Absolut Crazy Brooklyn

What has more attitude than Brooklyn? Brooklyn in Cyberspace. Apparently some complaints have emerged from at least two very notable local blogs: Atlantic Yards and Brownstoner. In short, they take issue with the fact that some bloggers haven't been specific with the details of the collaboration with Absolut Brooklyn and have thrown around letters such as FTC in their complaints. Fair enough, I suppose, but did they have to be sooo snarky? I

Even worse, "sellout" is being tossed about to describe the Brooklyn Blogfest, which I would find absolutely laughable if it wasn't so damn mean. Louise Crawford has created a kind-spirited local event that brings together small to medium sized bloggers. This time we had a cocktail on Absolute. Wow, we're all really rolling like Wall Street Bankers now. No good deed goes unpunished, Louise.

Actually, I guarantee the money I spent on testing Sangria and Barbecue chicken puts me clearly in the red, but that is not the point. The point is that when I said I was "one of the bloggers working with Absolut this summer", in my video, I didn't include specific details because "working" implied compensation. (The FCC rules are at best, murky and not even in effect).

So, let me be transparent as the Absolut Bottle, for the "privilege" of spending my time, and my partner's time, shooting and editing a video (two actually) that includes Absolut Vodka, I got 1 bottle of Vodka, the promise of a Flip Camera (which I hadn't received before shooting my two videos,) invites to two events and a press conference, (with no implication of promotion at said events whatsoever) and the promise of being Blogger of the Week. Hot Disclosure: I sat on a panel at Blogfest. I can throw a little snark myself. ;)

Below is the wording I got from those representing Absolut, FYI.

"As a collaborator, we’d love to work with you to celebrate Brooklyn, including: · A feature as our “Blogger of the Week” on ABSOLUT VODKA’s Facebook page (reaching half a million fans!) · VIP access to a celebrity event in Brooklyn we are planning for early June · Special call-out as a key collaborator during the Fifth Annual Brooklyn Blogfest on June 8 · Gift of a Flip camera to capture all the action this summer · Gift of product that has yet to hit store shelves."

Comments

[rh]

I find this all very icky. Bloggers, especially local ones, are part of a community and should act as such. Giving Louise and others a public lashing was just wrong. But kudos to Brownstoner and AY....they got the results they wanted. Tons of snarky comments.

Here's how I feel about the Blogfest, which I've now gone to 3 years in a row. I get to meet fellow bloggers, new and old. It's nice to receive acknowledgment from bigger blogs and as a "seasoned" blogger myself, I love to be able to advise those just starting out.

That's what it's all about. Spike Lee or not.

It was great meeting you, Heather!

[AK]

rh: what I find a little icky is bloggers not having a voice at their own festival, to be given the chance to debate and question. That is what blogfest used to be about. you were at previous events -- remember how they used to be more inclusive? Did you ever hear Bob Guskind talk?

[Norman Oder]

RH, you can speculate about my motivations, but I think my reflection on the episode provides some more insight:
http://atlanticyardsreport.blogspot.com/2010/06/absolut-and-authenticity.html

And here's some respectful dialogue with Heather of So Good:
http://atlanticyardsreport.blogspot.com/2010/06/fifth-annual-brooklyn-blogfest-first.html

[cookingschoolconfidential.com]

The food was good in Brooklyn even before it became hip. I remember the ethnic sections where you could get all sorts of treats (and way cheaper). I guess it just gets better and better.

Cheers!