WTF...

Okay, so I got this email today from this chick on Flickr. I joined this group where I could post a few pictures and she actually had the nerve to send me this email.

Its been brought to my attention that several of your products are named the same as products found at Sugar Mamas bakeshop. Having spent time there myself, i am personally aware of their range and product names.

I also saw your review on yelp of their bakeshop - i personally think your review was fairly childish, but what really concerned me was the fact that you would publicly speak in a negative fashion about a fellow Austin business. And if you dont want it to be known you are the same person, perhaps you should change your avatar photo to be different.

I try to be as fair as I can managing this group, but at the end of the day, it is still mine to manage as I wish. Needless to say, the proprietor of Sugar Mamas is now a close friend of mine, and as a friend, i am uncomfortable with how you have chosen to both badmouth and emulate her business. As such, I think id prefer not to have you a part of the group.

I dont wish to start any arguments or fights, but wanted to explain myself before i just removed you without reason.

I wish you good luck with your business.

Jess @ Sugadeaux Cupcakes

Now some background, the review I left was more than a year ago and here is what I wrote:

“I was so disappointed from this place. I tried the Monroe and the Betty page and they were both rather yucky. The cake on the Monroe was really dry and the frosting on the Betty page had the worst after taste. If you’re going to waste your money on cupcakes, go down to Polkadots!”

If you read my Yelp reviews you would see that I have left reviews for several other bakeries good and bad. Actually if you want you can check out my Yelp profile here and see what I have written.

Here is my response back to her email:

Wow, I am quite shocked at the treatment I have received for being an open and honest person. Regarding my review on Sugar Mama’s bakery it was nothing personal, if you looked at the date it was posted over a year ago and prior to and following have since reviewed other bakeries and given honest reviews. You will even make note that I posted a comment about stopping into Sugar Mama’s when I thought you were coming to visit.

As far as your comment about my Yelp profile, I have the same picture and profile, because I am not ashamed to voice my opinion. My review of their bakery was not childish it was me being honest and straightforward at that time. Also, if you read through the reviews, you will notice that not everyone likes Sugar Mama’s; did you send them all a message? I would think that with tons of other bakeries in Austin and the world, not everyone is going to like the same thing. I think it’s a shame that you would ridicule me for being mean to your friend and as you stated my review was childish, but your behavior is childish because you have kicked me out of your group for simply communicating my opinion (almost a year ago!!!!).

As far as me bashing other Austin business, that is crazy, in the past if I have made a negative comment, the owner of the business has done the Adult thing and contacted me to ensure that next time I go to their establishment my visit will be much better, Sugar Mama’s didn’t do that, so they must not have a problem with my review, unlike you, who is only a third party.

I want it to be made clear that I am not Bad mouthing anyone nor am I trying to emulate another business. There are tons of businesses out there that have similar product lines; I doubt that Coke is receiving an email from Pepsi as I have received. I think if I was the owner of Sugar Mama’s I would be quite embarrassed that someone who says they are my friend would send such an email, starting unnecessary conflict.

You stated you didn’t want to start a fight or argument, but your actions speak much louder than words. Austin has some awesome bakeries and I’ve never heard of anything like this among them. I am friends with several people who do the same thing and we support each other rather than take action as you have.

I thank you for opening my eyes and showing me that just because someone makes something sweet, doesn’t mean they are a sweet person.

Have a great day
Erica B.

I am still in shock that I received this email and had to vent... The weird thing about this whole thing is, my Yelp account is under a different email, so I am a little confused as to how they found it......creepy.

Oh well, Zombieland was funny, going to see Whip it later this week...koh FYI keep your menu's and ideas away from me, I might try to emulate you.....LOL!!