20/11/2013

Nepotism: Because I Can.

My sister is an incredible human being. Our whole family has forever and always been involved in the food industry in some way. And she being the odd one out, has always loved baking. So much so that she COMPLETELY SELF-TAUGHT herself how to make these incredible creations, over and above her full catering service.

But they're not just beautiful. They also taste delish, are dairy-free, and she can try accommodate for other allergies.

I am so exceptionally proud of her - so here is my little blog full of nepotism. Sue me.

Please like her page on Facebook and give her a little (lotta) love.


12/11/2013

How not to be an asshole PR agency that everyone hates

I recentlyish wrote a post called, "How not to be an asshole blogger that everyone hates" - and quite a few of you felt that it was time that it was said. But now it is time to turn it around. You know what, some bloggers deserve to be taken seriously. Very seriously. Because blogging, whether you like it or not, is a serious profession.


HOW NOT TO BE AN ASSHOLE PR AGENCY THAT EVERYONE HATES

1. Dear Blogger.

Weird story, my name isn't blogger, media, press or guest! So, if you can't take the bloody time to write my bloody name, or GASP, get bloody database software to do it for you - then I seriously don't have the time to read your bloody email.

2. Hey, hey hey hey! I have a press release for you! Hey hey hey!!!

Well hello there, Sparky. Yes, I have seen your press release. All 539 of them that you've spammed me with in the last week. And yes, while they may "be ready for immediate release" - guess what, I don't wanna. And guess what else? You can't make me. So stop asking, and send some real content please, or everyone will hate you.

3. The "no-release" sulker.

The only thing worse than getting a million press releases is being questioned on why you don't post them. Seriously? Everyone hates you.

4. We had a party, you weren't invited.

"Hey there, last week we had the launch party of Very Fancy Brand, at Very Fancy Venue, and all these Very Fancy People were there. But we didn't invite you. However, please write about it!". I hate you. 

5. Have this. Now write.

There isn't much more I love (pronounced: hate) more than snide emails about not reviewing a product that I've been sent. Unless previously discussed, how could it make any sense to think that sending a R20 bottle of wine would ensure a review? Really? Does that bottle go towards my rent? Will it pay the bills? No. Will it take up space where something else better, and more interesting could be? Yes. So no. 

6. We promise it is great, we promise.

On the other hand, I've been sent reviews of products and asked to post them as if they were mine. All you're saying is that my opinion is obviously of no interest to you, and you really don't care about my integrity. I don't even have words to explain the hate.

7. Expo$ure.

"Hi there, we would like a review, blogpost, banner ads, tweets, and Facebook posts. We'll pay you in exposure on the brands page". LOL! LOLOLOLOL! When you start off, exposure is cool - it's a foot in the door. Don't ask someone who has been blogging for years to work that hard for exposure. Pah-lease.

8. Drink and Drive.

"We're having a big wine tasting party. We want you to come. However, it is really far away and you can't bring a partner to convince to be the designated driver and we aren't organising transport." There is so much wrong with this. Firstly, I don't have a big company to pay my petrol for me. I can't afford to cab all the way there. If you want me to taste everything, I need to drink it or I can't give an opinion. Yes, true, I could spit out the wine. OR YOU COULD ORGANISE TRANSPORT.

9. You're invited... for R300 bucks.

The amount of times I get "invites" asking to attend an event, give it exposure beforehand, then write about it afterwards - but I have to pay to attend, is frightening. Firstly, don't call it an invite. It's not. You don't invite someone to pay. Secondly, you're asking me to PAY YOU, to work FOR YOU. And if I say that unfortunately I will not be able to attend, don't keep asking why. But you know what? I hate you.

I am sure there are more of these. If you have any to add, let me know...

10. Kayu Lee

This is an adaptation of point 1. Oh, good start, you tried to get my name in the email. But I have been so many variations of Kayli Vee, I am starting to wonder what my name actually is. And what's worse, my name is in my email address. HOW DO YOU GET THAT WRONG?! (Thanks @LeeLipman for the thought)

11. No takesies backsies

"Hey Kayli we would love you to review our brand new Fancy Shmancy Product!" "Cool! I would love to!" "Great! We just want to know what you really think of it! And to have fun!" "You guys are the best!" "And then give it back after a week." "I hate you". 

11/11/2013

Go on, stick your neck out [post and competition]

Sometimes I get invited to weekday events that I have to turn down because of my day-job. Every time it happens, a little part of me jumps up from my desk, and runs crying and screaming out of the window.

But the other day the stars lined up and I was invited to an awesome event the day before my birthday – which also happened to be a Monday. GUESS WHO DECIDED TO TAKE LEAVE?  


01/11/2013

Laughs, steak and drinkies for two from HQ [competition]

Ohhhh, I love me some steak. Ohhhhh, I love me some chippies. Ohh, I loooooove me some comedy. And guess what, I have some for you guys!!! Shit son, I'm kind.


The nice humans at HQ have given me tickets for comedy and a three course dinner for 2. Give them a round of applause.

So here's the story, to enter do the following:

1. Follow @kaylivee on twitter
2. Follow @HQcapetown on twitter
3. Tweet the following:

Hey @kaylivee I would love to win me some steak, chips, drinks and laughs with you and @HQcapetown http://bit.ly/18Iuqb5


FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

Comment here with a joke. I like jokes.

Okidokes, that's all.

Smooches.