Very interesting and relevant: one of the first pieces (or possibly the only one) I have read about influencers at this level of detail. I'm about to start an MA in photography (after a full career as a lawyer), so it's absolutely on point for me as an insight into the commercial side of social media. Thanks very much for this, Kel - and for all your other work: I'll definitely be renewing my sub!
I’ll stick to wine, since that’s what I know—but having been on both sides of the fence, I sometimes feel like the system just doesn’t work.
On one hand, your point about affordability is spot on. If I had to pay out of pocket for every wine I taste—and you do need to taste a lot to train your palate—I’d go broke pretty quickly.
But on the other hand, there’s the issue of PR trips and events, which bring their own kind of conflict. Some people avoid writing anything negative—or don’t write at all—because they know that if they do, the PR agency likely won’t invite them again (even not writing anything at all will get you on the bad books). And when it comes to scores, it gets even murkier. Just look at Bordeaux—no one really trusts the scores anymore, precisely because critics know that giving a poor review could mean no more invitations or worse, being taken to court!!! That’s not a healthy system.
Great to have your insight here Sara. I have only been on a handful of wine press trips. I have a few more coming up that are more educator-based so no pressure to write. If I do, it will just be a broad account of what I did and anything I tasted that stood out probably. I a, very cautious about accepting wine gifts bc the wine is usually not good if they need ot send it out for PR. I taste at trade events more than anything. I'm glad I am not tied up in the whole rating drama. Sounds like a nightmare!
Thank you for explaining all this! I’d never really considered the cost of learning enough to write well about food and drink.
Thanks for reading! I am glad to enlighten. <3
Very interesting and relevant: one of the first pieces (or possibly the only one) I have read about influencers at this level of detail. I'm about to start an MA in photography (after a full career as a lawyer), so it's absolutely on point for me as an insight into the commercial side of social media. Thanks very much for this, Kel - and for all your other work: I'll definitely be renewing my sub!
Thanks Justin. Glad it was interesting because I know it was a bit long this one.
I’ll stick to wine, since that’s what I know—but having been on both sides of the fence, I sometimes feel like the system just doesn’t work.
On one hand, your point about affordability is spot on. If I had to pay out of pocket for every wine I taste—and you do need to taste a lot to train your palate—I’d go broke pretty quickly.
But on the other hand, there’s the issue of PR trips and events, which bring their own kind of conflict. Some people avoid writing anything negative—or don’t write at all—because they know that if they do, the PR agency likely won’t invite them again (even not writing anything at all will get you on the bad books). And when it comes to scores, it gets even murkier. Just look at Bordeaux—no one really trusts the scores anymore, precisely because critics know that giving a poor review could mean no more invitations or worse, being taken to court!!! That’s not a healthy system.
Great to have your insight here Sara. I have only been on a handful of wine press trips. I have a few more coming up that are more educator-based so no pressure to write. If I do, it will just be a broad account of what I did and anything I tasted that stood out probably. I a, very cautious about accepting wine gifts bc the wine is usually not good if they need ot send it out for PR. I taste at trade events more than anything. I'm glad I am not tied up in the whole rating drama. Sounds like a nightmare!
Super interesting piece.