Recently there has been all kinds of nonsense going on in the “professional beer writers” arena.
It seems that those who write about beer for a career are jealous pissed off at losers amateurs like ourselves.
I suppose too many people musing about beer on the inter-tubes diverts the attention of the already “super niche” audience from the professional beer overlords.
Now while I have no idea what this beer nut was even talking about in the column that started this whole controversy; interpretations of the article by some other beer bloggers and writers have made it clear that some of these “pros” don’t want us amateurs playing in their pool.
Funny part is that most of the audience of these “professional” beer writers is comprised of the same geeks that they are bitching about. So in essence, they are calling their own audience a bunch of losers and telling us to shut the fuck up and listen to them. Alright dad.
So if we bloggers suck so badly, why are you reading our work? Are you reading this right now? I know you are…
Time for a reality check. You are writing about BEER.
If we were talking about nuclear physics or structural engineering I would totally get it – leave it to the experts. But what the fuck? I am writing what I think about BEER. When did beer get so high and mighty that all of the sudden I need to be a published author to talk about it? Did you ever think that perhaps it’s that pompous attitude toward BEER that drives people to look for a more familiar opinion?
There was a very timely article this week in the Washington Post talking about Sam Calagiones (from Dogfish Head) presentation at SAVOR about Beer Geeks vs. Beer Snobs (thanks to another loser beer blogger for pointing this out). The part that I think sums it up best is:
…a beer geek loves beer because he or she loves beer, and they want to learn more always, try new beers, and share that with the people they love. Whereas beer snobs try to know as much as they can about beer as a power point and to lord it over people, or to stick out as an expert in a field of neophytes.
Bottom line is that I love beer and enjoy sharing my thoughts with friends. I know that I am not going anywhere anytime soon (except the GABF, thank you Brewers Association). And lets face it, if you continue whining about us – you will likely alienate your existing audience and get them to come read what we have to say – which we all know is far more entertaining anyhow.
So do yourselves a favor, recognize that there is plenty of room on the inter-web for all of us. Separate yourselves as professionals by providing informative and captivating content. Report on beer – that’s a far cry from what I am doing. And hell, if that doesn’t work for you, give your editor my name – I’d be happy to write your 400 words for a case of beer and a by-line…
