Just received this and thought it to be noteworthy

Rent A Chef Bonaire Premiers New Services and Launches Web Site
Kralendijk, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, May 31, 2007: Rent a Chef Bonaire is now providing private chef services offering succulent meals with fresh ingredients, all prepared to order in your own villa’s kitchen.
Rent a Chef Bonaire offers Bonaire visitors the possibility of dining in style in their own villa, apartment, or rental vacation home. They will go to any location on Bonaire with everything that is needed for the gourmet meal that has been requested—no need to shop for anything. The food is prepared in the visitor’s own kitchen, allowing them, their family, or visitors to relax. Cleanup is, of course, included in the service.
Sietse de Jong is the man behind Bonaire’s new Rent a Chef service, and he is an experienced chef, having worked in Bonaire’s restaurant industry for the past three years and is locally well known for his creativity in fusing tastes and textures and setting up innovative kitchens. Chef Sietse’s affinity for fresh ingredients and a simple preparation style coupled with his creative attitude yields novel dishes. Before relocating to Bonaire, he was trained in French and Italian cuisine, and he had his own restaurant in Amsterdam for 19 years during which time he worked with such notable chefs as Christoffe. He can ably assist with menu planning, giving special attention to individual tastes, food preferences, dietary needs, or nutritional goals, whether it is for one special evening, a series of dinners or lunches, or three meals a day for an entire stay. An aficionado of modern-day fusion, Chef Sietse has been influenced by Thai, Japanese, and Australian cuisine whereby he can use fresh, new, exotic products and herbs.
Visitors may contact Rent a Chef Bonaire in advance of their trip to plan their menu. To assist with ideas, the company has just launched a web site which offers samples of various courses that can be mixed and matched. Chef Sietse, of course, is willing to offer his advice at any time or listen to personal suggestions. Those interested may visit the new web site at http://www.rentbochef.com.
Rent a Chef Bonaire may be reached by email at info@rentbochef.com, or phone +(599) 717-2631, or cellular phone + (599) 786-0631.

Freddie:

So, promotion of someone else is OK, but self-promotion is not? Perhaps you could post the info from Warum Lousie so I can better plan for my next trip?

I actually like getting the kind of information you've just posted; it is helpful to me. The earlier suggestion to actually have a BonaireTalk forum for such postings is a good one; readers can then ignore it if they wish.

- Mel

Mel the information about the Warum Louise Indonesian restaurant has been discussed on that thread by Bas.. that is actually more information than was first given. there was no opening date other than "Opening in June"
self promotion is a no no but if you have news and have no financial interest in that business you may post it..

(Message edited by scubahb on May 31, 2007)

Just curious: if Sietse de Jong had posted exactly the same press release that you posted to start this thread, would you have removed it?
- Mel

Freddie, Thanks for posting this wonderful news! I remember when we were on Anquila a long time ago, a local, I can't remember his name did this same thing and we have this waterfront property, and he came over, went free diving for lobster for us and cooked us up a fabulous meal with the lobster he caught! It was so cool and we learned so much about the island over dinner with him.

Mel, lighten up! BT has released many such new businesses in the past here. I believed she answered your question in her above post quite thoroughly with self promotion is a no-no, so what's up with the further hassle post?

Debbie, no intent to hassle, only to clarify, because she didn't answer my underlying question, she just stated the policy again. The entire policy seems asymmetrical to me...Freddie can post the info, but Sietse de Jong cannot post exactly the same info.

More importantly, we who visit 2-3 times a year like to keep up with what's new, what's changed, what's gone. A forum section that allows for "self-promotion," which is usually called advertising or marketing, by the way, as better non-pejorative terms, might be the solution.

I really try and keep up with BonaireTalk and quite respect the difficult job of the moderators, but that should not keep me from wondering about some of the policies. But it appears that I should not question any of them...

- Mel

If the chef in question posted that VERY same Press release Yes it would have been pulled.. That would be self promotion.. EVERYONE is invited to email the moderators and let them post the Press releases.IF they see fit,,. just beware that there will be no posting of "for sale" items or prices for the most part.. We try to include an email address for those that would like EXTRA information

Mel, take it from someone that has been slapped so many times that bells ring in my head all the time now. Don't question the mods, they know where you live!

The rules was put into place some years ago in order to keep the postings friendly. Before that, it got way out of control. Some rules should be modified for the times. But hey, what do I know?

Just don't pi$$ off the mods!

Mel what question did I not answer??

