Will the Magic Eraser Kill You? And Why Fresh Direct Needs a Blog

Is it the job of the grocery store to tell its customers about new products, or the job of the manufacturer?

I know about the magic erasers from the television commercials, but haven't had the need (or desire) to buy them, and if you are concerned about the toxicity, I am sure that there's an FAQ on Mr. Clean's Website.

I like Fresh Direct. I like how they were able to learn from WebVan's many missteps, and grow slowly and organically. But, on the flip side, I would hate to see them put resources into a blog just to give its members a message board, instead of putting those same resources into building the brand and getting new customers.

I didn't know you lived in New York City Jeremy. If you don't, you won't really understand Fresh Direct.

Like a lot of Fresh Direct customers -- the majority, I bet -- I've never seen a Magic Eraser commercial and would have paid no attention to it if I had. New Yorkers who use Fresh Direct don't want to know what's going on in supermarkets. We buy quality, convenience and price. So in the case of this company, they often replace the manufacturer in communication with the customer. I wouldn't believe a commercial, but I would believe other Fresh Direct customers. That's why I said the blog should be only for Fresh Direct customers to recommend things they like to other Fresh Direct customers.

Sorry, I forgot the myopic view of the New York elite.

Since I have been following Fresh Direct since they launched, and have enough friends and family in NY that DO order from them, I figure I had enough background to comment.

It always amazes me that people in marketing, advertising and public relations boast about not watching commercials or reading advertisements. It's part of our industry, and while I do have a DVR, I pay as much attention to commercials than I do to the news and programs.

What you are in essence suggesting is slotting fees for an online grocer. Just like a brick grocery store has slotting fees for endcaps, maybe Fresh Direct should have slotting fees for its not-launched blog?

Always a pleasure to hear from you Jeremy.