A Fresh and Local CSA

I am not surprised to hear your feelings are hurt. I hope this means someone else will be the recipient of your constructive energies? For those remaining with the CSA (who continue to contribute time, goodwill, cash, and suggestions) we are not just "consumers" demanding our "product" We're a bit more involved than that. While I like and understand your "it's a business" rhetoric, I go farther and see "food" as a business of primary importance. Perhaps that's why I have a higher frustration threshold than you. I know what goes into food, and what I get out it. You and I differ, is all. It takes all types. Meanwhile, we're enjoying a bumper season of eggs. Best I've had not only from Allan's crew, but in general, and I eat only local eggs from pastured birds in the close-in VA/MD area. These eggs are thick-shelled, rich in color, full of flavor, and some are so big they almost don't fit in the carton. I am happy I stuck it out. I am getting a good deal, good food, and the satisfaction of supporting a business that really gives a damn. Anyway, it takes all types. I'd prefer you stick around and contribute but if you take your money, time, and criticism elsewhere, hey, that's okay by me too. No hurt feelings here. Nuff said (by me.)

Ross: your responses are an object lesson on why dissenting voices often prefer to remain anonymous. --------- The first review for Fresh&Local (yours) uses a term indicative of how some view enterprises like CSAs: it referred to shareholders as the farmer's "flock". The metaphor (and attitude) leads us into prejudicial and destructive territory. Most likely, you and I agree that the farmer is doing good (as in virtuous) work, difficult work and work that should be encouraged. But I'm not willing to become a partisan, ignore problems or suppress my criticism in order to be politically correct in your estimation. I see myself as a customer rather than a member of the farmer's congregation, and I'm reviewing the CSA as a business effort not above constructive criticism. Criticism is a good thing and shouldn't be feared or discouraged.

Double Odd. "CSAShareholder" (who hides their real name) has changed tune from offkey to worse. While it's true that some of us are "old hands" at email (and buying food), I wouldn't ascribe any special abilities to us other than reading and paying attention. First, "CSAShareholder" complained about FreshAndLocal's food, diversity, and lack of communication. Then "CSAShareholder" backtracked, and ignored the food issue. then "CSAShareholder" said it was a problem of "quality not quantity" of email. Then, amazingly, CSAShareholder accuses the farmer -- under cover of anonymity -- to sending out "very misleading" checklist information. Make up your mind as you anonymously attack someone. It shows purpose, if not courage. Speaking personally, although getting a bag of delights from Fresh and Local CSA is not identical to having a salad at TGI Friday's -- in other words, you might have to choke back a sob and not have a cucumber in every salad -- I personally find the variety inspiring and delicious. Dozens of other shareholders I've spoken to and worked with over the three or four years I've been on this CSA would agree. You clearly do not agree. Why not find another place to complain about? I've had minor glitches over the years with F&L CSA, just as I have trouble with FedEx, TGIF's (they left a cucumber out of my salad) and Allan has corrected each and every one of them. In my opinion, this is normal. I regret if any of this communication further offends "CSAShareholder's" fragile and whimsical feelings, but I believe we should treat people in email and online forums as we would in person, if possible. IE honest, open, clear communication and criticism. Willy-nilly attacks under a cowardly cover of anonymity doesn't cut it. Make up a name, and stick to a complaint; that way somebody can have an adult conversation with you, and address your specific complaint. (That is, if you actually want your complaint handled.) Of course, there is another solution --- Find Another CSA. Fresh and Local is a very good one and fills up quickly -- more so every year -- and it would be good to have some breathing room. And fresh air.

I read my email. Again, my comment is from a new shareholder's point of view and the quality of communication may seem adequate to old-hands. And I do mean quality, not quantity. I don't disagree that farmer Allen sends out plenty of email. I'd like to note that the communication difficulties, although frustrating, aren't my primary issue with this CSA. The CSA checklist the farmer filled out on this site is _very_ misleading.

Odd. I find this farmer's communication to be very complete. Every week we get an email update, usually one day of harvest, a third one with recipes and information about upcoming events. In addition, the website has lots of information on timing, content, philosophy, and operation of this CSA Perhaps this anonymous poster is insufficiently attentive to their email, and so is missing a good portion of the information already being offered.