Posted by Sheryl Kirby in news and media, on the web, wide, wide world of web on August 13, 2007 at 6:19 pm
The downside of local event blogs is that we inevitably all end up covering the same things. On a weekend with two or three major foodie events like this past one (Taste of the Danforth, Festival of Beer, Hot and Spicy Food Festival), we're all struggling to not only be the first but the most unique in our coverage.
On the Taste of the Danforth front, BlogTO's Rick filed a report yesterday afternoon with a synopsis of the festival, while Vanessa of Torontoist had a preview on Friday and Val had a review filed today on how the event has gotten too packed, too commercial and too expensive. Both blogs had previews of the Hot and Spicy Festival with Torontoist out of the gate with a line-up of events including the Iron Chef competition (the winner was Mexican Chef Federico Lopez, and our own Greg Clow was a judge) and BlogTO a couple of days behind with a similar post of events. BlogTO's Tanja also reviewed Takara Sushi.
Eye has preview info on this past weekend's events as well, and food news with a boozy spin. Catherine Jheon is back at Beyond Burgers where this week she looks at Viva Tastings. At Posted Toronto Adam McDowell is psyched for the opening of the new T&T supermarket down on Cherry Street. Aren't we all?
Malcolm Jolley of Gremolata talks with Eshun Mott and Emma Waverman about getting picky kids to eat. (You mean the technique of "You'll sit there until you eat it all, I don't care if it's cold and gross!!" doesn't fly anymore?? My Dad and I need to have a talk.) Also Eric Vellend lists a Spanish culinary Top 10.
And finally, James Chatto of Toronto Life visits a convent in Crete in search of olive oil.
I know coming from a PR flack/media hound this may sound like I just want to get plugs for clients on a variety of sites...BUT...I like to read different people's perspectives on the same events and happenings around the city and appreciate variety. Mike Arrington - leader of the tech bloggers - said he always trys to be first out with a story even if its false just to beat other bloggers, but I don't think that's necessary. One of the purposes of reading blogs is to get real opinions and to broaden our outlook on things. Since variety is the spice of life, I like to hear from everyone because each person's post on the same topic can be different.
I agree...somewhat...
Albeit it's good to have different opinions, I think many bloggers use the events as excuse to have 'filler' content to make the blogs look busy. Sometimes the content is either so one sided (rolleyes) or so lackluster, it's not worth the time.
I think it depends on the context. Sometimes it looks like filler, sometimes it's genuinely useful and informative. Val from Torontoist had a great synopsis that was still relevant after the fact, but so many of these reports have little to say in terms of previews and as reviews as useless because the event is already over.