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quote:

"because she didn't answer my underlying question,"

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and this???

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quote:

But it appears that I should not question any of them...

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Thanks to all for the additional info. Freddie, my underlying question was why the policy is assymetrical...if the issue is what info gets posted, then I didn't see why it made a difference who posted it. But that's not the issue, so I'll take Jerry's and Debbie's advice and shut up and lighten up!

Mostly, it is nice to know about these new things...

- Mel

Smart Mel, very smart!
Now, who wants to buy some used O-rings?

Freddie,

So I can be clear, commercial posts can be sent to the moderators for posting?? That is great!! As I had suggested before, a commercial page might take the work from you all so that we can post commercially. A few scuba and other boards have this and it's for those who want to look and for those who don't they avoid that page. It makes sense IMHO.

Ann if you have a new service that someone else won't post{it is always better to do that as we are sometimes busy with our REAL jobs} email it to us and we will try to post it appropiately. But remember that we really DON"T have a commercial page... I posted this NEWS release because I though it was a great idea... Just like I post recalls for equipment when I receive them.. It is news worthy.. I have posted things about the windsurfer and Jib city before even though I have never been there.. I try to post about the underwater clean up when I see it in a releases, all things that I know might not make it into the threads.. Debbie just promoted your travel agent business on another thread This is a better way to go for sure, through people that have experienced the service but have no monetary interest in it.. Does that make sense??

I have seen this turn nasty

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quote:

A few scuba and other boards have this

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too much undercutting and accusing.. Our way the only people being accused are usually the moderators..

IMHO - I appreciate the no self-promotion policy. I don't see it as assymetrical at all: the information posted by a vested-interest versus an appreciative customer or curious traveler carries much different weight and inference.
I like knowing that someone's post about a service comes from their true experience without thought of profit.

That said, it would seem a simple solution would be to add a new category that is openly advertisement - perhaps those posting must be paid members

That said, I can understand that hesitation on the part of moderators who are already far over-worked (thank you Jerry & BH!! - just kidding!)

Just my two cents

I would take the "by word of mouth" advertising over an ad. The "reviews" on here, from people that have used services offered by others, have all been very helpful w/ us planning our trip! There are so many places we want to go to, because I've read about 'em on here, that we really need to stay longer than a week.

Now, I just want someone to use "Rent a chef", tell me how good/bad the service is, I make a decision, good to go.

So, I seem to feel both ways about this. I think advertising, in an appropriate forum would be good, but I'd let others try it first.....
I have noticed that if a service is good on Bonaire, you WILL read about it on here! See, either way.

Hell, save your money, impress a BTer and your advertising is done!

Well said and appreciated Pegi Sue.. I posted it so that someone could TRY him out.. I can't wait to hear about the experience..
this could be our mantra!!!

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quote:

save your money, impress a BTer and your advertising is done!

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We appreciate the feedback folks, after all, it is a community. We appreciate feedback, as we are not a dictatorship (although it may feel like it at times) ;-)

Freddie is correct in that we have posted press releases before. Sometimes they don't get posted because of lack of moderator time.

The whole advertising self-promotion thing is really a catch 22. The mods have discussed this issue many many times (even when Jake and Linda were at the helm). We have thought about a "paid advertising section" on BT, but it would still require moderation. A lot of folks buy banner ads on BT, that's one solution for advertising. All it takes is one business owner to go over the line, and then they ruin it for everyone else, we have seen it happen first hand on BT.

Question, if we had a paid advertising section on BT, would you pay to be able to post your press releases, an ad, etc.? I'm purely posing a question to the Bonaire Businesses.

Again, we are open and appreciate feedback, it is important to us. Don't feel you can't express yourself as long as you are polite

Now back to my paying job

Cynde

I like SPAM

Freddie, I'll let ya use that for a price!!! LOL

Back again...hubby just reminded me of the guy we had cook for us in Anquilla. The name of the guy in Anguilla is Shabby - he is in the book "A Trip to the Beach" by Robert & Melinda Blanchard It was a very special treat to have Shabby cook for us as I hope this Chief Sietse is going to be a really good thing for Bonaire! Wishing him the best of success.
Thanks again for posting this new business venture, Freddie and please, any BT'r who has the pleasure of using his services, please post it here on BT when you return from Bonaire.

