GoBlueRidge.net - Blowing Rock Festival Named Top 20 Event by Tourism Group - Constantly Updated High Country NC News Source

Overall

Registered | 11/02/2009 11:53AM

Two things left out here:

1. The STS names 20 top events hosted by its paying membership EVERY MONTH. This means there are actually 240 "Top Events" named annually, or roughly one for each and every dues-paying member destination listed on the organization's website.

2. The third eligibility requirement for an event's consideration for inclusion on the monthly list is a self-paid $10 nomination fee.

When one realizes that not a single Wilkes County entity (TDA, CVB, Chamber of Commerce, travel agency, hotel, etc.) has paid between $195 and $900 in annual dues to become a direct member of the Society, it's a bit easier to understand how the wine fest is "honored" in April but Merlefest is not.

Find confirmation at www.southeasttourism.org/top20/

june	Registered \| 11/04/2009 11:09AM

While it's true that 20 events are named each month, I don't think that's very relevant. The Southeast Tourism Society represents a very large area, and 240 events per year is a small percentage.
There is a lot more to be found on the Society's website than information about an entry fee. For instance, on the press pages, one finds that the membership number is 900, much more than 'roughly one for every Top 20 event.' Also, the Blue Ridge Wine Festival is not on the member lists, nor is the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority, Chamber of Commerce, or any other organization affiliated with the festival.
I would imagine that Merlefest would have no problem getting on the Top 20 list if someone in Wilkes County went through the trouble of nominating it, whether it's a member or not.

abacab

Registered | 11/02/2009 9:06PM

To make money you have to spend money! :wink:

Overall

Registered | 11/02/2009 10:26PM

Not always. It doesn't cost any money to type up a press release, send it to GBR, and get it posted nearly word-for-word, free of the type of independent confirmation or investigative follow-up that might provide honest, objective context in which one's claims can be properly evaluated by readers.

The process appears to involve a rather sizeable expenditure of GBR's journalistic integrity, but no real money.

Luci	Registered \| 11/03/2009 8:25AM

more w(h)ining....

paulman1

Registered | 11/03/2009 12:39PM

"GBR's Journalistic integrity.."
Overall what are you talking and complaining about.. GBR simply passes on releases from various sources whether it be Police and Government officials,School boards, or Business or Civic orgainization's ... There is no reporting,fact checking or any kind journalism going on here..To think otherwise is simply foolish thinking..

Overall

Registered | 11/03/2009 4:51PM

Hey, Mancini, I think you have a little chocolate on your nose.