Since I started this blog in May of last year. I've noticed that as "hits" increase, so do the "flame" emails(some of which I can't even bring myself to post), the spam, or spam-like comments, and the various trollish comments.
Here's an interesting comment of my post on Porkyland:
"Doesnt it seem funny that these reviews came rapid fire one after another..... As if an internal person was writing them back to back. Porkyland is ok, but I doubt San Diegans are hammering away at their keyboards over it. Stop using such obvious marketing strategies. They make you look desperate."
Hmmmmm, this was so very interesting that I wanted to make sure to post it.
I mean it's a masterpiece, isn't it? A touch of cynicism, sarcasm, even a bit of high-handed condescending attitude......
Most people that know me; and I've had the pleasure of meeting several of you, understand that I'm a pretty plain-spoken, no-nonsense, and overall, a pretty straight forward individual. So naturally, this oh-so-eloquent and intelligent comment left me in awe!
This individual(troll? trollette?) named "Michelle", worked so hard to sound intelligent, superior, and basically "high-mucka-mucka", that She, He, or It, forgot that one can prepost in Typepad. Also, what the heck is "an internal person", I guess it's the opposite of "an external person"? Sorry, I'm really not that great at pseudo-existentialistic jargon. "Michelle" also underestimates Our ablility to try new restaurants, new food, old restaurants, and find grocers and restaurants scattered all over San Diego, and points beyond. tsk-tsk....
"Stop using such obvious marketing strategies." So what am I marketing, specifically? Now this one really hurt; I go out of my way to Not put advertising on my blog(except for Amazon, cause I use it all the time). I pay my way completely, and I also pay $149 a year to Typepad, for the sheer pleasure of doing this. I'd still do it, if no one ever read it but the Missus and Myself. I also, never, ever, call my entries "reviews", though many do define it as such. It's just a "food blog", and will always be such. Sort of a "what we ate for breakfast/lunch/dinner" thing. If anything qualifies as the veritable Pete Wells "cheese sandwich" it's mmm-yoso!!! And I think most of you "get it."
You know, in the end, I'm not the one who sounds desperate(for attention). Perhaps it's a cry for help?
Thanks for indulging me(yet again), but I thought this comment was so very funny!
Kirk, I'm glad that you're able to find "Michelle"'s comments funny, b/c I think they're irritating! It amazes me that people will be rude to others simply b/c they have the ability to "hide" behind their computer screen. I had seen a post from you (I think on Chowhound?) saying that you were thinking about pulling the plug on your blog, and I for one really hope that you don't... I enjoy reading your posts and hope to have the pleasure for a long time to come!
Posted by: Joan | Monday, 01 May 2006 at 08:24 PM
Kirk,
I agree with what Joan said. Nevermind those trolls. I get them once in a while too, but like you I find them kind of funny.
I think yours is one of the most consistently fair, well-thought out blogs there are - her accusations (if they can even be called that) are baseless and uninformed.
And I hope you know that as a loyal reader I would be heartbroken if you ever decide to quit.
We bloggers put a lot of work into writing these things, and if we don't just burn out from the output, it just sucks when people leave mean comments. But keep on truckin' Kirk! YOU DA MAN! The blogger we wish we could be.
Posted by: elmomonster | Monday, 01 May 2006 at 08:57 PM
Haters, Kirk. That's all they are. Haters. Any good writer will have their slew of critics just waiting to make a judgment. I really hope you keep on blogging. I'd be really disappointed if I wake up one morning and I do my daily foodie blog scour and I see you've closed up shop. My mornings just wouldn't be the same.
Posted by: R | Monday, 01 May 2006 at 09:01 PM
I believe by "internal" and that marketing comment, "Michelle" means to say she suspects you of being an employee of one of the joints you've reviewed, and thus thinks either that post, or the site as a whole, is a marketing ploy of one or more restaurants.
So I say to Michelle, wherever or whoever she is: "Grow up, baby. This guy is a private individual, not a marketing figment. You want a figurehead to bash, try somewhere else. There's certainly enough crap on the Web without picking on one of the genuine good folks of the Web, okay?"