As far as BT having a business promotion page, I am not for that kind of thing, seeing postings from actual people who have used their service or patronized their place is by far the best kind of advertisement there is. As said earlier, there are already banners for advertising. Seeing lots and lots of businesses advertising tells me nothing about how trustworthy the individual is or if they are indeed a good value for the dollar. I think it would take a lot of time from the mods to moderate such a page as not all businesses would play nice and I don't like mud slinging on any type of forum and then it is ruined and mods are upset, businesses are upset, too much work for BT in MHO and certainly not what BT is about or started for originally. Commercialism is all that is. I believe most business on island would benefit from advertising on infobonaire.com and get more than from BT, but what do I know. I am off work today and enjoying being able to catch up on BT and post and cam for a while.

Every time I post it takes me twenty two min's to read all the rules. Do I have to read it every time I post? It does not change that often does it?


"Please review the BonaireTalk Posting Policy before posting your message."

Jerry, maybe it should say:

""Please review the BonaireTalk Posting Policy before posting your FIRST message." ????

Jerry, you only have to reread the rules if, like me, you suffer with Terminal C.R.S.. I think, let me check and I will get back to you. Who are you and what are the rules you are talking about?

BINGO!

Perhaps we will have a report for you.... I think a romantic dinner on our private beach at Pelican Reef House sounds like a wonderful present for me (I mean Guy!). I've emailed Chef Sietse, so I'll let you know

Jerry, you are TOO funny!

Tara, when are you going? I wanna know about this!!! Does sound romantic....

Pegi Sue, you go before I do and I think George deserves a wonderful private meal..... did you check out the site? Yummmmy

We don't go until September - with the party group!!! YEeeehhaw!

Yeah, George probly thinks so too! LOL I'm thinkin' "I'm on vacation, I don't want to go into that kitchen, 'cept to make coffee!!"
I did look at the site, very yummy sounding. Hmmmmm.....I'd love to arrange it so G wouldn't know! I would try this w/out knowing, and I'd tell yall! Bet it IS good. Let me do some thinkin'.........

Hey, you and your "Party Group", well.....so what!

Ha! Why do you think I'm making it a surprise for Guy... if I said, "Honey, what do you think about.." he just might poo-poo it.
This way, I get a wonderful meal, on a private beach in Bonaire with the man of my dreams, no Clean Up and he gets a present
Yeah, that's my story....

Miss Tararaboomdeay, Beans an Franks with a suitcase of "Bud"?

Yeah, I think I'll do it. Just gotta figure out what nite.... Maybe our first nite. Well, we don't get in til 9pm the first nite, so the second nite.

And as far as the wonderful meal on the beach AND he gets a present? Well, George told me that I was going to "his terratory", where the equator has an awesome effect on certain body parts of his!!! He's expectin' "presents" the whole time we are there, 24/all7! Gonna have to stay away from those webcams!!LOL

Mel,

The difference (what you refer to as "asymmetry") between the Mods posting a news item, and the person who would benefit directly from the posting were they to post it themselves is that self-promoters as a rule tend not to show a lot of restraint when it comes to the flinging of adverbs and adjectives to describe their offerings (and even sometimes don't even acknowledge their affiliation). If a non-affiliated party posts a review, the adjectives, adverbs, and possible expletives, are based on observation and experience, hopefully, not personal financial gain.

And, when moderators post a news item, they have the opportunity to edit/revise/massage the news item to remove objectionable content (e.g. "the best" this or that) to have the posting be more in line with propriety and community standards.

The moderators certainly have the option to post things verbatim, and if the source material is professionally written without a lot of hype, they may well do that.

In that, moderators are very similar to editors for a publication. They can post news items in their publication, but third parties can only submit editorials and letters. The difference from BT in that analogy is that BT consists 99.9% of editorials and letters, and 0.1% (if that) of news items, and also the moderators don't proof every submission before it is posted, but instead exercise their moderator-ness after the fact if someone crosses the line and violates established policy.

And as far as your wanting to see more news items like the one that Freddy posted, as they happen, there are other sources of that information readily available. A link to one of those sources is at the bottom of this page, but were I to put the link in this message, I would probably be in violation of the self-promotion policy since it is one of my web sites :-)

Back to my cave...

Jake

So, if I have a service, and there is a press release regarding that service, I can't post it. But I can say to someone, hey post this for me, you're my friend!!
Hmmmmm, doesn't make sense to me.

Please, don't get me wrong. This is a great website, and we get a tremendous amount of great information that people so willingly share. For that, we are very thankful. And we LOVE Bonaire.
But moderators, from other's viewpoint, some of the rules don't really make sense.
But...........I think I'll take Jerry and Mel's advice. If you have nothing nice to say............................................

