Comments on: The Culture of Comp

By: LA_Native

LA_Native — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 07:03:22 +0000

Good info! working in Hollywood, these issues come up a lot on various levels. I have dealt with Ray Engel at several events and am glad you called him out! I don’t even think you can call him washed up because he never was anything. Event planners beware of this mooch!

By: weezermonkey

weezermonkey — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:20:13 +0000

It boggles my mind that people don’t tip. Great informative post.

By: Wandering Chopsticks

Wandering Chopsticks — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:46:27 +0000

I don’t accept every media event I’m invited to, but if I do, I blog about it. Well, eventually. I’m serious backlogged. I usually send a link to my post afterward so the PR person knows I blogged it since it helps with their job.

As for tips. Always. For drinks. For food. You’d be surprised how many bloggers don’t tip or tip a few measly bucks. Or pat themselves on the back for not blogging restaurant reviews, yet accept free dinners. Or find some other excuse not to tip and justify it by saying the restaurant got some PR.

Just because the meal was free and given by the restaurant or PR company doesn’t mean the waitstaff didn’t have to work for hours covering our table, and missing out on a normal table that would have tipped. So it’s only right that we tip. Especially as the meal was free in the first place.

If I can’t afford the tip or don’t want to write about the restaurant, I just don’t go. It’s that simple.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:40:08 +0000

Hi Liz, good to hear from you. I always appreciate those who choose to pay for their own meals, as in the end, the chef benefits from the business. (And I have an enormous amount of respect for your palate — and your son’s!)

I also understand why some writers cannot afford to NOT take meals. I only hope we can establish a culture of proper etiquette so that restaurants are not being taken advantage of. We are all restaurant lovers, thus we should all respect the art of hospitality.

By: e*starLA

e*starLA — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:34:15 +0000

All these technicalities make my head hurt, but over my short tenure as a food blogger I’ve become accustomed to tipping well on the value of the meal if no PR reps are present, if I was especially impressed with the service (even if PR reps were there) or if I’m being given a private tasting. I think if there is a general respect for the service profession, that goes a long way…it’s always in your mind.

As for doggy bags, it’s a better idea to have one than not in regards to food that’s already been plated and going to go to waste, anyway, right? All of the aforementioned incorporating prudence when having ordered, of course…

Good explanation, Nancy. Thank you!

By: Caroline on Crack

Caroline on Crack — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:22:51 +0000

Ohh, I heard about the one where SOMEONE YOU KNOW bagged other people’s servings.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:09:21 +0000

Doggy bags for half-eaten food, OK. Doggy bags because you intentionally ordered far more than a 300-pound man could eat, not OK.

Bagging other people’s servings? LOL. Have not witnessed that one before. Might as well be dumpster diving, no?

By: Nancy

Nancy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:04:34 +0000

It’s true that it does seem like “bribing,” but as I said, I don’t expect that showering writers with free food is going to guarantee coverage. I’m more annoyed with writers who take free stuff without abandon under the guise that they’re “media.”

But it is true that we tend to want to work with writers who have produced great stories for us in the past — it’s not so much that we think we’ve “bribed them” as we’ve developed a good working relationship with them.

You bring up a good point about “asses in seats.” I have heard about it happening, particularly in charity food events. Tom, Dick and Mary all want to “review” the event, but how the heck does that raise funds for the charity? At the same time, sometimes the PR strategy isn’t about creating hits, but building buzz. Must ponder some more.

Lastly, I’m all for transparency! I don’t mind at all when a blogger starts off a story with “A PR company invited us.” We’re not some big bad puppeteer flacks pulling the strings behind some evil corporation. We’re just restaurant promoters getting the word out about our clients, who we think are great people with great products that others should try.

By: Lesley

Lesley — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:49:03 +0000

Right, tipping. ALWAYS TIP! If you go off the grid and dine you and a guest are comped–TIP. If you go with the publicist–ASK ABOUT TIPPING. If you go to a party with free booze–hells ya, TIP (tip big and you’ll even get quicker service and stiffer drinks). God, I’ve even tipped extra if there was already a tip added. You’re not paying for anything, the least you can do is throw someone a few extra bucks.

By: Liz Haskell

Liz Haskell — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:45:11 +0000

Yes, I have a food web site and I never attend food blog events, never expect or want comps, refuse to endorse products I haven’t purchased and if I am invited to a family and friends pre-opening party by the chef and or owner, tip as if I had ordered the meal.