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    — Todd, Founder of BeerAdvocate

BeerAdvocate and Untappd Have Joined Forces

Discussion in 'Blog' started by Todd, Feb 24, 2020.

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  1. Todd

    Todd Founder (13,244) Aug 23, 1996 Finland
    Staff Super Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    [​IMG]

    I'm excited to announce that BeerAdvocate and Untappd have joined forces under the Next Glass umbrella. BeerAdvocate will maintain its distinct brand identity, and continue as its own community, website, series of events, and beyond.

    We've been struggling to keep the lights on for over two years, and we still face some challenges, but I'm confident that this is the best path for all of us. Next Glass is committed to not only helping BeerAdvocate, but passionate about protecting and cultivating our unique culture, identity, and community.

    I also have a lot of respect for what Greg Avola, Untappd's Co-Founder and CTO, and team have built over the past nine years, and this next chapter is a great opportunity to explore new features and opportunities. Untappd brings over 100 talented coworkers, killer app development, and powerful sales and insights to the table. BeerAdvocate brings nearly a quarter of a century of advocating for beer, the benchmark for beer reviews, an awesome community, the internet's largest beer forum, a decade of publishing experience and award-winning content, over 70 world-class beer events, and our "Respect Beer" motto.

    Together, under one banner, BeerAdvocate and Untappd will explore ways to collaborate, strengthen both communities, and provide unmatched resources for its users and the industry.

    It's a bittersweet moment, but I'm excited for the future and look forward to working with my new coworkers in taking BeerAdvocate to the next level. And get ready, Brooklyn. Extreme Beer Fest cometh this September. More on that soon...

    In the meantime, I'm sure many of you will have questions and concerns. I might not have all the answers right now, but I encourage you to post them and I'll do my best.

    As always, thanks for your support.

    Sincerely,

    Todd Alström
    Founder, BeerAdvocate
     
    #1 Todd, Feb 24, 2020
    Shanex, Catalina_Desiree, BigAggie89 and 131 others like this.
  2. Todd

    Todd Founder (13,244) Aug 23, 1996 Finland
    Staff Super Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    I've tried to anticipate some of your questions specific to this announcement, and I'll update this FAQ as needed. For general site help and questions, please refer to our main FAQ.

    GENERAL

    What happened?
    A large portion of our business relied on revenue from BeerAdvocate magazine. As the focus of readers and advertisers shifted over recent years, our publication wasn't immune to the issues that have impacted the entire print media industry.

    Next Glass stepped up to ensure that our awesome community that we've all worked hard to cultivate since 1996 can continue to thrive for years to come.

    Are you on Untappd now?
    I am. I downloaded it while ago for research. https://untappd.com/user/toddalstrom

    MY ACCOUNT & DATA

    Does this mean I’m an Untappd user now?
    No, but you're free to become one: https://untappd.com, and there's a good chance that many of you already are.

    Will I be able to link my BeerAdvocate and Untappd accounts?
    Not at this time, but you can add a link to your Untappd account on your profile page.

    Can I sync my BeerAdvocate ratings with Untappd check-ins or vice versa?
    Not at this time.

    What will happen to my Respect Beer Society membership?
    Nothing. Your perks are intact, your membership will expire as scheduled, and we hope you'll renew and continue to support our efforts.

    Does Untappd own my data now?
    Next Glass has acquired the data.

    WEBSITE

    Are we going to start seeing Untappd branding on the website?
    We're currently exploring crossover promotions and functionality, but only where it makes sense for both communities and platforms. Next Glass understands BeerAdvocate and Untappd are distinct communities with different use cases and has no plans to change that. The brands will remain separate and I wouldn’t expect to see much Untappd branding on the BeerAdvocate site and vice-versa.

    What website improvements or new features can we expect?
    We're currently exploring the endless opportunities, and I’m stoked to get to work with more financial and technical resources behind us.

    Will this impact how we currently rate and review?
    No. BeerAdvocate and Untappd are separate platforms.

    Will this impact beer scores, top rated beers, etc?
    No. BeerAdvocate and Untappd are separate platforms.

    Will BeerAdvocate and Untappd sync data (beers, places, etc.)?
    We've discussed streamlining and centralizing some data and services, but nothing has been implemented at this time.

    Will Untappd users have access to our forums?
    Of course. Anyone can participate in our forums, and we welcome all Untappd users to create an account and join the discussion.

