Everyone loves Raymond is one of my favorite TV serial though I wonder if it is possible for everyone to love any one person in particular. Well, I cannot say this with any conviction but one thing is true – Everyone hates bloggers. Food bloggers in particular! Atleast it seems so.
Looks like I have your attention. The simple reason for immediately getting your attention with the opening statement is that somewhere within your heart you also agree with me. And just like everyone else you have your own reasons to hate the bloggers. Let’s look at various reasons:
- Journalist hates Bloggers: They have a valid reason. Till some time ago, a review in the newspaper could make or break a restaurant, newspapers used to charge a bomb for such advertorials and there was big money to be made through the restaurant advertisements. Not anymore. Barring few mainstream writers, journalist does review as part of their job. They may not even know about food but then it is currently their beat plan. The entire sexyness and appeal of being a food writer has gone and equal if not more attention is commanded by the bloggers.
- Restaurant hates Bloggers: It is not really a hate-hate relationship but more of a love-hate relationship. They love it when a blogger spreads a positive word about them, but they hate it when they do the same thing for their competition. They love that most bloggers do not charge to publish their review but they hate that they get to eat a free meal for the review. Yes, there are few bloggers who keep going back for a free meal even after reviewing. Wish restaurants learn where to draw a line rather than treating everyone with the same yard stick.
- Chefs hate Bloggers: Ofcourse Chefs are the experts. They know best what and how dishes are to be made. But bloggers represent diners. Just by virtue of having eaten at various eateries, they have developed taste buds. But when the recommendation or feedback goes from bloggers to chefs in front of the restaurant owners, it is not very well received.
- PR hates bloggers: Really? Yes. With bloggers becoming more demanding and at times asking for paid assignments apart from conveyance, PR workload has increased. And then there are some honest bloggers too who can call a spade a spade getting the PR not so good words from their clients.
- Readers hate bloggers: Yes they read the reviews, they want to know what are the places to eat and the places to avoid, and bloggers give all this information for free at the risk of their health and time, but some readers still hate bloggers. Reason is simple – Uski saari meri saari se safed kaise. I don’t know how many of you remember this detergent commercial but this line echos the same sentiments. Why does the blogger get more attention than I do, or why the blogger seem to be enjoying at all the luxury places that I can’t afford?
- Even Bloggers hate Bloggers: Yes, its competition for them or some are genuinely stooping to the levels which defame the blogging community. But when would they realize that it is a big ocean and soon people will call you for your personal strength. Spreading hatred is not going to lead you anywhere. Competition is healthy and is part of every industry. Bloggers should take it in their stride.
So, are you still planning to be a blogger?
PS: Opening statement is an eye catcher and there are obviously exceptions. I have friends amongst all the above sections, and I can say with conviction that they are good friends. But yes, they do have their likes and dislikes in the ever growing blogging community.
