Restaurant Threatens to sue Food blogger for Posting

[MarrickG]

Singapore,

October 13, 2009
Letter by Ms Kaelyn Ong


AS AN avid food blogger, I share my dining experiences, good and bad, with my readers.
I sometimes send an e-mail message to restaurants I have dined at to give them my thanks and feedback.

That was what I did after visiting a food establishment in Singapore I shall refer to as “X”.
I praised X for its decor and also commented that its food could be improved upon.

The next day, I was informed that the restaurant had consulted its lawyers and wanted me to remove my post about it to avoid any legal proceedings.

Are Singapore food establishments that unreceptive to negative feedback?
I understand that restaurant owners are naturally protective about their businesses, but criticisms are meant only to spur them on to improve themselves.

If feedback is not welcome, does that mean that all the emphasis on good customer service is for naught?

I was disturbed that X requested the review be removed because it was not a glowing one.
What does this say about free speech?

If bloggers cannot speak their mind without being threatened with potential lawsuits, what is the point of blogging?

Has this happened to other food bloggers before?
I did not remove the post about X as I did not post anything which could be construed as libel.

There is also a disclaimer on my blog which says that all comments are based on personal preferences.

Food blogging is a personal interest for many of us; it takes time, effort and commitment to maintain a blog.

 

[Devil Within]

I was disturbed that X requested the review be removed because it was not a glowing one.
What does this say about free speech?

In case that blogger did not notice, there is no free speech in Singapore.

 

[po2wq]

ah restaurant x ...

sue ppl 4 wat? ... datz a stoopig mistake ...

buy ppl 1 nice makan, can oredi la ... lidat ppl sure write nice tings abt u 1 ...

 

[SamuelStalin]

In case that blogger did not notice, there is no free speech in Singapore.

The food blogger can complain about the bad food at Speaker's Corner, but there is a CCTV installed there just in case he goes crazy about his hatred of the restaurant from his recollection and starts attacking his audience as well as passerbys.

 

[JinGanKor]

it is not a restaurant, it is a bakery + cafe.

 

[radon39]

jialat man....the cafe gettin bad publicity

 

[wendypoh]

its food could be improved upon.

This is dependent on personal taste

 

[SamuelStalin]

This is dependent on personal taste

But swallowing has to be done by true women whether they personally enjoy the taste or not.

 

[jim007jimmyboy]

PAPaya also got no power to shut down blog

http://singaporedissident.blogspot.com/

pastry shop so power meh?


KNN if cant handle the heat get out of the kitchen/biz



copy PAPaya scare tactic

 

[TeeKee]

oops i better cut down on my laksa postings, scully my wifey sue me until lat kor...LOL!

 

[Watchman]

If there is free speech, I be afraid !

 

[postnew]

so kiasu...oh I saw Lee...

Mac Woo And June Lee

Interview
Why did you choose to set up your flagship store in JooChiat?
We find the narrow streets and unique shop houses alluring. Moreover, JooChiat has always been popular as a place for good foods, so there would be a steady crowd. Also, practically, it's good to start off in Joo Chiat as the rents in places such as town area would put a strain on our resources.

Can you share some of the lessons you learnt from overcoming your own business challenges that you think will help other businesses?
One important thing we learnt is to accept others' point of view. Individuals have very different perspectives and this is a vital thing to note, especially in this industry. While creating aesthetically pleasing pantries, it is important to consider what the clients are willing to pay for and value the feedbacks of clients.

What advice would you give young people who want to start their own business?
Once you have decided to do something, put your heart and soul into it.

 

[Ramseth]

Anyway, I think that the restaurant has no case. The owner got distressed and consulted their lawyer, and probably instigated by the legal-fee-hungry to bully as long as there's some odds. The owner decided to take on the odds.

I've said hundreds and perhaps thousands of restaurant foods taste like shit publicly after tasting them. Come sue me then. Cant eat, can pay, cannot complain if it's not good as expected? What law is this? Even N. Korea and Cuba courts would also blur.

 

[Ah Guan]

What advice would you give young people who want to start their own business?
Once you have decided to do something, put your heart and soul into it.

Heart, soul and a willingness to sue the pants off your critics

 

[Alamaking]

so kiasu...oh I saw Lee...

Mr Stupid Woo And Ms Stupid Lee

 

[Alamaking]

Wah lau, their cheesecake, 22cm x 22cm cost $90, knn so ex....

Spread your thumb and pinkie as far apart, thats around that length lor

 

[jim007jimmyboy]

Wah lau, their cheesecake, 22cm x 22cm cost $90, knn so ex....

Spread your thumb and pinkie as far apart, thats around that length lor

*chey* if it is cheap I worry!​

 

[SamuelStalin]

Ah Mac Woo and Windows Lee. What an unbeatable couple.