Honestly. Kids these days ... :-)
P.S. to Michelle--In case you were thinking of going there, I'm a real person too; if you want to make something of it, feel free to email me at the above address--if you have the brass to do so. And then I'll post your email and make fun of it the same way we're doing with this one.
Gee, that felt good! :-)
Posted by: mizducky | Monday, 01 May 2006 at 09:28 PM
Keep up the good work. I really enjoy lurking on your site but had to write to let you know I enjoy your writing/pictures. Fun to read a locals perspective on the mainland food scene. I wish I had the time and commitment to do what you are doing.
Posted by: kyle | Monday, 01 May 2006 at 09:42 PM
Hi Joan - This one, just kinda made me scratch my head...I mean it's rude and all, but just plain stupid after further review.
Hi Elmo - I don't know about well thought out, but I do my best to be fair. Thanks for the kind words, your blog was one of those that inspired me to get started.
Hi R - Thanks for the kind words, I'll keep going as long as I have new or interesting places to eat or shop. You know I never understood the term "haters" until I started this blog.....you know people who lash out for no reason.
Hi mizducky - But which one of the 220+ places would it be? That was so confusing.....What's even more disappointing is that Michelle is one of my favorite Beatles tunes...what a waste!
Hi Kyle - Really isn't much, I just eat and take photos, but I appreciate your comments - I also need to get my okole and do more local-kine stuffs around here!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 01 May 2006 at 10:39 PM
high mucka-muck. snort. keep on rockin' in the free world, kirk.
Posted by: santos. | Monday, 01 May 2006 at 11:24 PM
HUGE RASBERRY :P:P:P:P:P:P
To the fools
and one more :p for :P good :P measure :P
Posted by: clare eats | Tuesday, 02 May 2006 at 03:44 AM
Kirk,
Ignore them they aren't worth the time and effort. I agree with one of the posters above maybe she/he thinks you work for the food industry or something. I know better and a lot of your readers know better!
Keep this blog up please! Don't stop the blog because someone has a misconception of you or trolls your blog. Mainly because then they would have won. But ultimately it is your decision to keep the blog up or not. :)
Posted by: milgwimper | Tuesday, 02 May 2006 at 08:25 AM
My opinion? Michelle did a few to many drugs in the past and ::singing::
"abilitiy to reason, gets swept away"
Title of the song? "Everybody Plays the Fool" Being one of those with the extreme pleasure and good fortune to know the "Real" Kirk, you ain't no fool!
Seeing how we all have to deal with these ding-a-lings on occasion, it's nice we can "roast" 'em together! ::wink:: Just don't try to turn 'em into tacos!!! ::laughing:: cilantro anyone?
Posted by: Jo | Tuesday, 02 May 2006 at 08:39 AM
Happy Anniversary!
I love your blog and it seems to me that you've accomplished a lot in just one year (even managed to get some hate mail...).
Anyway, I say cheers to you, keep up the good work, and let's all hope you're here entertaining us for many years to come!
Bravo Kirk!
From your faithful fan in Paris,
Emily
Posted by: Emily | Tuesday, 02 May 2006 at 10:54 AM
Does "Michelle" care to comment?
Posted by: Christian | Tuesday, 02 May 2006 at 12:26 PM
Bah, some people just like to make a nuisance of themselves.
Keep up the good work-- I've started checking here often for new writeups as you've clued me in to some good places. I appreciate the effort you put in to this.
Posted by: SK | Tuesday, 02 May 2006 at 02:30 PM
Hi Santos - LOL! Don't think I'll ever listen to Neil Young quite the same anymore.....
Hi Clare - Those were alot of :p's, can't say the idiot didn't deserve it though.
Hi Mills - I usually ignore them - but this one really got my attention for some reason.
Hi Jo - Whoa - for some reason I thought you were going in to a rendition of "White Rabbit" for a second there! LOL!
