Comments on: Snobs, Geeks and a Pinch of Hypocrisy http://brookstonbeerbulletin.com/snobs-geeks-and-a-pinch-of-hypocrisy/ Jay R. Brooks on Beer Thu, 24 May 2012 14:07:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://beerzine.com/?v=3.3.2 By: J http://brookstonbeerbulletin.com/snobs-geeks-and-a-pinch-of-hypocrisy/comment-page-1/#comment-714 J Wed, 04 Apr 2007 14:22:22 +0000 http://www.brookstonbeerbulletin.com/snobs-geeks-and-a-pinch-of-hypocrisy/#comment-714 Maybe it was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, as you suggest. I did consider that possibility. I also considered that it might be an April Fool's prank, but it was posted on March 30, two days early. There's also the possibility that we boorish Americans don't get dry British wit. I've been a fan of much British comedy for decades, but maybe I missed the subtle cues that should have told the reader "I'm just kidding" or "I don't mean this." If so, I still don't see them. There is certainly wit and cleverness in the writing but with phrases like "condescending clowns" an overriding sense that he's serious about what he's writing. The humor seems "at our expense" rather than in a way that allows us to laugh along knowingly. Maybe it was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, as you suggest. I did consider that possibility. I also considered that it might be an April Fool’s prank, but it was posted on March 30, two days early. There’s also the possibility that we boorish Americans don’t get dry British wit. I’ve been a fan of much British comedy for decades, but maybe I missed the subtle cues that should have told the reader “I’m just kidding” or “I don’t mean this.” If so, I still don’t see them. There is certainly wit and cleverness in the writing but with phrases like “condescending clowns” an overriding sense that he’s serious about what he’s writing. The humor seems “at our expense” rather than in a way that allows us to laugh along knowingly.

]]> By: Sam http://brookstonbeerbulletin.com/snobs-geeks-and-a-pinch-of-hypocrisy/comment-page-1/#comment-713 Sam Wed, 04 Apr 2007 13:50:36 +0000 http://www.brookstonbeerbulletin.com/snobs-geeks-and-a-pinch-of-hypocrisy/#comment-713 I have never meet Mr. McFarland, but I'd say this article is somewhat tongue-in-cheek. As you mentioned, he was awarded “Beer Writer of the Year”, so he’s obviously waxed lyrically and played the “snob” type to the mark. I think his article is a reminder to those of us that have a deeper knowledge of beer, that beer has a wonderful reputation of being for the everyman…ie accessible to all, unlike our wine sibling. As we talk about and celebrate the complexity of beer, we should take care to express ourselves in a manner that does not befuddle, frighten, or alienate those who are just beginning to explore this wonderful brew. Where is that line of too complex, too “snobby”? That is for you as a writer to decide, but rest assured, that just as you have done with McFarland, when you colleagues think you have gone too far, they will yet know. My two cents for discussion. I have never meet Mr. McFarland, but I’d say this article is somewhat tongue-in-cheek. As you mentioned, he was awarded “Beer Writer of the Year”, so he’s obviously waxed lyrically and played the “snob” type to the mark. I think his article is a reminder to those of us that have a deeper knowledge of beer, that beer has a wonderful reputation of being for the everyman…ie accessible to all, unlike our wine sibling. As we talk about and celebrate the complexity of beer, we should take care to express ourselves in a manner that does not befuddle, frighten, or alienate those who are just beginning to explore this wonderful brew. Where is that line of too complex, too “snobby”? That is for you as a writer to decide, but rest assured, that just as you have done with McFarland, when you colleagues think you have gone too far, they will yet know.

My two cents for discussion.

]]> By: Loren http://brookstonbeerbulletin.com/snobs-geeks-and-a-pinch-of-hypocrisy/comment-page-1/#comment-712 Loren Wed, 04 Apr 2007 11:24:48 +0000 http://www.brookstonbeerbulletin.com/snobs-geeks-and-a-pinch-of-hypocrisy/#comment-712 A "pinch" of hypocrisy? I think if you reword it to say "arseload" then the title is spot on. All you can do is roll your eyes at views like this. Cheers! A “pinch” of hypocrisy? I think if you reword it to say “arseload” then the title is spot on.

All you can do is roll your eyes at views like this.

Cheers!

]]>