One silly thought to get out of the way, then a few links related to “What did AB InBev buy most recently and what does it mean?” so Monday links can be focus on other matters.
I think Dogfish Head Craft Brewery founder gets credit for coming up with the term “indie craft beer,” an obvious play on “indie music.” But watching this made me think we could use more categories, starting with “outlaw beer.”
#RateGate
Does anybody know who should get credit for coming up with the hashtag?
– A craft beer backlash is brewing against RateBeer following AB InBev investment. [Via SFFATE]
– AB InBev Buys Stakes in Craft Beer Sites, Provoking a Backlash. [Via Advertising Age]
– RATEBEER and InBev. [Via Make Mine a Half; h/T @BoakandBailey]
– and Why i Love RateBeer. [More from Make Mine a Half]
This from the first article: “We’ve created an API through which other brewers, industry watchers, journalists and others can view the same ratings information that ZX Ventures does,” (Joe) Tucker told SFGATE. And there’s more details in Rate Beer Weekly.
So what is ZX Ventures buying if even us lowly journalists can access the information we want? According to Rate Beer Weekly, “ZX gains access to insights around consumer trends, a better understanding of the beer consumer and beer markets around the world, which enables them to keep a finger on the pulse. They believe RateBeer is the tool to help beer drinkers best navigate the sometimes overwhelming beer market, better informing them of all the beer selections so they can make the best choice for their tastes.” I’m still confused.
Anyway, I’ve heard stories like Craig tells (last two links) dozens of times. He writes, “It’s been a part of my Life for Over 10 Years and despite recent developments i hope it can continue to bring me many more years of joy.”
Rate Beer has provided the landscape/architecture and like-minded people have created communities (plural). It does not appear that ZX Ventures will be getting the loyalty of those various communities. Obviously, that would be more valuable than the data, no matter how Big.
This backlash seems a bit alarmist to me. It doesn’t even say it’s a majority interest… Removing your beers from the site because of it seems a bit extreme and disappointing to users who have been loyal to the app. These companies need to survive and be able to update their apps. Maybe other people are outraged and can explain? But I don’t get it in this case.