The comment above appeared on three different Urbanspoon pages linked to my own site’s reviews. I must admit that while I wasn’t shocked or surprised at what I saw (I get hate mail all the time), I was a little disappointed that someone seriously believes what they wrote. While I could go on for hours about this particular person’s rant, I have only one thing to say:
I gave Baldy’s BBQ in Lakeville a very positive review even though many people think the place flat out sucks.
I dish out a lot of grief to those I review or write about and I guess this is one of the first more public attempts to give me back some of my own medicine and as such I’d like to hear what you have to say. Perhaps more of you come and read here because you think I’m somehow credible–completely counter to what I personally believe. Perhaps you agree that I’m biased and/or a coward in the way that I write and/or conduct business on this site. Maybe you are truly confused and believe I am a ‘restaurant critic’. What are some things you’d like to see change around here to meet whatever it is that you’re looking for this site to provide? Whatever it is you have to say regarding “pos-billroehl”‘s rant on Urbanspoon go ahead and comment on as I’d love to hear it.
No related posts.
Dakota Complaints Map
Dakota Inmate Dashboard
Loading ...
August 18th, 2010 at 7:38 am
I sure wouldn’t change anything. You’ve made some small but noticable tweaks this year that I think have improved your overall readability (limited finhimers) but haven’t given up your edge, which is why people read stuff to begin with. If I wanted to get namby pamby vanillia news and reviews about things I’d listen to WCCO. This site is more like “real” conversations that I might have in my driveway or my garage, and as such I think, more genuine.
I love the comment “The site should be removed”, I assume that’s done by the Central Scrutinizer or or something. Bottom line, don’t like it, don’ t read.. but don’t get angry when thousands of other people feel differently and eagerly look forward too and lap up the content you put out.
Keep up the good work.. don’t let the small minded get you down.
August 18th, 2010 at 7:47 am
I agree with Sank 110%..
You have the right to visit or not visit. If you are offended, then go away. If you’re going to leave a comment, make sure it’s truthful, because Bill will bust your ass open with his truth sleuthing if it’s not!
Maybe one thing to add – a chart of photos used without permission, and invoices sent vs. paid :)
August 18th, 2010 at 8:16 am
I appreciate your honesty when it comes to reviews and your frank discussions regarding local governments and their sometimes stupid decisions.
I love the fact that I can learn about things here much sooner than I can with mainstream media (newspaper/TV), or in some cases, learn about things that I would NEVER hear about in the mainstream media. I love it when Bill scoops everyone else!
August 18th, 2010 at 8:18 am
who ever thought this site was credible? ;) bwwaahahahahaa
August 18th, 2010 at 8:19 am
Bill,
The person who wrote those posts is batshit crazy; I surprised that you’re giving him/her/it any further air time. :)
I even tried to laugh my way through this entities obvious obsession with you ( I think this person is secretly in love with you) to see if there was a review buried in the lunacy. In the example above, all we get:
“I see Baldys as a great place to eat.”
Now THERE’S “credible” and useful reviewing right there; not “cowardly” at all! =:-D
August 18th, 2010 at 8:23 am
What would make this more credible, would be a name (not the mission lol). I’ve only read this column for a short time, but my perception is that you go into a restaurant wanting to like it. It is, after all, your night out with your family or your friends. You want to have a good experience. But you try to tell the truth. I appreciate that, because my own resources (money, time, whatever) are limited. I may or may not go to a restaurant you didn’t care for, but your input helps me in my choices.
And I’m NOBODY’S “groopie”. : )
August 18th, 2010 at 8:26 am
Credible? How can someone who doesn’t like Chili’s be credible?
The reviewer probably drinks too much Pepsi. Messes with the synapses in the brain, makes ‘em misfire.
August 18th, 2010 at 8:30 am
In all seriousness, I don’t agree with everything that “Chip” says on this site. I like an occasional Chili’s-esque meal. I like Panino Bros. I like El Patio. And I love Grand Ole Creamery, which he dissed majorly on Twitter.
I also like that he has the right to own his own site and say whatever the bejesus he wants on it.
I do roll my virtual eyes at some posts, but then he makes me chicken and cheese stuffed breadsticks and all is well.
