Ugly duckling or swan? - your views welcomed, I think.

By: Olly Wehring - 16 January 2007 14:38

It’s not everyday that I take personal offence to the feedback of our readers here on just-drinks.

Yesterday (15 January), however, I received an email which had me crying for most of the afternoon. Not only would I like to share this with you, which would be cathartic for me, naturally, but I would also like to know if any of you feel the same way about this delicate issue.

Each week, as I’m sure you’re aware, we send out a round-up email of what’s gone on in the last seven days. This email has what I concede is a somewhat harsh - but fair - representation of what I look like, near the top.

“Must your photo always be there when I open the email?” one reader asked yesterday. This subscriber goes on to say that they are “sick to death of looking at it”, and asks that I “please get rid of it”.

So, dear just-drinks reader, you can be honest with me - are you, too, sick of the sight of me? Do I really have the kind of face that only a mother could love?

I’m vulnerable right now, so please be gentle with your honesty.

Comments on this blog post

Well, Olly, if your photo will encourage people to comment more in your blog, you should change it weekly. This seems to be the first thread that seems to break the membrane between you and the readers. I come here for the content, that is always business, but with that certain wittiness that your photo truly brings across. And that´s what makes people come back to your blog. So, keep the photo. Cheers, Helmut.

Helmut Adam, Germany

Well Wehring, it would appear that the repetition of your picture has raised the hackles of a few. I personally enjoy seeing your visage as a happy greeting every Monday morning - it drives me straight to the bottle.... Perhaps all that is missing is the HMP numbers beneath it. I don't disagree with others that you should vary the pose (maybe weekly, and keep it clean, please), otherwise as previously stated by others, I wouldn't give the complainant the satisfaction - it was a woman and she obviously does not know you like we do. Cheers! John (therumman) Hammond

John Hammond, United Kingdom

Hi Olly, I do appreciate your honesty and the fact that you position yourself in a vulnerable situation. A question, how is the same picture in colour? Regards, Frans

Frans Fontein, Netherlands Antilles

Dear Olly, I seem to have started something with your photo. Maybe a different one would help!

Barbara Mertens, Germany

There are some miserable folk about - how rude to knock a person in this way. You should leave your photo on, it is good being able to see what you look like and makes the site more welcoming. Up to you if you change, I wouldn't give the complainant the satisfaction.

Jayne, United Kingdom

I do think that people seem to be complaining about nothing here. Having a picture of you in the top of the mail shot definitely gives a more personable look to what would otherwise be a rather dry design. I don't look at the image of you and make any kind of value judgement (other than maybe you are a happy sort!), and would suffer some small sense of loss were it to be removed! Keep this image, or replace it with another in a similar vein - it makes the mail more human!

Pete Berry, United Kingdom

Bit harsh!! However, please change the photo.

Alex, Malta