Here's an idea...use Beerfly!

I have a friend who lives a few doors down from Apres Vous, and despite the silly name, he and I agree that it has a far better selection than Maple Loaf. Though I really digged the room at Maple Leaf on my one visit.

Anyway, you're right that it's supposed to be fun. And as a New Englander, I'm sure you'll agree, there's nothing more fun than complaining!

I reply a ton of posts (and have fun doing so) about my home state of New Hampshire, and particularly the Merrimack Valley on here, and it especially makes sense in areas like that that aren't craft beer hot spots, where locals probably know way more than Beerfly. All I'm asking is that people do the tiniest bit of research (search the forums) and be a bit more specific in what they're looking for before starting a new thread, especially on common topics. For most places and most specifics, they'll still need to start a new thread, but there won't be so much redundancy. And they'll probably get better answers.

 

I prefer asking the locals. Not everyone uses beerfly and I'd like to know what new and cool places to head to.

 

Apre Vous is awesome. Where else can you get a full, 20 oz tulip glass- which you have to hold with two hands so as not to spill any, of North Coast Old Ale for six bucks. Plus, the people are great and the food is very good. Nice vibe all around. And I agree, do the homework but feel free to ask.

 

I like offering local info, and I like to get it from others. But I cannot keep up with the constant requests for info on here for VT, so I'd have to throw in "try researching other threads first" as a precursor - everything you need may be right here in the forums already. Then follow up with some specific questions to get some updates?

 

I live in Vermont and still can barely figure out where to get Lawson's and Hill Farmstead. People are used to going to a store and buying what they want. They are a little confused by "you can only find it at one place on Friday and Monday, but you can't call ahead and there maybe rationing- and get there before noon or it's all gone" or "drive down the dirt road for five miles and knock on the door of the farmhouse, not the barn- and don't use your GPS". That being said, I know a place that used to be an awesome beer bar, some say it still is, some say it isn't. But it turns into a smoke filled honky tonk at night. If I am taking my kids for chicken tenders at nine at night I want to know if I am going to have Boxcar Willie blasting away on the guitar in a cloud of smoke ten feet away. Yo can't always get that without asking. Also that stupid four o'clock opening of great places you get around here is something people should be told. I'd had to drive three hours to find out the place doesn't open for three more hours (which has happened to all of us I am sure).

 

If you would rather people just use beerfly... don't read/respond to the threads asking for further info? Wouldn't that be easier than asking people not to post said threads in the first place?

Beerfly is a useful resource for sure, but nothing beats immediate local knowledge.

 

Thank you. This should really end the discussion. What's the harm in people reaching out to you through beeradvocate asking questions about beer. It's a hobby-website, not your work e-mail.

Nobody likes tourists in their state until they recognize how much revenue they bring into the communities that they are visiting. Having to give someone directions to a place they have never gone to is a small price to pay when you, friends or other locals are able to pay their mortgage because of tourist revenue.

 

Come on now... Beer Fly is good but far from comprehensive. Especially internationally and outside the beery/urban areas. As far as I am concened you shouldn't be on Beeradvocate if you get upset about people looking for tips in your area. Maybe you will even make a new friend. God forbid! I have met a ton of awesome BA's from posting for tips in the Belgium/Netherlands forum before trips. But by your rational I shouldn't have done that and just used beerfly?

 

Also... If you are relying on Beer Fly you are assuming that the place has a lot of reviews. Very often there are local BA's that are lurkers on this site that choose not to review places but have great reccomendations that they are willing to share on a thread. A perfect example of this is De Bistronoom in Belgium. Only 3 reviews on this site and I doubt anyone would find out about it using Beerfly but yet it is an amazing place. This is especially true internationally where language barriers can be an issue.

If someone asking a simple question on a forum bothers you this much the issue is you not them.

 

Tender on the mark.

In fact... we shouldn't even discuss beers anymore. Just check the reviews. Why bother having a discussion about a specific beer or brewery, when you can just check the reviews and get your info there?

 

Not just beerfly but search the forum. The same "heading to Vt" thread comes up every week

 

Errr.. yeah, except that I'm advocating PARTICIPATING in threads like this.

Hence... participation.