August 18th, 2010 at 8:36 am
Bill and I disagree on a lot of things. I am glad though that he has a site where he can share his opinions. It seems to be very valuable to many people in the South Metro who are either trying to keep up on the local politics or are looking for a good restaurant. Does he do it the way that I would? No. But that’s what makes America great. We are a nation of free speech. Would I be upset if he tore my restaurant apart? Yeah, but maybe that would make me make some improvements.
August 18th, 2010 at 8:50 am
It’s a tough call. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Everyone has their own opinions, but I think it’s very valid to point out the people that open restaurants yet, have no ability or experience in the kitchen. Far too many restaurants these days
ALL buy their food, products, ingredients from Cisco and simply deliver their SH#T to the customer and call it their own. You know? These mom and pop cafes, while sure, locally owned and we should support the local business, but I personally won’t be for something non-unique, i.e., simply re-heated or combined the ingredients from Cisco and just gave it to you. Anyone follow what I’m saying?
If you’re going to open a restaurant, if you’re going to own a restaurant, you damn well better be, ok, I’ll say it, an experience chef that knows food.
I’m going to self promote here. Acqua in White Bear Lake is a restaurant my brother works at and is a stakeholder. It’s pseudo fine dining. But they buy all their products local (from what I’m told, expect sea food, obviously, which is flowed in every other day and I think the same place Sea Salt Eatery gets theirs). Why am I bringing this up? While somewhat spendy, they are a THRIVING business as confirmed by their reservation book that is booked solid mostly EVERY DAY. Just checkout OpenTable if you don’t believe me. Local business. Doing it RIGHT. Great chef. Great team of restaurant needs that KNOW the business.
So Bill, I think you’re fair. While I think sometimes you go overboard on the cost of a salad (but you have every right to if it SUCKS) you give YOUR HONEST opinion. You know?
…oh, and while I personally have to give you demerits for thinking White Castles horsemeat burgers are awesome compared to In-N-Out, I still value what you write. I think we’re pretty close in line to opinions. So places you say might suck, would definitely make me think twice before going there.
August 18th, 2010 at 8:55 am
Bill,
If you’re looking for some critique, I would say that you have definitely lost some of your edginess over the past year. I think it’s been that long since you’ve shut down a restaurant with a tear of expletives. But I think this is a wise choice for your future and your family. I think it will keep you from getting murdered.
The question is can you still be edgy without expletives and without personal attacks on local politicians? I don’t know. I think that is why some people come to your site. It’s kind of like, “What is Bill going to write next?”
August 18th, 2010 at 8:57 am
Where can I get a “I’m a Bill Roehl Groupie” T-shirt
August 18th, 2010 at 9:07 am
I think we all just need to grow a beard to show our solidarity. Maybe get some t-shirts that read:
BEARDS for BILL
POS! POS! POS!
DIE RESTAURANT DIE!
or something like that; I’m still working on it.
August 18th, 2010 at 9:09 am
What I found most interesting and alarming in this person’s comment was “His site should be shut down and removed”. Right there it tells me this person is of a liberal mindset because they are the most intolerant of people when it comes to free speech and free opinion. What he is really saying is only my speech and my opinion should be heard. Whether one agrees with what you have to say or not should not give one the right to simply demand your opinion be disallowed, at least that once was the case in the America I grew up in. What this individual fails to understand in a free society that people have the freedom to choose whether or not they agree with you or even want to read your blog but this individual appears to want to take that freedom and choice away.
August 18th, 2010 at 9:10 am
The best part about your restaurant reviews is that they are brutally honest. You make no attempt to sugarcoat anything about the pluses or negatives at that particular restaurant and that’s why they work. If people can’t take the opinion of one strong-minded individual they need to go back to their basement and sob gently while listening to some Celine Dion.
August 18th, 2010 at 9:28 am
This Urbanspoon post has kept me laughing and should result in the following immediate changes.
Based on the number of posts you have, your name will be changed to groopie #1, groopie #2, …
Going forward Bill must wear a T-Shirt when dining that states “I am here to put you out of business.” in 6 different languages.
lazylightning.org must be shut down immediately because “pos-billroehl” knows best.
