Originally Posted by Indydealmaker (Post 860914)

I have determined that the "word of mouth" attributed to TOTV food critics has hurt Burke's BBQ. This negative impact was unnecessary and undeserved. This mom n pop operation, as any other, deserves an opportunity to get their **** together.

Unlike chain restaurants with deep pockets who can bring in managers from other restaurants to assist in opening new stores, small biz owners have to shoulder everything on their own and almost always with limited capital. Chain restaurants have the added advantage that their "experimentation" with recipes is done out of the public eye in commercial kitchens. Mom n pops have to put it all out front and hope for the best.

Many of the complaints on here, although heartfelt, are based solely upon personal tastes. If those very personal opinions even have the slightest chance of hurting someone, they should be left unsaid in a public medium.

If the complaint involves poor customer service, cleanliness, etc., then the best approach, as pointed out here often, is the contact management.

The tone of much of the negative posts about businesses has a tint of revenge. That is just not right when you consider there a livelyhoods at risk.

Originally Posted by rubicon (Post 859374)

People, especially in this very highly charged troubled environment, are receiving more bad news than good. So it is understandable that some folks have already had their fill and little patience. It is also true that some folks seem to have a built in bias about anyone they view is complaining.

On the other side we have folks who are hard to please no matter what you do. But then you have some who develop a narrative that conveys their sincere effort of not judging harshly and you come to believe what they share.

From my view I find the vast majority of people commenting on bad food, service, etc have been objective .

But the real issue here is a repeated theme on this forum and that is this "Why do some folks complain about complainers? Should everything posted on this forum come under the heading of "kumbayah" Should no one be allowed to share their views, experience, etc with a vendor contractor, restaurant, etc?

One clue. I know some very smart owners of restaurants , Athens, being one that follows this forum so as to promptly respond to any legitimate criticisms. You may also remember that on any thread comments come down on both sides providing some good information on which to decide.