The reason for this blog
May 12th, 2008I want to explain why I started this blog.
“What Does John Know?” really didn’t get going as a legitimate blog until about August of last year. I must admit that I resisted the idea of blogging. For most bloggers, there is no direct income, as it currently is with “What Does John Know?”.
Blogging seemed like a lot of effort. Now that I have been blogging for several months, I can say that it most certainly is. I have had to forgoe direct income-producing opportunities to make time for this blog. (Cutting into my precious family time, which is most important to me, is not an option.)
But, I began to realize that I would get a lot of great information and news as soon as it was breaking (or sooner) and, with a magazine that is published only quarterly, by the time I wrote it up in the magazine it was common knowledge. I began to understand the importance of blogging.
Don’t get me wrong. Malt Advocate will always be a great publication–even if it always stays quarterly–but it, like other magazines, can’t be timely in this increasingly global oriented world.
This blog’s purpose is to bridge the gap between issues of Malt Advocate magazine. It is an extension of the magazine. I see it as significant, vital, and important. Otherwise I wouldn’t do it. I have my finger on the pulse of the whisky industry and I can share what I know with you almost instantaneously. I am happy that you are tuning in.
I won’t blog every day but, when I do, you will know that there’s a purpose to it. If you’ve been following my blog (or reading Malt Advocate), I think you probably already figured that out.
May 13th, 2008 at 1:53 am
Dear John, the blog and the magazine each have their place. The magazine is a more polished document, while the blog is fresh and vital (and sometimes more contentious). And the magazine has other contributors. Please keep up the good work.
Ewan
May 13th, 2008 at 7:15 am
Thanks Ewan.
May 13th, 2008 at 9:37 am
John,
I’m a regular reader of the blog and am very glad you do it. I think it does good things for the overall Malt Advocate brand. I know that I link people to it regularly. In this way, you are reaching people that you may not have otherwise. Please keep it going.
–joe
May 13th, 2008 at 10:54 am
I appreciate the feedback Joe. I’ll keep ‘em coming.
May 13th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
John,
I love the blog and have to say that since becoming a daily reader last fall I have also become a subscriber to the Malt Advocate, so it is a money maker for you! Keep up the teasers (full review in the next issue of MA) and you will probably convert more readers.
-Micah
May 13th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Micah, yes one of the strageties of the blog is to drive more people to our website, where hopefully you’ll get a subscription or buy something.
I really do enjoy sharing information with everyone. That’s what matters most. –John
May 13th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
John,
I have only recently found the blog and started following it. It is really great. I am a MA subscriber as well as a subscriber to your weekly newsletter. I get a lot out of all three things and have really been enjoying the blog.
Remember to keep a big picture view of things.. while the blog doesn’t DIRECTLY bring income in for you, it does bring more in for the magazine, your newsletter, the website, Whiskyfest, and also builds up your reputation.
Keep up the great work, it’s greatly appreciated.
May 13th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Hello John,
I check your blog everyday and look forward to reading your insights and tasting notes. As you have said it is a bridge between the issues of malt advocate.
You are doing a great job and there are a lot of us who appreciate what you are doing.
Honesto
May 13th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Honesto, Rick: I appreciate the feedback. And it’s nice to know you’re out there. Stay tuned. –John
May 13th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Hi John,
I’m glad I discovered your blog a few months back, I now usually check it every day, and am glad you update it with valuable and insightful information so frequently. Keep up the good work, your hard work is appreciated!
May 13th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Thanks Jonathan!
May 13th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
John,
I have the pleasure of not only being a whisky fan but also to sell whisky for a living at the retail level. I have learned more information about new releases and current products from your blog then any of the people selling the spirits to my store. You keep me informed and help keep me a few steps ahead of my customers with getting new and exciting products for them. This blog also allows me to inform them when a spirit is about to dry up and lets us stock up on it while we can. The speed at which you learn of upcoming releases has also helped me snag a few items that would have easily dried up before I could have brought them into the store.
So thank you very much for all the information you provide and for taking the time out of your life to keep us informed.
May 14th, 2008 at 1:01 am
Scott,
Your feedback means a lot to me. Thank you!
May 14th, 2008 at 11:34 am
I can only echo the opinions of those who have gone before me. Your efforts in keeping people appraised of breaking information in the Whisk(e)y world are very much appreciated by me and others, all the more so because it clearly takes you away from income raising.