Jack Curtin’s LIQUID DIET

Brewers and publicans often say to me–although I must admit that I always assume they are talking about America’s Most Beloved Beer Writer (© Liquid Diet - the Blog, 2008 )–something along the lines of “you beer writers are so lazy you’ll print anything we send you.” Indeed, a prominent publican said those very words to me this week, then took them back when I gently reminded him that his comment was insulting.

Sending me, or any beer writer, useful or informative news items and comments is an implicit offer of something worthwhile and, if what you provide is indeed worthwhile, why in the world would we not pass it on to our readers? How will anybody know what you’re doing unless you tell them? Most of the people who write about beer have other “real” jobs (gee, that must be nice) and cannot be expected to keep track of what every bar, tavern, restaurant, brewer, brewery, brewpub and oddball corner venue which somehow fits into the mix is doing on a daily basis.

You have to toot that old proverbial horn of yours. It’s what’s called public relations, marketing, getting the word out, pick you terminology.

And, yeah, we’ll print it or call your for more information and if it all turns out to be a crock, well, we’ll likely print that too.

In the current issue of Mid-Atlantic Brewing News, I make note in my “Eastern Penna.” column of a place called Fingers, Wings and Other Things on Ridge Pike in Conshohocken, noting that they actually have a pretty good beer list going. Why the “actually”? Well, would you normally go seeking craft beer taps at a place called Fingers, Wings etc.? Not likely. But Rob Wilf, the manager, kept trying to get my attention, despite my (I admit it) general apathy. Finally he emailed me with a link which get his message across.

Why mention this now? Well, I just did a post yesterday in which I played off the squeaky wheels get the oil thing as “grumpy beer writer,” for one thing. More to the point, I did another post earlier today about how I need to get me some Flying Fish Imperial Espresso Porter and I just returned after a few hours out (for where I went, see next post, which by the vagaries of the intertubes will appear above this one) to find this email from that same Mr. Wilf awaiting me:

I was reading your blog today and wanted to let you know that Fingers Wings & Other Things now has the Flying Fish Imperial Espresso Porter on tap. Stop in and grab one (or more) before its gone!

And that;s how it’s done, boys and girls. He had some worthwhile information, he got my attention and now he’s gotten yours.

This is something some beer guys know intuitively (hello there, Sam Calagione) and some never learn (all too many) : getting the word out is part of the job. Good news is that more and more folks are starting to come around. Heck, we even have Curt Decker sending us event notices and beer lists these days.

That’s good for all of us.

Tags: Beer Writing, Brewers, Brewpubs, Cafes, Restaurants, Taverns //