    FESTIVALS

    Do you still plan on hosting beer fests?
    Hell yeah! In fact, I'm currently curating the invite list for Extreme Beer Fest in Brooklyn this September.

    Are there any other BeerAdvocate fests planned for this year?
    Yes. We'll be mapping out the rest of the year beginning this week. Updates to follow!

    Will you be involved with Untappd's beer fests and vice versa?
    Yes. We're all one family now and we'll be sharing our collective experiences and resources to host world-class events. That said, our fests will be different experiences and cater to different communities. Extreme will still be Extreme!

    APP

    What does this mean for the long-awaited BeerAdvocate app?
    As mentioned in recent updates, I decided to pull the beta app and take a step back as a lot had changed since we first started app development nearly two years ago. Now that we have the resources, we plan to revisit development later this year and we'll be sure to keep you updated on our progress.

    MAGAZINE

    Does this mean that BeerAdvocate magazine will come back?
    I've learned to never say never.
     
    #2 Todd, Feb 24, 2020
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  3. Todd

    Todd Founder (13,244) Aug 23, 1996 Finland
    Staff Super Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Related Reading:
     
    #3 Todd, Feb 24, 2020
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  4. cambabeer

    cambabeer Pooh-Bah (2,634) Dec 29, 2010 New York
    Super Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    I'm nothing but supportive of anything that keeps BeerAdvocate's lights on and around for a long time! Good luck with all the transition stuff that comes with big moves like this.
     
    #4 cambabeer, Feb 24, 2020
    BeastOfTheNortheast, Eduk8traz, Alefflicted and 47 others like this.
  5. cavedave

    cavedave Grand Pooh-Bah (4,083) Mar 12, 2009 New York
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Mirrors the moves going on in the industry around us. Will be interesting to observe this from my new "ousider" status, as I technically don't have any irons in this fire anymore. I hope this is a great move for all involved.
     
    #5 cavedave, Feb 24, 2020
    Alefflicted, neenerzig, egrandfield and 27 others like this.
  6. DIM

    DIM Grand Pooh-Bah (3,984) Sep 28, 2006 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Thanks for the update and for fourteen years of enjoying a profoundly impactful beer education website that also happens to be home to an awesome community of like-minded folks. Very excited to see what the future holds.:beers:
     
    #6 DIM, Feb 24, 2020
    neenerzig, egrandfield, nicholas2121 and 19 others like this.
  7. Snowcrash000

    Snowcrash000 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,857) Oct 4, 2017 Germany
    Super Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    This day just keeps getting better and better...
     
    #7 Snowcrash000, Feb 24, 2020
    nicholas2121, Bitterbill, PapaGoose03 and 2 others like this.
  8. AlcahueteJ

    AlcahueteJ Grand Pooh-Bah (3,076) Dec 4, 2004 Massachusetts
    Pooh-Bah Society

    @Todd

    I had no idea there was a struggle to keep the lights on the last two years.

    I immediately went to sign up for a Respect Beer Society membership, but unfortunately it's under maintenance.

    Best of luck, I obviously love this website, and wish you all the best with your new venture!
     
    #8 AlcahueteJ, Feb 24, 2020
    Roguer, Alefflicted, neenerzig and 25 others like this.
  9. Zach423

    Zach423 Initiate (0) Dec 9, 2018 Massachusetts

    Respect the decision. I think keeping the branding but using untappd's resources and competencies will allow BA to prosper in years to come. Cheers to a promising and exciting future!
     
    #9 Zach423, Feb 24, 2020
    nicholas2121, beersampler6, dmbforever and 6 others like this.
  10. jvgoor3786

    jvgoor3786 Grand Pooh-Bah (4,176) May 28, 2015 Arkansas
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Thanks, @Todd. In my nearly five years years here you've always been "customer" focused. This is the most responsive site I've ever seen to user input. I trust you're making the right move, and I'm interested to see what it brings going forward.
     
    #10 jvgoor3786, Feb 24, 2020
    2beerdogs, ChicagoJ, TrojanRB and 9 others like this.
  11. ATL6245

    ATL6245 Pooh-Bah (2,980) Aug 16, 2018 Georgia
    Pooh-Bah Society

    Congrats! I can only image how challenging it has been over the past few years. I am glad BA is staying separate. I use both formats; but much prefer BA's. I really don't like Untappd rating format, as it lends itself to reviews by beer drinkers that are less concerned about honest reviews. Hope they keep the two separate. Also hope we get a BA app; still would love to have that over Untappd. Thanks!
     
