Like a lot of wine geeks, I read quite a bit of online content but for some reason have never participated much in online forums like eBob. So I was tipped off to a recent “conversation” on eBob reading Alder from Vinography. He points out a particularly heated recent exchange that included Mr. Parker deriding some participants as, “…point pimps and and whores…” Wow, pretty strong stuff considering the issue here is the timing of the electronic version of the Wine Advocate newsletter versus the mailing of the print version. Alder’s take on this issue is more a comment on human nature and online communities; mine is mild shock with how addicted some wine lovers are to scores. To make up your own mind, check out the thread here. Interesting reading, yes, but not the kind I like to spend my time on most evenings.
For me, I’ll stick with the relative civility of the wine blogosphere. If you don’t know where to start, here are my top ten picks:
Vinography
Basic Juice
LENNDEVOURS
Good Grape
Fermentation
Spittoon
The Zinquisition
The Pour
Pinotblogger
Cellar Rap
Bonus: Wine Blog Watch
I don’t know about all the eBob stuff. I read through the boards and while it certainly wasn’t touchy-feely, I’ve seen far worse flame wars erupt on message boards. I guess that when Parker calls you a point whore though, you’ve touched a nerve.
By the way, thanks for mentioning me with that great group of writers. Winecast certainly belongs at the top of the list of wine blogs and wine podcasts. Only problem with podcasts is that it’s such a short list!
I tend to find such forums inhabited by just a small clique of users – many get irrate at the most trivial of things. Not the sort of environment I like. So I too stick to the more civilised blogosphere.
Josh: Great point on the eBob stuff; I guess this type of thing is more common for online message boards than I thought. Also, thanks for the kind words about my podcast/blog. I agree that there are less wine podcasts than wine blogs, but I could probably list 10 worth a listen… I am really enjoying your wine course series on pinotblogger BTW.
Andrew: Your point is very close to my impression of wine message boards. I have never felt part of the scene there; the wine blogoshere has been much more inviting and constructive in the online conversation about wine IMHO. Keep up the fine work at Spittoon.
Tim,
Thanks for the reference to Good Grape–much appreciated and back at ya. I added an overdue link to Winecast from my site.
Re: Zinquisition also being listed. He’s kind of an enigma to me … do you know what winery he works for … he’s spot-on and incredibly insightful, but I’d love to see more posts.
All the best and thanks again!
Jeff
Thanks for the inspiring writing, Jeff. And sorry for not posting a link to your site before right now 😉
I’ve been an admirer of “St. Vini” since he (or she) went by the humorous monniker “Huge Johnson.” And, no, I have no idea where the writer works, but it is no doubt within the wine industry based upon the writing.
Cheers!
Tim,
Thanks for recommending my blog — I appreciate it very much. Keep up the good work!