I Like Your Wine Blog, But….
In crafting the FERMENTATION Reader Survey, I gave those taking the survey the chance to say and write in anything respondents wanted to about this Blog. Many readers had something to say. I thought it only fair that I take the time to respond to a few of these comments. After all, readers took the time to to write the comments.
AND BY THE WAY, THE READER SURVEY IS STILL UP AND RUNNING FOR ANOTHER DAY. PLEASE TAKE THIS 2 MINUTE SURVEY AND HELP ME UNDERSTAND MY READERS AND WHAT THEY WANT.
"I like your blog. I used to read it daily before I had my child. Now I can only get to it once or twice a week. But I'd read it more often if I could."
Thank you. But are you telling me you gave it up to raise a child? Come on! It's just a child.
"Keep personal politics out."
I think I largely do, don't I? I don't count Three-tier system issues as personal politics. But I'll do my best to stay away from issuing reasons for effective gun control, why same sex marriage is an ethical and moral imperative, why we ought not even bump up against mixing church and state and why a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution is insane.
"Fermentation is a rare look at the intersection of politics and wine. It doesn't need to become another wine review web site."
How about if I just review wines with points? 100 of them.
"My favorite wine blogs are W. Blake Gray, Steve Heimoff and Mike Steinberger."
Who??
"Keep it up! would love to see you write for other outlets too. I feel like most regional wine writers for newspapers are soo behind the times with their writing. Jon Bonne being the true exception and Jordan Mackay too."
You are too kind….To me, not Jon and Jordan. Maybe I'll try to write in other venues after I retire from writing this blog.
"I think the picture icon you have (I have your blog in my "favorites" bar looks like The Dude from The Big Lebowski, which isn't necessarily a bad thing."
Have I ever mentioned my rug. It ties the whole blog together.
"I buy wine from the grocery store…Stop whining about the 3T system. It will never go away."
Damn! Why didn't anyone tell me that before! I thought the three tier system would simply fall to pieces if I just wrote enough blogs posts. Now you tell me.
"You sound like you are shilling too much for the lobby firm you represent….it gets old…."
Eat me!
"I'm inspired by your ability to churn out valuable thoughts on myriad subjects for weeks on end without it sounding stale and/or contrived."
Truth be told, if I had he time, I'd churn out five posts a day. Further truth: my inspiration comes from my readers.
"I'm glad you finally chanced your blog photo."
I can't say it was my idea. A girl made me do it.
"I sometimes find the site difficult to navigate. It appears cluttered and can be hard to find past articles. That said, keep up the good work. I really enjoy your writing style and your direct approach to getting your message out."
You think this blog is cluttered? You should see my office. I'm surprised I can ever get my message out from underneath all the clutter. Thanks!
"Still no Sommelier Journal in the industry publications list?"
Ask and you shall receive.
Thanks for all your hard work. I am increasing my reading of Fermentation in order to learn ways that I might increase the quality of my own blog. After a year I'm still getting my fee wet, discerning a path and voice. Reading your blog will go a long way in helping me in these efforts."
Write. A lot. The write more. Read. Read a lot. And not just wine stuff. Read other kinds of critics: literary, film, music. Then write some more.
"Prompted to read your blog via your Twitter postings"
So there is value to Twitter!
You are in quite the humor this morning, sir! Love the reader comments. Damn, I thought the 3 tier system would go away with more of your posts, too! You mean it doesn’t work that way?
Marcia…That’s what it must mean.
I must say the chain link fence background does give your pic that PS115 kind of edginess — a bit of ‘my Chateau Margaux beats your Chateau d’Yquem’ wine-blog-street-cred.
Wait a minute: Who the hell is Tom Wark?
Don’t people know (yet) that when you use the word “but” you negate anything that goes before it.
The ole, “I love you, but…,” or “I love your hair that way, but…”
The people telling you that the 3 tier will never go away and to keep “politics” (i.e. your desire to dismantle the three-tier) out of your blogs are most likely shills and patsies for Craig Wolfe and the rest of the bottom feeding corporate wine rep’s. It’s so very blatant that they are not actual consumers. Keep up the great work of showing the wholesale and distributors who they really are. UnAmerican, profit-driven, exclusionary corporatists!
Wow … no mincing words here. Appreciate your candor.