    #11 ATL6245, Feb 24, 2020
    Alefflicted, EdFed, Gary6R and 9 others like this.
  12. StoutSnob40

    StoutSnob40 Grand Pooh-Bah (4,455) Jan 4, 2013 California
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Wow. That’s pretty nuts. Congrats. I’d be very bummed if this site ever went down, so I’m glad this has provided some breathing room.
     
    #12 StoutSnob40, Feb 24, 2020
    Alefflicted, nicholas2121, Gary6R and 21 others like this.
  13. Snowcrash000

    Snowcrash000 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,857) Oct 4, 2017 Germany
    Super Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    I have pretty strong opinions on untappd, which would probably be inappropriate to voice here now. Speaking generally, I think it's quite sad that we live in a world where those who cater to the lowest common denominator and short attentions spans thrive, while those trying to create a more engaging, in-depth experience struggle to get by.

    I wish Beer Advocate the best of luck and success in the future and hope that this will prove to be the right move going forward and that it will indeed remain a separate entity for a long time to come.

    Concerning the app, I'm not sure how it would be in untappd's best interest to create a rival platform to its own, but then again, I have never been that concerned with apps.
     
    #13 Snowcrash000, Feb 24, 2020
    Bierschenker, heydre, DOCRW and 53 others like this.
  14. Prager62

    Prager62 Grand Pooh-Bah (4,076) May 7, 2010 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Congrats on a move that makes sense and should strengthen both sites. I'll be sending you and Jason friend requests.
     
    #14 Prager62, Feb 24, 2020
    Alefflicted, nicholas2121, 2beerdogs and 5 others like this.
  15. Harrison8

    Harrison8 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,659) Dec 6, 2015 Missouri
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Sounds like a promising future for Beer Advocate and Untappd.

    I'd be curious to see if we could ever upload our Beer Advocate beer's list to Untappd. It would make purchasing new beers a little more simple.
     
    #15 Harrison8, Feb 24, 2020
    Alefflicted, 2beerdogs, tzieser and 9 others like this.
  16. jageraholic

    jageraholic Maven (1,378) Sep 16, 2009 Massachusetts
    Trader

    Who owns Next Glass? I'm finding very little about it online.
     
    #16 jageraholic, Feb 24, 2020
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  17. highdesertdrinker

    highdesertdrinker Pooh-Bah (2,180) Nov 5, 2012 Arizona
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I hope it works out for you guys. It’s just a hobby for most of us, but it’s your livelihood. Hopefully the website keeps marching along as before. It’s a great resource with a lot of good peeps.
     
    #17 highdesertdrinker, Feb 24, 2020
    qchic, neenerzig, nicholas2121 and 5 others like this.
  18. honkey

    honkey Maven (1,326) Aug 28, 2010 Arizona
    Trader

    Interesting news. As long as the forums here remain mostly the same, I'll be a happy camper. This has been my favorite site for beer related news since I was 18... er, I mean 21 :wink:
     
    #18 honkey, Feb 24, 2020
    neenerzig, Gary6R, beersampler6 and 33 others like this.
  19. rgordon

    rgordon Pooh-Bah (2,627) Apr 26, 2012 North Carolina
    Pooh-Bah

    Same here. I've been around since Pop the Cap in North Carolina in the early/mid 00s. This law allowing above 6% beer forever changed the course of North Carolina's influence in the national beer scene. I found this place supportive and have profound fondness for a number of folks around here. Bon chance........
     
    #19 rgordon, Feb 24, 2020
    qchic, 2beerdogs, Thankin_Hank and 11 others like this.
  20. deleted_user_950283

    deleted_user_950283 Initiate (0) Feb 25, 2015
    Trader

    Awesome news! Congratulations Todd, Jason, Greg, and all the rest of my fellow beer freaks. The best beer website and community is finally paired with the best beer smartphone app. We all can only benefit from the conglomeration in the future. :grin:
     
    #20 deleted_user_950283, Feb 24, 2020
    mickyge, 2beerdogs, Keztag and 13 others like this.
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