...to hear from the Fat Rum Pirate. Because his words were so moving, rather than paraphrasing this gentleman, I'll let him speak for himself in a communication of which he should rightfully be proud, and that was quite informative in re his site.
(...very slight edits to protect personal data)Pirate:
...Thank you for the addendum. I'll further explain to allay your skepticism. The site was originally published in February 2014 but the idea and the writing began in late 2012. The rum collection (it gets drank so perhaps another word would be better) began in around 2010.
I have around 90 reviews on the site. The vast majority of these are popular and accessible rums. Typically around £25 mark. In the UK shops selection is very limited. so mail order brings with it postage costs. As a result I will typically buy 6 bottles per month end.
In addition to this we have had Christmas', birthdays etc. Rum is frequently bought for me. Likewise I have had 7 holidays in this time and alcohol in Europe is much cheaper than the UK.
So the collection has grown considerably. I understand what you are saying about the advertising. We have some affiliate links. Drink Shop, Drinkstuff and possibly another that I can't quite remember. The rest such as The Rumfest, Rum Renaissance are not there in any other capacity than the Blogroll. It's just helping other people in rum get info etc. And I guess helping those involved as well.
I know the site may look commercial. And hey it would be great if I got loads of clicks and purchases as I could review even more rum. But tha'ts not happening and I doubt it ever will. Possibly because over 70% of my readers are in USA or Canada...(edit)... Though on a serious note how often do people buy on click link? Especially without researching themselves?
Anyway I am now at a point where I have a lot of the staple rums reviewed. As you know I do still follow the Rum Project and I have purchased Barbancourt, Scarlet Ibis (amongst others) and I will be getting the Viejo de Caldas soon. Now with the staple rums reviewed I plan on releasing a review of a "classic" or "indie" bottling alongside a more contemporary offering each week.
I don't know if you are aware but I am very active on Social Media, forum groups etc. I accept this may annoy people BUT I believe that such is the laziness of man in todays world some people need things placed in front of them.
You have a pet hate with regard added sugar my pet hate in rum is sampling using freebies. I do not plan on calling out reviewers by name but I do plan on purchasing (I've just paid £36 for a bottle of Tiburon rum) the rums which I see other reviewers receive samples of (many brag about their freebies prior to the review). I will then conduct my review as a consumer with no strings attached. I will attempt to get these reviews out prior to theirs. I believe that as probably the most active and visible Rum Reviewer (especially on Social Media) it may discourage another fawning review of what is a very average/poor rum.
I have already noticed that a couple of the freebie reviewers seem to lose my comments.....Especially when I post links to my reviews something I would not discourage (apart from maybe one "reviewer").
Whilst I think we have had our differences in the past I do believe that we should perhaps put the past behind us. I agree with a lot of your views. Not everything but a lot. And I do enjoy reading The Project. Outside of The Project I get along well with at least two of your regulars and possibly a few more I have not yet recognised.
I'm not after anything from you but I believe that we might do ourselves more good than harm by at least being able to communicate with each other. I won't ever see everything 100% your way and vice versa. But we do have common ground.
Kind Regards
(Fat Rum Pirate)"
In addition to this, the Pirate not only signed the petition, but also re-linked the Project, and linked our Save Caribbean Rum Petition on his site!
I was both honored and floored. After all that transpired, it truly takes a man among men to act in such a civil way to repair burnt bridges. I was truly humbled and moved and accepted this very well meant and sincere communication, so emailed him back...
(...very slight edits for clarity)Moi:
"(FRP)... I must say I was taken aback by your honest and conciliatory email. I was both humbled and moved by your reaching out. Putting the past behind is something we all need to do, Moi quite included and yes, I think that's a good idea.
Life demands that. Holding onto the past is simply not healthy, or realistic. We are all changing, all of the time.
It's not about winning and losing (though it is for the truly commercial sites) especially for those of us who manage through great personal expense and effort (to run personal websites); it should rather be about truth and transparency. Thus, when the likes of us appear to be odds (eg the "Interview"), no matter who may or may not prevail, all readers tend to feel uncomfortable.
Everybody loses in such matters... Again, my sincere thanks for your email. Let's bury the hatchet, hopefully not in one another....
Best,
CJ"
A perfect ending to a thread that I'm sure became uncomfortable for all. I ask the forbearance of all readers and in particular of Bearmark - an active, valued member and a good man - and ask you all to join the Pirate and I in putting the past behind. If we can, you can, and as Richard Seale once said to me (paraphrase) "...the Rum Project is far too important for any of you to get entangled in internecine warfare among yourselves". In a like spirit, I have removed the "Open Letter" and the "Mutual Interview". This is no time to keep score, but it is a time for all concerned to forgive and forget, live and let live.
We have much bigger fish to fry, and sugars to test...
I believe the Fat Rum Pirate has acted with great honor, and that he means to join the effort to be part of the solution. That is commendable. No two people agree completely, but it is gratifying to learn that the Pirate and I are in more accord than we'd thought. A rum lover's spat if you will.
Carry on...