Signs for all restaurants in the south metro shall post 2′ x 3′ signs on their front door upon closing that state, CLOSED FOR BUSINESS BECAUSE OF THE POS BILL ROEHL.
August 18th, 2010 at 9:40 am
At best, what Bills site does is bring visibility to a variety of issues (including new restaurants) that people may not otherwise find out about. If Bill approves or disapproves can be entertaining, but what I hope happens is that Bills and other comments here spur people to investigate themselves.
As far as getting back some of your own medicine, I find the poster’s comments to be unfair and at best, nonsensical. That is the challenge with criticizing someone or some place. If you don’t know what you’re talking about when you do it, you end up just looking like a fool. At least you were nice enough to start a blog entry that the fool can comment on regarding your site. As bitching about your site on a post about Railroads would be kind of stupid.
August 18th, 2010 at 10:00 am
The Sankmeister really captured it for me:
One thing I find interesting is that “pos-billroehl” chose to take a shot at this site’s credibility on a site where there are absolutely no meaningful controls over restaurant owners making up screen names and posting fake rave reviews of their own gawdawful restaurants to drum up business.
“Credibility”, to me, is having the balls to attach your name and photo to your published opinions for all to see, something very few people on the internet have the guts to do. (No, I’m not missing the irony in saying that under a pseudonym “MSPD”)
One last note: When was the last time you read a truly honest, negative review of a restaurant in the local “credible” mainstream media? Anyone? Anyone?
It seems the credibility of the media gets checked at the restaurant door for fear of losing their precious ad revenue. All you get is enough to meet a deadline and maintain a good relationship with the business community. If the food sucks (e.g. Casa Nostra), they just fill 1,000 words with fluff about the owners’ family and how they used to live in Italy. The micro-local news like Thisweek is so busy brown-nosing businesses and local government just to get articles at all, you will never, ever see anything remotely negative spoken about local restaurants or business.
A person posting under a hastily created pseudonym on a site without standards.
A professional reviewer beholden to ad revenue and not wanting to jeopardize their access to future restaurants and business owners.
A person blogging under his real name typing out his observations and experiences as he perceived them.
Just whose “credibility” is really in question here?
August 18th, 2010 at 10:01 am
Tom M wrote “What I found most interesting and alarming in this person’s comment was “His site should be shut down and removed”. Right there it tells me this person is of a liberal mindset because they are the most intolerant of people when it comes to free speech and free opinion.”
Really? We’re going to throw down the labels? Turn off Glen Beck for a minute and realized that the left and the right are equally culpable for intolerance..
August 18th, 2010 at 10:08 am
Oh, and I would totally buy a “Die restaurant, die!” t-shirt.
August 18th, 2010 at 10:10 am
I find this site an interesting mix of local political insight, good fun and food news. I respect the fact that Bill posts all of his opinions, good and bad, using his name. It’s too bad that the person who is denigrating him for stating his opinions chose to hide his/her identity. If any behavior can be deemed cowardly, that’s it in my book.
Do I agree with everything Bill says? No, I don’t. But isn’t that the beauty of debate (which I happen to enjoy) and the back and forth of good conversation? I think so.
Besides, a person’s opinion is their opinion. You may not agree with it but it is their opinion. Neither right nor wrong but just different than your own or in agreement with it.
Ultimately if you don’t like what you read here don’t come back. To me it’s that simple.
I like it here. I like the mix of people that post and I enjoy the varied opinions found here. I start plenty of conversations with did you happen to read about so and so or this and that on Lazy Lightning today? Like I said, we may not always agree but I find the content refreshing and honest.
All I can say is that you can’t have a battle of wits with an unarmed person and there are many witless folks out there in cyber-land.
For total disclosure purposes I want to note that I do have content here on Bill’s site. But I was reading and enjoying it long before I became a contributor.
August 18th, 2010 at 10:21 am
Yikes Tom M; whoah there big fellah. Easy now. Let’s not slide off the edge of the wagon here and let wackjob”POS-BILLROEHL” get our undies in a bunch in the form of “the liberals/conservatives ate my balls” stuff. Yikes. That was a pretty looooong piece of rope you used to tie those things together.