Hi Emily - Thanks, the blog anniversary is coming up in a few weeks.
Hi Christian - Methinks "Michelle" is a hit and run artist.
Hi SK - I'm glad you find this blog of some use, and thanks for the kind words.
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 02 May 2006 at 03:06 PM
Kirk,
HUGZ Yeah once in awhile a comment bothers me too, but I am glad you handled quite well.
Jo,
You have it in for me don't you? Cilantro! BAH!!! BLECH and PATOOEY! "does the anti-cilantro dance from hell" as she sings,"Go away cilantro but leave the coriander seeds before you die!" ....OK I think I am calmer now. What were we talking about? *wink*
Posted by: milgwimper | Tuesday, 02 May 2006 at 03:23 PM
Kirk, Dude! You get hate mail?
I raise my glass to you! To a journalist, that is the highest compliment in the world! (Should be to a blogger too!)
I haven't gotten but one hateful email/comment so far in my slightly longer than a year blogging.
But, when links to various of my essays ("Meat Comes From Animals, Deal With It Or Eat Vegetables" and "Freeganism: What's Up With That?" primarily) have been posted on message boards--there have been some super unkind comments responding on those boards--which of course made me happy, because it meant I hit a nerve!
Don't worry, be happy, and keep on writing. If Michelle doesn't like it, she can go read someone else's blog!
(PS--btw--Pete Wells is actually a very nice guy, and he may be getting it.)
Posted by: Barbara Fisher | Tuesday, 02 May 2006 at 03:39 PM
That's funny since you're very balanced in your critiques of restaurants. I've never once thought you gave too much credit or not enough. Why would they think you work for the place? Strange. Thanks for sharing the funny review!
Posted by: Kady | Tuesday, 02 May 2006 at 06:29 PM
I agree wholeheartedly with Elmo Monster. Being a popular food blogger means that you'll have to put up with a share of disgruntled readers, because unfortunately, with the good, also comes the bad. However, this comment helps me to understand how much I value and appreciate you and Mmm-Yoso!!
I can't even begin to imagine the sheer amount of anonymous supporters and Mmm-Yoso!! admirers that exist in the world. You have provided fantastic and reliable advice on San Diego restaurants (and at your own expense) to hundreds (more likely thousands) and have encouraged people to begin their own food blogs and to enjoy their passion.
You do give a lot of time to the food blogging world Kirk. Not only for the readers, but also to the bloggers. Thank you for supporting and encouraging me through your comments, and inspiring me with (and making me salivate over) your delicious (and Mmm-Yoso!!!) posts.
Posted by: Passionate Eater | Wednesday, 03 May 2006 at 12:59 AM
I agree wholeheartedly with Elmo Monster. Being a popular food blogger means that you'll have to put up with a share of disgruntled readers, because unfortunately, with the good, also comes the bad. However, this comment helps me to understand how much I value and appreciate you and Mmm-Yoso!!
I can't even begin to imagine the sheer amount of anonymous supporters and Mmm-Yoso!! admirers that exist in the world. You have provided fantastic and reliable advice on San Diego restaurants (and at your own expense) to hundreds (more likely thousands) and have encouraged people to begin their own food blogs and to enjoy their passion.
You do give a lot of time to the food blogging world Kirk. Not only for the readers, but also to the bloggers. Thank you for supporting and encouraging me through your comments, and inspiring me with (and making me salivate over) your delicious (and Mmm-Yoso!!!) posts.
Posted by: Passionate Eater | Wednesday, 03 May 2006 at 01:00 AM
Oh Kirk.
Don't even bother one bit with the idiots. And don't take any thing that comes from the idiots' mouth personally either. There will always be idiots on this planet. But be assured that their stupidity will leave them drooling at their mouth off of your brilliance and at the pictures of mmm-yoso foods that you post.
You are truly one amazing blogger.
Without your sarcasm, fairness, and humor, mornings would not be the same! Please don't pull the plug! We need you!
You da man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: joanna | Wednesday, 03 May 2006 at 05:36 AM