A few random thoughts on food blogging:• Good photography makes the blog. But it's cosmetic.
• The best writing in the world is wasted if paragraphs are long. One of the first things you learn in the publications business is to keep your copy readable.
• The snobbery toward Rachel Ray is real. I just read a somewhat shrill diatribe that dissed Rachel for using cake mix and Bisquick. Hello? Don’t we all use that once in a while? This is what real people with busy lives do — use convenience foods. (By the way, the variety of convenience foods in French supermarkets is staggering.)
Some very good restaurants use convenience foods. The food industry sells them.
• I’ve met some really nice people here, people who encouraged me when I did not know what I was doing. They still do. And I’ve met more nice people recently. But, oh my goodness, do some food bloggers get riled when “best of” awards are involved.
It's hard for me to take such things things too seriously. In my advertising days I got an Addy for copy written for a brochure that looked like a recruitment tool for pederasts. I wrote what I knew the client (the agency owner) wanted — not what I thought was good — and it won. And I’ve seen terrible, barely intelligible writing get state and regional newspaper awards — again and again.
• There are many, many fine blogs that are worth visiting again and again — and they'll never get an award. Some may not reflect our own personal values but they are still very, very good. The talent out there truly amazes and humbles me. Please, go out there and post a nice comment on a new blog today. Encourage somebody.
• There is also, it appears, a fair amount of snobbery. How silly it is.
Ok, having said that, time to snuggle down with some cognac. I think I deserve it.
17 comments:
Who DOESN'T use Bisquick???
And tell me more anout cognac! Does it taste like whiskey? Bourbon? Drink it at room temp? On ice?
First, yes, you deserve the cognac! Second, thanks for introducing the RR factor here! Rachael Ray has never claimed to be a chef and the snobbery towards her (IMHO) seems to be from people who are snooty foodies! Anyone who gets people to cook instead of not cooking or ordering out, is A-OK with me. Does she occasionally make me crazy with her talking style? Yes! But, in fact, I actually think she's the real deal and I wouldn't mind at all having her to my place for dinner. Thanks for bringing that up, Mimi!
Third, I made the tomato soup tonight for dinner. Is it OK just to say a non-word here? MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.
Cyn, I drink it at room temp. It chases the chills away.
Now if I could only find a way to pair it with Bisquick. . . Cyn, that's going to be another one of my challenges for 2007 and when I am succesful, it will apear right here on this little blog.
Lu, I agree with you on Rachel. She drives me nuts, but I understand her appeal. I like her — she can cook for me anytime.
It's like historians who trash historical novels. If they get people interested in history, that's good, right? Rachel gets people interested in good cooking - she makes it look easy.
I'm thinking about some of my favorite food blogs, and how they break the rules, i.e., The Traveler's Lunchbox -- not much photography, very long paragraphs. Orangette -- long paragraphs. But such good storytelling.
One thing I don't like is unappetizing photographs. Food that looks like slop in a bowl. Photos out of focus. I think if you're going to use photography, make it crisp. Elise, at Simply Recipes, does a great job with photography.
As do you, Mimi.
Encouraging people is something I am good at ;) I don't need to go any further afield with my praise, this food blog is one of the best I have come across !
I used to work in restaurants (quite a few years ago now), convenience foods were used in the kitchens of some of the very best places. They are time savers for sure and often times just as good as the 'real deal' made from scratch.
You know, Lydia, I've seen those two blog and they look good and read well.
But I have a hard time reading any blog regularly if there are long blocks of copy. Just don't have time. That's a pity, because I am missing out on some good stuff.
Many good restaurants take short cuts, of course they do, Fiona, they just don't let on.
How about some kind of fruit cobbler, using Bisquick for the topping, and then serving that with an over-the-top cognac cream?
Your list is fun to read. Who knew a silly award list could get people in a tizzy!
Oh, I like that idea!
You know, I think we're on to something here!
I have always loved your blog, Mimi, and I consider you a must read. Your posts always give me something to think about. I spent some time this morning thinking about the "back porch". :)
Lucy, so good to hear from you — I loved your post today.
I wish you the best in the Well Fed Awards — although I must say, Lucy's Kitchen Notebook is in a class of its own!
Dear Mimi,
I have been remiss in visiting your blog daily and see that I've missed a number of very thoughtful, wonderful posts. You've come a long way, Baby! I love reading your musings, philosophical and otherwise, and adore your recipes and photos.
Christine, I just sat down at the computer and there you were — you are one of the very nice people who has encouraged me and when I feel like giving up propels me forward. My blog may have a small readership, but it's a nice one!
Ooooh, I just love cognac. Especially with coffee, so hope you enjoyed yours.
I so agree on what you said about blogs. I mainly got into blogging simply because we moved to the island...and it was to update friends and family on both my writing progress and island living.
I was amazed at how snarky so many bloggers can be....like this is a popularity contest (and it reminded me of high school) Needless to say, I quickly avoided those blogs.
I also agree on the level of writing...I have also been amazed at the talent "out" there. Which only makes me realize even more how very difficult this industry can be if one is hoping to "make" it professionally.
Great post, Mimi.
Terri, I felt the same way - it was like watching a cheerleading contest. And "snarky" is exactly the word I was thinking.
I think the organizers, being new, made some communications errors at the start that raised a few red flags with bloggers, who then became suspicious. It's like a government agerncy being secretive or covering something up. Even if they are not up to something, everyone thinks they are. The less open you are, the more people suspect you of chicanery.
I think the organizers meant well and will make some changes next year.
What I liked it that the awards thing is that it introduced me to some blogs I'd never see (where the heck was I?). Awesome!
I don't know where to begin to join in on this converstion-everyone has written what I wanted to say, so I guess iI will keep this short and sit down with some Cognac..........
I am about to do the same thing, Jann.
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