Let’s all get some pizza and relax. :)
August 18th, 2010 at 10:27 am
Tearitup, you must have missed or forgot about the disclaimer that you read and clicked on when you set up your ID on lazylightning.org. By posting here you are not allowed to think for yourself, disagree with anything Bill says, or have a contrary opinion.
August 18th, 2010 at 10:32 am
Bill, somehow I get the feeling that you”re going to be a scape goat for a potential failed business . Yesterday stopped off for a subway next to the above mentioned BBQ eating establishment. The parking lot was packed!! Looked in the front window and NO customers….. they were all at the sandwich store. Also there was a banner next to the front door of the above mentioned eating establishment saying Mpls/St Pual best new BBQ. when in fact the magazine had mentioned six new BBQ restaurants and NOT recommending any one in particular. refer to Mpls/StP link: http://www.mspmag.com/dining/restaurantreviews/175743.asp
August 18th, 2010 at 11:03 am
Darn TL I must not have read the fine print.
August 18th, 2010 at 11:45 am
I personally feel that Kim is a saint to have to live with Bill 24/7.
August 18th, 2010 at 11:45 am
idiot, ‘a mentally handicapped person’, ‘a person of low intelligence’
not the bill we all know and love:)
‘piece of shit’
my description would be ‘unique individual’.
the moron who wrote that stuff obviously has his head up and locked.
bb
August 18th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Bill – don’t change a damn thing
August 18th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
After a couple hours of thinking, prehaps Bills being to hard on his alter-ego. Afterall, any publicity is better than no publicity. What a minutes here.. what if this story came from the Lazylightening PR Department? Hmmm…. now I really want to know who this ps-billroehl dumbass is.
And, I want to second the notion here that Kim is a Saint, and not just because she’s married to a guy with opinions.
August 18th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
That’s it! Bill’s astroturfing as his anti-self!
August 18th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
*snicker* This is agent Shadow of the Internet. You are in violation of the rules of the Internet. As such, your site will be taken down and removed.
Is that how this would work?? I’m really curious!! I love it when nothing needs to be done to make a person look like a total idiot than post his own unembellished words. This is a fine example of classic dipshittery on his part!
August 18th, 2010 at 1:41 pm
“One last note: When was the last time you read a truly honest, negative review of a restaurant in the local “credible” mainstream media? Anyone? Anyone?”
I miss Jeremy Iggers. Rick Nelson just LOVES everything. That’s not a restaurant review!!!!
August 18th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
I can say is “wow, that person needs to get a life.” I would ask the flame-thrower, “Why is Bill a POS–because he disagreed with you?” The only objection that I can see is “I tried to leave a comment and he rejected it.” Boo. Hoo. Ever hear of “editorial discretion?” By the way, I’m not even sure the claim is accurate.
Oh yeah, there’s also the “He’s not a restaurant critic” argument. Really. Where does one get one of those fancy, laminated “I’m a restaurant critic” cards?
August 18th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Well, I think we can all agree that this site should be shut down and removed. That pos-billroehl is so dishonest and his hate for local restaurants (like baldy’s) shows how he is against small businesses and he just wants to see large corporate restaurant chains succeed (even the mediocre ones).
I’m pretty confident that the Burnsville City Council should be able to get this site shut down for us. They can do that, right?
August 18th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
This is my go-to site for info on the SOTR. Bill’s work in codging out the political happenings of the area is very good, to my knowledge no other public outlet is doing that in the way he is. Kudos.
Bill’s reviews are hard and to the point. I find them very well detailed whether positive or negative. He is not always a gracious reviewer when he doesnt like something. Sometimes that offends me, sometimes not. But I keep coming back.
Methinks fatherhood has taken the f-inheimers and edginess away. Just an uninformed guess, but I agree with the other posters who have noticed the lack of same. Personally I prefer the new approach as I think it lends credibility. Whereas if i were downing a few brews around a campfire or a kitchen table I would prefer more f-inheimers.
August 18th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
Wow — that’s pretty much all I can say about this guy. A piece of work indeed.
People often don’t agree with reviews. It’s the nature of the beast. We disagree about the quality of restaurants (not to mention other things) all the time. And the stuff about wanting to see restaurants fail is just plain nonsensical.
