
Since the publication of the original post on this topic, reaction has been swift and polarizing. While trying to bring up constructive criticism to a segment of the industry for which issues have been long discussed in private, one of the companies that we reported as an example has seen fit to accuse this blog of making false statements…being that they make all their own products themselves with their own recipes or use a a co-packer to accomplish the same. So, with all journalistic intent, we responded to Pepper Palace with every intent of them providing specific information that would debunk our claim. In fact, this offer was made on more than one occasion, and the conversation went from being on-topic about this most recent post to personal statements about this blog and its place within the hot & spicy food industry. Our conversation has been with Craig Migawa, CEO of Pepper Palace. So that it can be noted what was said, here is much of that conversation which all comes from email conversations not posted in the Comments section of that post:
Pepper Palace: “If you need further information on Pepper Palace, please request it at craigm@pepperpalace.Posting information without being properly informed can jeopardize the integrity of your blog.”
Hot Zone Online: “If there is any dispute with what is written on this blog, we welcome the opportunity to clarify or correct it for the sake of our readers. In fact, we would publish it as a “part 2″ to the most recent posting.
As such, would you be willing to answer a series of questions regarding the manufacturing, creation, and labeling of the Pepper Palace products? This would be done in writing via email to reduce the risk of miscommunication through a phone call. We would then publish the conversation in its entirety as part of the post.”
PP: “Thanks for the offer. However, I would investigate my writings prior to making them public. Your being so terribly misinformed has inspired me to update the “About Us” section at pepperpalace.com. Please advise all your readers to check it out.”
HZO: “In light of your strongly-worded rebuke of the article, one would have thought that you would relish going on the record to give the readers more updated information rather than merely adjusting your website.
There will be a follow up to the article, I’m sure, but along with asking readers to check out an external source for more information, it will have to be noted that you declined the offer to go “on the record” to answer questions to clarify any information, or misinformation, that currently exists.
I know you’re “busy” with your production facilities, including processing all that horseradish, so we’ll not pursue this issue any further. If you change your mind and would like to reconsider providing some information, please do not hesitate to contact us.”
PP: “This blog is the record? Don’t flatter yourself. Include all your advertisers hard production work as well.”
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