True Advocacy: a few months

So, with all the bad experiences that can we hear/read about on this site (some of them being hilarious, especially in the Beer Trading section), I thought I'd share my story of the past few months to hopefully promote further true beer advocacy from all who may read.

First, Let me start by saying that I've had multiple successful trades go through where every person, me included, sent nice extras along to their partners. This was refreshing to see as so many people are trying to "win" trades (Just saw 12 KBS for 1 CBS, COME ON!), but I feel like my partners could care less as long as both parties are happy. If you need suggestions on good trading partners, I have a nice list for yah. I've made some great connections with people outside my state, of which I'm grateful.

Second, I had a trade go really poorly recently with @shuntstout, to no fault of his own, fedex ruined a box he sent in transit (poor 08 bcbs!), and then they delayed the shipment of the other box multiple days and I'm not sure when/if I'm going to get it as of now. However, I know that this BA will make sure I get something and more in return for this mess, even if it isn't his fault...I know many of you think that it's the shippers problem if the boxes don't get there or there are problems, but I assure you, that I don't want to trade with you. In the end, a true beer advocate recognizes that it's on them.

Third, @xsists came from Wisconsin on a road trip and I gladly invited him over for some 09 Old Stock (drinking nicely btw) and a 10th anny Ruination. We had a good time chatting with him and his girlfriend and then exchanged some nice beers (him being ultra generous in giving me a 1414). It reminded me of why I joined this site in the first place. Most of you are invited to visit me if you come through Ann Arbor...beer is on me.

Lastly, I haven't always been the greatest advocate, in fact, I don't think I sent extras in my first trade (still feel bad about this) and I'm pretty sure I wanted the upper hand in others (KBS day was a utter failure on my end). However, through many peoples generosity and in meeting many of you, I've learned what true beer advocacy is about and I'm now passing it on.

Cheers.

 

Trading is just part of the point I was making through my story. We educate in many ways, even by the way we trade and interact here. Personally, I'm not sure there is a better place for advocacy to be shown/demonstrated then through trading and/or tastings where people gather to share and discuss (just imo). I'm confident that many BAs would agree with me on this point, and that advocacy is more then just providing head knowledge...even though that is a part of it.

 

Agreed with the "we don't NEED to send extras." I would just say that I've personally learned through the example set by others here that a part of being an advocate for me in the trading sphere, is desiring people to try new beers, that can't be experienced in their area. Some of my favorite beers were extras tossed in that people wanted me to experience and thought I'd like. However, I will add that some of my least favorite beers have been extras as well. Which is all good, because it increased my love of craft beer, through knowledge and experience, which is the point.

 

I will also add that if you want to see advocacy at its finest, hold a tasting and invite some BAs over...I've found that I not only can give back the most during these times, but I receive the most as well (new experiences, knowledge, community, etc).

 

I want to trade with people who feel responsible for getting a box to a destination (most BAs): who recognize that shipping issues will happen and that is a risk we take, but will make sure to get a box to the person regardless of shipping issues. For instance, if I say I'm sending out 3 DarkLords and Fedex ruins them in transit, it is my responsibility to rectify the situation by providing something in their place as a part of the trade or to ship the bottles back that I received (which shouldn't be opened yet, imo) - which is the situation I spoke of with @shuntstout as he received the box back he sent with some bottles broke, then we made a new deal and he resent a new box with Fedex having more issues, but I just got the box this morning and all is well.

I don't want this thread to turn into a shipping etiquette thread, so if we want to discuss further, feel free to start a new thread and I'm sure it will cause a stir much like the other 100 have in the past. But hopefully I clarified what I was trying to say.