How do YOU keep score?

[Jerry D Mead]

One reason for the shorthand beyond the pretty prose of a Randy (and that's a compliment not a dig)is that reviews often end up as quotes on shelf cards and bottle neckers.

Back before I used numbers (or anyone else did for that matter) I was probably the most quoted writer in the nation...which was good for my ego if nothing else, but also helped me peddle the column to more outlets because it added to my notoriety.

But when Parker and WS came along with numbers AND descriptions...my quotes disappeared and their's never did appear. As people walk down the aisle a merchant or vintner has seconds to grab the customer's eye. Getting them to read a full review was tough.

But they could see PARKER 91 or WS 95 from across the room. Proof that the trade and consumers wanted numerical shorthand. I think part of the reason I have survided for more than three decades is that I try to give my readers what they're looking for...reviews on wines they have a chance to find, can afford...and, as it turns out, with a numerical score beyond the word description.

Randy...Here's a challenge. Experiment with using your 4-star with plusses and minuses scoring every other week (in addition to your usual description). I'll bet you a bippy that the local retailers will tell you that more people were motivated to seek out the wines you review when you give your top score pointwise...than when you just use words to describe a wine you like equally well.

So this week rave about a 4+ wine with words only. Next week rave about a 4+ wine and use the numbers too...and see if I'm not right.

And after all...what are we here for if not to motivate consumers to try new things.

I'll even bet you two bippies to one!!!!

Curmy