurant's website, you shouldn't use other people's food photos to document your experience.

2. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Thumper's mom was right. I've been seeing some really mean commenters on other local blogs lately. There's a big difference, in my mind, between snarky and mean. Disagree all you want-- blogs are all about opinion, and I will definitely not always agree with you-- but leave the ad hominem attacks for Gawker.

3. On that note, don't post just to pimp your blog. We all want traffic, we all want readers, but get your readers because you're interesting and have something to say, not by simply posting "I really love your blog!" or "Look what I wrote about that same subject on MY blog!" without any real commentary on what's written.

4. Just because you link to me doesn't mean I will link to you. I'm blatantly stealing this one from Kate, and it's true. Every blog I link to is one I read on a regular basis, one with content that is compelling and well-written, pertinent, signficant or maybe even funny (I mean, I don't think about food ALL the time. Just most of the time.). There are actually a ton of blogs I read that I don't link to here, as I only want to give you, the reader, a limited view into my world. You come to me to read about food, not about my politics or my fashion sense, right? However if you think there's a blog out there I *should* read, feel free to email me a suggestion. I'm always glad to hear it!

4. If you get your food for free, know the owner, date the waiter, whatever-- disclose it! Maybe it's because I'm reading Ruth Reichl's Garlic and Sapphires, but I think it's important to disclose anything that might make you have better service or food than a regular diner. Polly Campbell can't really give an unbiased review of Boca (they know her there, she knows they know her, and she always has a spectacular meal-- she's admitted as such, which is admirable). I can't give you an unbiased review of Seny (anymore), because Chef Travis knows me and his maƮtre d' knows me (and read this blog, apparently). I've gotten several meals for free as a member of the press (gotta love new media, right?) and have made sure to disclose it. Also, in these cases, I refuse to overlook problems just because it was free or at a reduced charge. That's just not ethical, and I don't want to be a blogger who can be bought (and if I could, it would cost way more than a free meal. Seriously.).

That's all I can come up with for now. On my other (to-be-started) blog I intend on writing something about the Art of Adding Friends on Twitter-- but that's more appropriate for my professional blog. I guess what we all need is to remember that people, even on the internet, need to have their time and their talents respected. It fosters a sense of community, lends some authenticity, and makes the wide world of food blogs (and the 'net in general) a fun place to be.

Have anything to add?

23 comments:

Amber said...

I am married to a patent attorney if you want to sue anybody... :)

Did you like Garlic and Sapphires? I thought it was cute.

Have a great week, Julie!

Julie said...

You have a great week too! Don't worry, it's nothing I can't handle on my own. :)

Garlic and Sapphires, so far, is really interesting! I'm only about 1/3 of the way through it. I love Reichl's writing style, so I can't imagine I'll be reading it much longer-- I'll be engrossed.

vudutu said...

Great advice Julie, all I would add is the stuff you hopefully learned in kindergarden.

Share, if you find a great place or food let folks know. Recently I caught my self regretting that I raved too much about the fabulous eggs from the Wright farm stall at Findlay when I got there late and they were out of eggs. I quickly reversed course and decided it would work out in the end and be better for all that I did. They got more chickens, I got to know them better and I discovered their wonderful pork sausage, best I have ever had (OK the word is out!). I did the same thing with Terry's Turf club, hopefully the Wright's and Terry both are reaping the benefit, It's a Karma thing.

Clean up after your self, If you quote someone trim the post down to the specific lines you are referencing, make for easier reading.

Julie said...

Vudutu: Exactly! I think it's important to spread good karma around. The more people who discover a good place or product, the more likely it is to stick around for all of us to enjoy.

Mikki said...

About #4:
Maybe you should have a second blog about fashion because I sure would like a dose of Julie the fashionista once in awhile!

Julie said...

Mikki-- I am hardly a fashionista anymore! I was told yesterday that I should wear pants more often; all I wear are skirts and heels. :) Well, dresses and heels. I need to get some new dresses...

Anonymous said...

Did you (once upon a time) work for Cin Weekly?

Julie said...

TJ-- Not that I know of, why do you ask?

Amber said...

I will be honest my twin sister and I thought you were one of the writers for the foodie report for the longest time. Maybe that is what he is thinking? I believe there was a girl named Julie who wrote who may not have been YOUR twin but yall favored each other.