I respect that people put a lot of work and money into opening and running these places; I couldn’t do it even if I knew anything about it. But it doesn’t mean nobody gets to criticize them, particularly when it’s done in the spirit of trying to improve the overall restaurant climate around here.
August 18th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
Bill, We started reading regularly this summer and we’re benefiting from your site just the way it is. We agree with Sank that getting your view about the venues south of the river is like talking to a neighbor while standing in your driveway. Your critiques give us stuff to key in on attributes of venues that we’d otherwise overlook.
August 18th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Silly little noob, how is it that you think the internet works? And free speech, for that matter? ‘Cause I’m really curious about how you think this whole shutting-down-sites-bit is going to function. Also, where do all of these tea-sipping, pinky-in-the-air people so easily offended by authors (gasp shudder horrors) cursing and posting their honest opinions coming from? Oy.
Bill, you go on with your bad self.
August 18th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
For what it’s worth, if there’s a lack of f-inheimers and edginess on Bill’s part, I like it that way. The truth is sharp enough without f-bombs and “edginess.”
August 19th, 2010 at 4:21 am
[...] information to journalists, insight into the Taste of Minnesota being run into the ground, a hater says Bill Roehl is a “POS” and “not a restaurant critic,” and Fulton Beer signs [...]
August 19th, 2010 at 9:01 am
I kind of miss the f-bombs. :)
August 19th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
I’m sure glad he gave us the definition of POS or I would have been lost. What I don’t get, though, is why he would want to post comments about your vision.
August 19th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
I’m not a groopie (heh) but I read your restaurant reviews now and again, and have no problem with them. Stay the course. Anonymous internet people are such a crabby lot.
I don’t read enough to know about the f-bomb count, but frankly, I’m a fan of the f-bomb. The grownup in me recommends you use sparingly.
And because I see I can add an image, I will.
August 19th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Percentage of f-bombs in posts written by Bill, by year:
August 19th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
I’ve noticed the lack of f-bombs and think it’s better without them as it appeals to a broader audience. I’m guessing Bill’s reasoning for dropping their use has more to do with that than it does his cute little kid, but I could be wrong.
My opinion: let the content speak for itself and leave the f-bombs for the discussion.
F-bombs or not, there’s nobody pumping out better more comprehensive analysis of restaurants and local politics south of the river.
August 19th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Bill still lets them fly on Twitter.
http://cursebird.com/garciasn
What is your reason for stopping the f-bombs on the blog? just curious.
August 19th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
http://www.lazylightning.org/21-million-transit-station-is-art-no-its-expensive#comment-42053
August 20th, 2010 at 7:19 am
f-bombs,
2010, 00.0%, should be,
2010, 00,0000000001% :)
bb
August 20th, 2010 at 7:52 am
bb,
You’re right, there is one post in 2010 written by me which includes ‘fuck’ but since it was quoting and referencing an already counted post from 2009′s total I disregarded it in 2010′s count.
August 20th, 2010 at 10:55 am
you’re still the best:)
bb
August 20th, 2010 at 11:11 am
DM said
Amen, sister!
Sank said
Now I need an “I HEART SANK” t-shirt.
MSPD said
Ohhhh maybe we could get that on the back of a lazylightning.org t-shirt from cafepress?
J said
Correct me if I’m wrong (and we all know he will), but I think Bill only “rejects” comments if they don’t come from a valid email address that can be confirmed. He might edit a comment if it contains a racial slur or something along those lines.
Anne wrote
Me too! I miss the fucking swearing.
August 20th, 2010 at 11:44 am
Abso-fucking-lutely!
August 21st, 2010 at 6:53 am
From Thoughts about Lazylightning.org and more specifically this comment:
August 21st, 2010 at 7:39 am
Good lord, get a life.
August 23rd, 2010 at 8:03 am
I HEART SANK Shirt? MRs S wouldn’t even wear one of those.
August 23rd, 2010 at 9:13 am
Interesting that the “Thoughts About..” website has, count them, zero followers.
‘Nuff said.
December 31st, 2010 at 11:08 am
[...] Lazy Lightning’s Credibility? Seriously? [...]