True Advocacy: a few months

Discussion in 'Trade Talk' started by genuinedisciple, Jul 10, 2012.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. genuinedisciple

    genuinedisciple Initiate (0) Jan 10, 2010 Michigan

    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.
     
    mjtiernan, franklinn, pschul4 and 4 others like this.
  2. quinnsi

    quinnsi Zealot (623) Nov 22, 2008 Illinois

    Being a Beer Advocate has little to do with trading etiquette. It has more to do with being a proponent of educated beer drinking.
     
  3. genuinedisciple

    genuinedisciple Initiate (0) Jan 10, 2010 Michigan

    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.
     
    Duff27 likes this.
  4. joshrosborne

    joshrosborne Initiate (0) Jun 14, 2010 Michigan

    I wouldn't beat yourself up too much about the lack of extras on your first trade. I think that's the case for a lot of us; I know it was for me.
     
  5. fortsambo

    fortsambo Initiate (0) Feb 14, 2011 Colorado

    While doing so in a non-douchey manner, an aspect lost to some on here haha!
     
    Photekut, DSlim71, quinnsi and 4 others like this.
  6. pschul4

    pschul4 Initiate (0) Jan 7, 2011 Illinois

    Advocacy shows itself in so many ways. So many people talk about the demise of the trading community but a core group of active traders are still there and are all awesome people. As I've said to a few friends we let the 5% of the community that's trying to "win" trades bring down the other 95% of us who are awesome guys and just trying to drink beers we couldn't drink without trading.

    Also don't sweat the early days, I wasn't the best advocate to start either but after some guiding words/boxes (I gave $12 worth of extras in my first box and received over $40) I've learned the way to advocacy

    Cheers!
     
    genuinedisciple likes this.
  7. quinnsi

    quinnsi Zealot (623) Nov 22, 2008 Illinois

    Couldn't agree more. Being snobbish only hurts the 'cause'.
     
  8. MaxSpang

    MaxSpang Initiate (0) Jan 28, 2011 Ohio
    Trader

    I never expect extras in a trade. If I trade with a new trader and they send me a box with no extras, I will politely inform them that generally people include a local or two with trades, but I leave it at that. I don't want people to be turned off to trading because some schmuck says "YOU DIDN'T GIVE ME ANY EXTRAS! I'M STARTING A BAD TRADER THREAD!!!11"
     
    LambicKing likes this.
  9. genuinedisciple

    genuinedisciple Initiate (0) Jan 10, 2010 Michigan

    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.
     
  10. genuinedisciple

    genuinedisciple Initiate (0) Jan 10, 2010 Michigan

    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).
     
  11. Mag00n

    Mag00n Initiate (0) Nov 21, 2008 New York

    So you don't want to trade with anyone who thinks its the shippers responsibility to ship a box that was damaged in transit before it arrives at the recipient? Just want to be clear.
     
    gn0sis likes this.
  12. genuinedisciple

    genuinedisciple Initiate (0) Jan 10, 2010 Michigan

    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.
     
  13. JohnB87

    JohnB87 Zealot (673) Mar 14, 2011 Michigan

    What the hell is wrong with you? Everyone knows you're supposed to send a Black Note as an extra in your first trade.
     
    Msquared2 and genuinedisciple like this.
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.