Julie said...

CinTwin-- Really? Julie Gaw? Rachel maybe? Very strange... curiouser and curiouser. No, I have never worked for any local newspaper. I was a Cin Weekly CinChef about four years ago... does that count?

Amber said...

It was Julie Gaw....I don't know if she is there anymore, but two Julie's who love food in Cincinnati....I just made yall one person in my mind! :) Now I know the difference I promise!

Anonymous said...

I was thinking about the woman who had the "fashonista" title (and feature) in Cinweekly for a long time.

Julie said...

TJ, definitely not me, though I appreciate the compliment from Mikki. :)

Anonymous said...

That said, I assume that if one of us violated one of the rules/mandates/suggestions laid out in this entry, you'd have let us know, privately? When I see something like this written, it tends to be in reaction to a problem of the same sort(s). I have put some negative comments on another local blog, but that was in response to the blogger's failure to understand that she is doing so when she attacks or insults folks in her posts - and this has happened more than once

Julie said...

Absolutely, TJ. I tend to not be passive aggressive, and generally call people out on bad behavior when I see it, privately if I can. Shoot me an email at winemedinemecinci at gmail dot com and I'll give you a bit more detail-- I think we're discussing the same thing.

Anonymous said...

...err....actually....I just went over to the same blog I referred to here, and found a comment from you about removing a photo.....so I do believe we are indeed on the same page.

Julie said...

TJ-- Ta da.

Anonymous said...

on an entirely unrelated note, Roadfood keeps removing links to this blog because it contains advertising, but in the recent redesign (at least it looks like you redesigned?) I don't see ads anymore. Was this as you intended?

Julie said...

I did redesign it, and I took out ads because it's not like I'd ever make more than a few pennies. I've been considering BlogHer ads. I think the idea of not linking to a site because of ads is antiquated, but if that's what Road Food chooses to do, so be it.

Anonymous said...

Antiquated is a very diplomatic way to put it for a website LOADED with advertising :-). I hate that policy, but *shrug* I just particpate there, and have no voice in any policy-making. I'll hold off re-posting a link to this blog there pending your decision on whether or not to host ads again....I don't want another slap on the wrist from the RF mods over this silly policy :-)

Julie said...

TJ, I pride myself on being diplomatic. :) Nearly every website, and definitely most blogs, have ads of some sort-- can you also not link to Epicurious or Bitten (because the NYT doesn't have ads...) or Slashfood or any of a million other sites that have ads? I think a small row of Google ads is far less obtrusive than the big banner ads most sites have. Ah, well. A tad hypocritical, indeed. Now I just mention "Oh, I blogged about that"-- and most people seem to just do a quick google search to find me.

FoodHussy said...

Nice of you all to talk about me without emailing me directly or posting to my blog. I am new to this and didn't know about the photo thing and I took it down as soon as I got the post.

I also don't think posting a review about a restaurant that isn't all roses and puppies is a problem. It's my opinion of a restaurant and what I had that day. I'm not getting paid and I pay for all of my meals.

I write my blog because I have fun with it - it's one person's opinion and I try and do that light-heartedly and honestly.

Julie said...

Heather, thank you for taking down the picture. I was a bit surprised that you didn't contact me about this via email after you removed it. If you want people to contact you privately, you should have an email address up on your blog. I couldn't find one, and blogger doesn't have an email link like other services. Your blog was never mentioned by name and no one would have known it was you if you hadn't posted. I encourage you to email me privately if you have further issues.

I would venture to say that no one in Cincinnati is paid to write a food blog (save Polly Campbell), I know I'm not. Out of the 100+ restaurants I've reviewed, I have had two complimentary (except for alcohol, which they can't give away legally) meals. One was great, one was mediocre. I'm fairly sure that most, if not all, food bloggers do it for fun and love of food. You're not unique in that regard.

I don't think I said anything about not writing negative reviews-- I've written two not-so-positive reviews myself. There is, of course, an art to writing a negative review, but that isn't what this post is about. I was speaking mostly about commenters. I've seen a few nasty ones in recent weeks, mostly on other blogs I read around Cincinnati. I've had a couple of people who disagreed with my opinion on a certain sandwich shop, but that's the extent of it.