Jake, I just like you!

Ok, back to dining. If I have this dinner, I will need to look nice. Will my blow-dryer and hair straightener work down there? I believe there's something w/ the electric in other countries that doesn't match the States. I couldn't figure out where to post this, so...this REALLY is about dining on Bonaire, so where else would I post it?

PS- do a search on it ... I know it's been discussed extensively. I think under Everything Else

I wonder who the rent a chef's web designer is....hmmmmm? I agree that the "rules" are not applied evenly and to have the mods post a blatant ad for one of the clients of the web designer no matter how distant the relationship is strange to me. That said, the guy is a great chef and really can cook.

Tara - thanks. got all the info needed. I forget about archives....

careful, they can suck you in for hours of fun and excitement

Michael thanks for the input... I'm looking forward to meeting you in Sept!

Mel, Not sure if you seen the Bonaire Insider yet, but it has all kinds of new bulletins and revues, restaurant reviews, places to stay and specials for places on Bonaire and is just a great resource to read for Bonaire info as well as BT. You can find it here: www.BonaireInsider.com

The gloves are about to come off.

Michael,

Before attempting to insinuate something (and I'm not entirely sure what it is, but I'm sure you're attempting to subtly disparage someone based on your post), here's the facts about Sietse's web site designer:

- it wasn't Freddie or one of the other moderators (which is one way to read your snippy comment)

- it wasn't me (another way to read it your comment)

- it wasn't Susan (which I think is what you really were trying to imply since I know you have something against her based on other recent correspondence you accidently CC'd me and others on), and we (NetTech) also don't host his site, incidentally

So who is the web site designer?

It is Sietse's wife.

So, when you say:

...to have the mods post a blatant ad for one of the clients of the web designer no matter how distant the relationship is strange to me...

Jake...glad you are around to set matters straight....

Jake, thank you for the compliments. We have given people permission to post "press releases" or simular things in the past (when asked for it and after checking it with other moderators). Also we do decide what press releases we post (and as Cynde stated, not all are being posted).

So if someone has a press release re. Bonaire or Bonaire related items, we do invite them to mail us via moderators@bonairetalk.com.

Martin

Michael, why not tell us about Chef Sietse.

There are seven of us going down on the 23rd. I just checked out the menu on this service, and I have to say it looks absolutely tremendous. (Peanut Soup from Suriname) I shall be contacting Sietse while on the island. I met him last December at Den Leman when we were having dinner. When I saw his picture on the website it clicked. My buddy Lutty and I always get together with our collective culinary skills and do at least two meals together when I'm down. I must admit that I am more the sous chef, whereas Lutty is the master. We also have a blast putting things together. As long as I keep the Polars coming, Lutty gets more creative. LOL

I notice there isn't general pricing of any sort on his website, guess one would have to email him to find out costs.

A good thread for sure... but I have to say I am still laughing at Pegi Sue's question about a straightener !!! OMG ! I know people 'do' their hair... but I have curly/wavy hair and the idea of trying to keep it straight in Bonaire is almost too funny for words.

Leave the straightener at home and go for the natural look.... I know you can do it, you are beautiful !!!

And that is MY two cents. ;)

Sietse used to work at Den Leman.

He not only worked at Dem Lamnan but created a first class menu and superb meals. He is a master no doubt. He reminds me of the typical chef who is a real bully in the kitchen, but once removed from the stove, a real nice guy. I Ran into him the other day at la Portuguesa and was buying oranges for mimosas. He had to have freshly squeezed oranges and was telling me about the menu he was preparing for a brunch. He especially likes to cook for divers since the are always hungry! I am planning my birthday party and definetly will consider him to cater it. (Rack of Lamb for sure!)

(Message edited by gmichael on June 1, 2007)

Michael - I hope you didn't hurt him when you ran into him...

Having had a cook at one of the houses that we stayed at on island the idea is FANTASTIC!! We were so excited by having all of our breakfasts, lunches and 4 dinners prepared for us that we were almost (dare I say) giddy.

This sounds fantastic and I can hardly wait to hear the reviews.

jake wrote

--but instead exercise their moderator-ness after the fact if someone crosses the line and violates established policy.--


Is this is when you get slapped Jerry??

(Message edited by madman on June 1, 2007)

naw..just squashed his oranges to a pulp...What time is dinner!