tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21166579.post7897248193736585284..comments2024-02-19T08:12:53.815-05:00Comments on The Right Thing: SOUND OFF: VINO VERITAS?Jeffrey L. Seglinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15648051034425906705noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21166579.post-32460591011741471202009-06-28T15:50:04.229-04:002009-06-28T15:50:04.229-04:00I don't have a problem with the writers accept...I don't have a problem with the writers accepting free travel accommodations and food from Wine Australia. Wine Australia, as far as I can see, is not an individual wine company, but rather a government corporation that "provides strategic support to the Australian wine sector". I presume the writers went to Australia to review the individual wine makers, and the wine industry as a whole perhaps. The group paying for their travel expenses just gave them a helping hand to bring more notice to the Australian wine industry. I am sure that the writers can form their own opinions on the individual wines they reviewed.<br /><br />I agree with Rob R. People who write columns for travel, wine or food review do not earn nearly enough money to cover any travel expenses. If you want them to be able to go places and give you reviews it has to be paid somehow, and sadly most people are not even willing to buy the magazines or newspapers to help pay! <br /><br />If you don't want the writers to get handouts from the industry they are reviewing then you need to find another way to pay their way. If not then you will be left with "free" reviews from on line people who may really have an agenda to promote their company!<br /><br />Just my two cents worth.<br /><br />PenneyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21166579.post-20068232539706523732009-06-16T18:20:28.518-04:002009-06-16T18:20:28.518-04:00This is a question that I struggle with a great de...This is a question that I struggle with a great deal as a travel writer. I certainly make an effort to pay my expenses whenever possible. The fact is, however, that there is simply no way I would be able to do my job without accepting free travel or accommodation from some of the places I am writing about — my paycheck for the story wouldn't begin to cover one tenth of the cost of an airline ticket.<br /><br />Again, I don't like being placed in the position of accepting handouts from the people and companies I'm writing about. Yet the alternative would allow only independently wealthy people -- or people who are traveling for other reasons -- to become travel writers.Rob Rogershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16879220648904681193noreply@blogger.com