Question for Wudas, and for everyone
Regular reader and frequent commenter Wudas wrote in response to the item on Hutch's Car Wash:
Perhaps some letter to the new owner will make him aware of the issues. And I'm certain he is unaware of the power of the blog. That could mean doom to Hutch's.
Your Boulevardier suspects that your mention of "the power of the blog" and "doom" are delivered with tongue firmly planted in cheek. But he is curious: do you think that this sort of post, in which Your Boulevardier complains about a perceived problem, is inappropriate for this forum? And further, do you believe that this blog has any actual, measurable power to sway public opinion?
Your Boulevardier is skeptical. He believes that people looking for reviews and opinions on commercial establishements will turn to services such as Yelp that aggregate the brainpower of many. (That is why Your Boulevardier often provides links to that service, if a business does not have a website of its own.)
Any and all thoughts on this topic are appreciated. And this provides a good opportunity for Your Boulevardier to thank all readers for your attention, whether or not you choose to comment. (A three-year-old study found that about 90% of blog readers never comment; by extrapolation, that could mean as many as a few hundred of you are out there, but frankly that's doubtful.)
Labels: CV businesses, economy, links, questions
posted by Your Boulevardier @ 12:13 PM
8 Comments
8 Comments:
WOO HOO, Boss, I'm here and I thank you for sharing your experience with Hutch's. I haven't gone there in a while, but I will be aware that their service has apparently changed. I'm with you, I don't like driving out of the lot with the same crumbs I drove in with.
Deann
It's nice when the blog host acknowledges thoughtful contributions. When they don't, some commenters lose interest.
Hmm! Coming up on 24 hours; does your sitemeter support the study’s finding?
No, I don't think that complaining about a perceived problem is inappropiate for the blogging world. It's just one person's opinion and this is the place that you can voice your opinion. If you lose readers, who cares? I'd rather have people read my blog who actually make comments, than people who lurk and you don't even know that they read your blog.
Whether you post your review of a business' service here or on Yelp, seems to me it doesn't matter. It will get read either way. This is your blog and you can post whatever you want.
I for one enjoy wandering over here from time to time and reading about what goes on in our town, good or bad. Keep up the good work!
A blog post about a business is, in fact, one person's opinion. But it is often surprising just how many read a blog. I suspect that since there was an article on this blog in the newspaper, I hear, that you may have more readers than you realize.
I believe that your blog is your forum for your opinion. Those that don't agree with you probably won't read it. I think you have every right to post your opinion about any business, event, or thought about what up in CV, or any other subject for that matter.
Often businesses who's business it is to review businesses have standards that differ from regular guys. I don't care how the guy who washes my truck dresses as long as he does a good job. I'm less concerned about the neatness of a waiting room, if there is one, than I am about being treated politely. I'm more concerned about getting a good wash for a fair price than I am having a gift store or food available. Do you see what I mean? And these perameters vary from person to person. But regular readers of your blog may have an idea about your standards.
I get my truck washed in Modesto where I sit in it while it's being washed, which delights me for no particular reason. I have to vacuum it myself, there or at home. And I pay $5 for the wash. It fits my budget, lifestyle, and I really like seeing the soapy windows from the inside.
First, I suspect that you have MANY more than a hundred readers! I found out about your blog through a Daily Review article, if memory serves, and enjoy your well written ruminations immensely! Thank you!
I myself am a Yelp poster, but I tend to use it for 3 occasions:
1. To post a great experience
2. To complain about a bad experience
3. To check hotels when we are traveling or if I am planning a fancy dinner out somewhere
Unless it was a big expenditure, I'd just, say, go to Hutch's Car Wash or the local taco place without bothering to check Yelp first...I used to go to Hutch's some years back, but not in some time. I would not know how badly their service had deteriorated without you sharing your experiences, and the comments subsequent to that.
So your blog is amusing, informative, sometimes poignant, and often informative!
One question--from time to time I see something of interest that might be a good subject for your blog (for instance, there is a dog who lives on the corner of Somerset and Zeno who spends his days standing at attention in the picture window!)...would love some way to send you these small ideas....
Keep up the great work!!!!!
Hi! I'm not a lurker but I don't always feel inspired to post a comment.
On the issue of whether it's appropriate to blog a negative experience, I say the more the merrier. As long as they are true, not obscene, and specific, I find opinions to be very helpful. I also appreciate that many retail establishments now allow customers to post a rating on their purchases. Whenever possible I look for reviews - both good and bad - before buying. Your Hutch's experience is not unique but I don't think it is always that way. I, too, have seen the negligence there but I have also seen my car get sent through the wash again because the manager (um,boss?) didn't like how it came out. Go figure!
BTW: I am a relative newcomer to your blog, having started reading it in January. I don't remember how I stumbled upon your site (not from the newspaper) but I really appreciate the tone and detail of your observations. Keep up the great work: you are being watched. ;-)
I may never comment again but you can be sure I will keep up with your postings.
ees
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