Boston BarHopper is a completely independent website. Nearly everything you see here is my own work – words, pictures, ideas, opinions. Exceptions are few, and clearly marked. No individual or organization dictates the type or tone of the content that appears on this site. I am not paid for the work I do, nor do I maintain any financial relationship with any entity in conjunction with my work. As you’ll see, there is no advertising on Boston BarHopper. I routinely decline requests from vendors to advertise on this site because I wish to avoid any conflict of interest, real or perceived. And frankly, I think BBH looks a lot better without ads. This policy is not set in stone; I may eventually consider advertising revenue as a means of offsetting the costs associated with this venture. But for the foreseeable future, enjoy this commercial-free zone.
I maintain informal relationships with a number of marketing and public relations firms. Individuals from these firms often notify me of, and coordinate my attendance at, promotional and other events. Most of these events are free and open to the public, although I have received complimentary or discounted admission to several events that did charge a fee. I am never under any obligation to write about these events or promote them via social media. Media-only events are identified as such.
I personally pay for the vast majority of the food and drinks that I write about, but there are exceptions. The aforementioned marketing firms occasionally invite me to visit the bars and restaurants that they represent. Typically this is in conjunction with a special event – a new opening, a change to the cocktail or culinary program, etc. In a number of such cases, my food and drinks have been paid for, in whole or in part, by either the marketing company or the restaurant (or some combination thereof). I only accept these assignments if they meet certain criteria:
-- The bar/restaurant is one that I want to visit or have already visited and determined it would be an appropriate subject to present on this site.
-- I am not notified in advance of my visit that I will receive anything free of charge.
-- There is no obligation for me to write about the establishment, nor is there any editorial control over the content of my story.
I decline to accept assignments that fail to meet these criteria or otherwise do not fit the profile of this website.
With rare exception, I do not notify management of a bar/restaurant in advance of my initial visit that I’m planning to be at their establishment with the intention of writing about them.
The posts that appear on this site are almost universally positive. This is a philosophical decision born out of my dislike for the harsh negativity that infects the comment sections of certain websites or review sites such as Yelp. If I don't care for a bar, restaurant, or product, I simply won't write about it at all. Further, I am not a critic. I don't consider my posts to be "reviews." I view them as chronicles of my experiences in a particular establishment.
None of my posts should be considered an endorsement of an establishment or product. I am supportive of the establishments I write about, particularly small local businesses. But I do not and will not promote one entity over another.
I do not promote entities, brands, or products on this website or on any social media outlet. My posting a picture of a product (e.g., a bottle of Beefeater gin) should not be construed as an advertisement or inducement to purchase that product. Such posts typically reflect nothing more than my personal appreciation for and consumption of that product.
I typically avoid promoting events on social media (e.g., a tweet about an upcoming product release or promotion) unless I'm planning to attend that event. I would never promote such an event in exchange for complimentary or favored admission.
If I choose to write about a product sent to me free of charge by a vendor (e.g., a spirit, a new beer), I will make the circumstances abundantly clear to readers.
All content provided on this site is for informational purposes only. The owner of this site makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.
The owner of Boston BarHopper will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
Pictures featured on this website may be shared on social media, including but not limited to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, provided those pictures are clearly attributed to Boston BarHopper. Acceptable attribution may be in the form of a link to this website or to my Twitter or Instagram feeds. These pictures may not be digitally modified in any way or reproduced for commercial use without my express consent.