CAMRA and Image
Today I have some nice things to say about CAMRA. While some people do not agree with my opinions in regards to CAMRA's relationship with J. D. Wetherspoons, they are entitled to their opinion. I encourage them to either blog responses to mine, or email Tony Jerome and tell him why they like JDW pubs and the relationship. My post was a direct response to CAMRA as solicited in my new member information kit. It saddens me that some people have contacted CAMRA asking me to be banned from the campaign and said unsavoury things about me on other blogs when I was responding to solicited feedback.Anyhow Tony was nice enough to provide me with a lengthy email detailing why CAMRA has formed a strategic alliance with JDW. While I don't necessarily agree with all the arguments, some of them were sensible. I also managed to get my message and concerns across, so I consider this progress.
In Tony's response he also mentioned how image has been a problem for CAMRA over the years and the media's portrayal of the typical real ale drinker stereotype has damaged the real ale industry. Tony stated that the number of members who have long beards and perhaps enjoy wearing sandles are now a minority. I will put my hand up and say that I have been guilty of making fun of beardy weirdies in relation to CAMRA in the past. I will point out that this same stereotype can be applied to Morris Dancers, Dungeons and Dragons fans, Trainspotters, a well as Real Ale drinkers in general (not necessarily CAMRA members) and while I may still continue to occasionally fire off a dart at weird beards, I won't be implicating CAMRA in the process anymore.
A quick flip through the CAMRA members handbook (pictured above), and it is obvious that CAMRA are conscious of projecting a positive image. The handbook contains pictures of people from all social demographics, with the exception of the established real ale stereotype which is noticeably absent. I view this as a positive step in the right direction.
I still disagree with some of the national campaigns and other information in the new members kit and will elaborate further on these in forthcoming posts. Stay tuned.
posted by Tim at
Saturday, April 04, 2009
14 Comments:
Careful. Backpedal too fast and your chain could come off.
I'm hardly backpeddling. I think it's more coming around full circle. I will manage to piss people off whatever I do, so I don't try too hard
Doctor, why have you soften your stance all a sudden? "Destruction From Within" now changed to "Change From Within?" Has Der Talismann followed up his waterboarding with castration of your balls??
On another note, my home email address has been floating around apparently. I have many emails from beer blog people that are supporting me in my crusade against these dorks. I have promised that I would not reveal who they are, but it amazes me how much support I've received. It would shock you if you knew. If they can't laugh at themselves over their silly coupons, lame campaigns, and right wing politics, fuck 'em!
Free yourself from the chains of CAMRA and enlist yourself in The Army of Proper Real Keg! The Army of Proper Real Keg is a philosophy, not a special interest group! There are no coupons, but there will be a Proper Real Keg Bible available soon, to combat CAMRA's Good Beer Guide.
Take exceptional care, and grow back your pair!
Sausage, I have not altered my stance at all. I'm being progressive.
I changed the title of that post as it was being misinterpreted - don;t read to much into it.
Just because I am a member of CAMRA does not mean that I agree with the vocal minority - I see myself more as a spokesman for the silent majority. I support cask ale, but I will never knock back an exotic proper real keg either.
Sausage (Kevin). Ping me with your email address.
How do I do that actually?
You can click on the link in the about me section. where it says please contact mne by email. If you click email it will open up outlook.
Email sent.
Ummmh. I’ve seen this before in Wetherspoons pubs on Saturday nights. Apparently reasonable, intelligent bloke, has a few too many beers and begins screaming: “I hate you, you’re all liars and weirdo’s.’ To all and sundry before finally wrapping his arms around the nearest bloke and with maudlin tones, yells: “I really, really love you, I do, I really do.... Your lovely you are, your my mate.... hic.”
And just like those blokes I imagine you’re going to feel very ill and embarrassed in the cold light of day.
Either that or CAMRA’s brainwashing techniques are better than scientology. Pity really, I was looking forward to your propaganda busting.
Who is this Dave?? Sounds like a potential Chairman of APRK! Love it!
Pissing people off is part of blogging, as is getting things wrong from time to time. I certainly know that. You shouldn't be surprised though at the reactions of some but I'm glad you found at least some logic in what Tony said.
I knew you had come full circle indeed when you said "I will never knock back an exotic proper real keg either."
Even I wouldn't go that far. I'd knock one back. It'd be better than the two (different)dodgy bottom of the barrel pints of cask I had last night. I should have knocked them back or rather I shouldn't have.
Dave - propaganda busting is still on the agenda and my opinions on CAMRA and JDW stil hold true.
This post was more to show that CAMRA in some instances have gotten it right - one being the image they are 'trying' to project.
Glad to hear the Aussie spirit hasn’t be crushed yet. Look forward to reading your posts.
In regards to image, ask yourself a question: Why does CAMRA itself - think it has an image problem?
Cheers.
As I write, I am drinking Proper Real Keg. Proper Real Keg as a philosophy, also applies to quality bottled beers that are not necessarily bottle conditioned. One of the motto's of APRK is "Extraneous co2 is your friend." Once CAMRA fully embraces this motto, I will pull back the reigns and go after people who drink blended whisky and not the higher quality single malt variety. I have wanted to have a go at them for ages, and if CAMRA can get what I'm looking for in writing, I'm willing to call it a day.
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