An Apology
By PlumcakeDear Internet Friends,
I know when you see an entry from Miss Plumcake; you expect to be several things. Funny, yes. Fabulous, of course and ultimately –although I have been known to exaggerate for effect on occasion– truthful. Thus it’s with heavy heart that I am compelled to admit that recently I have failed to live up to those standards. What follows is not easy, and it’s not funny, but it must be said.
It is the policy of all Manolo blogs to give impartial reviews and to not accept incentives or gifts from those seeking favorable reviews. I am sad, not to mention ashamed, for having violated that policy. It is only on condition that I make a public disclosure and apology that Manolo is letting me continue my tenure as an editor at Manolo for the Big Girl.
A few weeks ago I was contacted through my personal email (given out, no doubt, by a colleague who knew me from my relatively public newspaper job) by Joy Yaupassan, a marketing coordinator for Crocs, Inc. Ms Yaupassan offered to send me samples of their entire new trendy line for consideration, in an effort to reverse what she described as “unfair stereotyping by the fashion industry to which we both can relate.”
Last Tuesday ten pairs of shoes arrived to my home address with two more arriving on Wednesday. Tucked inside each pair, along with the standard promotional material, was a Visa gift card for the shoe’s equivalent value (appx. $33.42 per pair) with the instruction to use these cards if I didn’t find the Croc brand to be the most comfortable I’d ever worn.
I am ashamed to admit that I did not return or cancel the gift cards, which I should have done as an impartial journalist, instead I featured a carefully-crafted review done in the Plumcake style of the Celeste Canvas Crocs, and, had Ms Yaupassan not copied the Manolo on her thank-you email to me yesterday evening, I have no doubt I would have used the cards.
Please forgive me, and know that the responsibility lies completely on my shoulders. Francesca, Twistie, Spiritfingers over at Ayyyy! and all of the other Manolosphere contributors whom I still hope to count as my friends, had nothing to do with this incident. I hope my poor judgment doesn’t negatively color your views as readers on what I still regard as the finest humor and style blogs on the internet.
Sincerely,
Plumcake
Editor
Manolo for the Big Girl
April 1st, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I’m just sickened by this news. I thought Plumcake had sole, but it turns out she’s just another heel at heart. I knew she couldn’t last. Give her the boot!
April 1st, 2008 at 2:50 pm
ummm…. april fool’s? right? right? right……….?
April 1st, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Plumcake, what I find appalling is not that you accepted free shoes BUT THAT THEY WERE CROCS. What were you thinking? As for the matter of the gift cards, I think you should send them to me at once so that your conscience is unburdened.
April 1st, 2008 at 3:18 pm
You cleft my heart in twain with that endorsement of those monstrosities and I’m not sure I can ever forgive you. Unless you send me a couple of those gift cards. (Provided they can be used to Neiman Marcus, of course. And if that’s the case, better send all of them, just to be safe.) Barring that, a glass of Veuve Cliquot always does a lot to remind me of how much I like the person who purchased it for me.
April 1st, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Ah, so you CAN be bought! I must admit I’m shocked, and even more shocked that it was CROCS. Icky poo.
I’m not sure if I can forgive you for this! I am totally outraged. You should be ashamed of yourself. I hope your arches pain you for the rest of your life.
April 1st, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Crocs are so comfy and cute, I can’t imagine why they’d have to give you gift cards to induce you to promote them! They get a really bad rap, you know? All you people who are devoted to “style” and “fashion” don’t know what you’re missing. Man, when I walk down Madison Avenue in my orange camo Crocs and convertible dress, people STARE.
April 1st, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Oh, Plumcake, you naughty minx! Forget the gift cards, I’m sure that was just a little ethical oversight. What shocks me is how you could possibly put feet that have known Dior and Prada into… those… those unnatural THINGS? And then, presumably, put your Croc-contaminated feet BACK into decent shoes? Have you no shame, woman? Fie upon you! Fie, I say!
April 1st, 2008 at 3:31 pm
OK - let’s get through the humiliating stuff first: You were naughty and disappointing - don’t do it again.
Second, let’s look at what actually happened: A marketing coordinator for a shoe company which is having a whole lot of problems getting anyone to say anything that approximates “nice, fashionable..I’d wear them in a wink” sent out 12(count ‘em) pairs of shoes AND incentivized the presentation with gift cards, the total of which we can all approximate because we can multiply. Not one pair - 12. She did not send an image showing all the styles and said, “Pick one you’d be willing to review and I’ll send you a pair.” She sent what approximates the whole shebang.
Once upon a time, in the deep recesses of pre-internet, pre-PC, pre-Apple, pre-FAX(for heaven’s sake) time, I worked as a purchasing agent, buying everything from toilet paper and paper towels to “slit-sheet coil” and little balls of nickel for plating. I’d been given a little training program where the instructor told us that we’d be approched with everything from free tires for our cars to season’s tickets to the Buffalo Bills…if only we’d sign the contract. These days, marketing and sales folks traditionally send cookies and chocolate at the holidays because companies feel that it is pretty safe to send something that can be shared and eaten - because they KNOW the problems associated with this sort of thing. Joy Yaupassan went over the line - big time. I can’t imagine how many pairs of shoes have gone out of their Shipping Department in the quest for a decent review - how many times Ms Yaupassan has done this. Looks to me as if their marketing department does not understand where the line in the sand actually is. As for you, dear Plumcake - here’s a piece of tax advice — this level of stuff can be considered “imputed income” and the IRA will want you to pay taxes on the value. There are two ways to handle that: Give everything to a charity for their disposal or send it all back and get documentation that you did so. My two cents.
April 1st, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I hope karma is swift in it’s return bitchslap to you :(
April 1st, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Dear any shoe manufacturer ever,
I will write a favorable review on my blog in exchange for free shoes. No gift cards required.
I wear a 10W.
Thank you.
-ESC, shoe whore
April 1st, 2008 at 3:40 pm
And here I was, so very proud to finally be couonted among the fashion forward of the Manolo empire only to have my dreams dashed under foot of your dishonorable stiletto heel.
April 1st, 2008 at 3:42 pm
It’s hard to respond, since the date is bound to make one suspicious as to whether this is a genuine post — though indeed, the favorable Crocs review of a few days ago would constitute a fairly elaborate setup.
If this is genuine: It is indeed something of a blow to the carefully built credibility of the Manolo sites and brand, and I’m rather surprised the Manolo is letting Plumcake stay on. But for what it’s worth, I’m glad that was the decision. I have no doubt it was a one-time thing — and we’ve all surprised ourselves at times with what we’re capable of when temptation is put before us. I, at least, will continue to look forward to well-crafted and witty observations (and occasional rabble-rousing) from the charming Plumcake.
(And if it’s an April Fool’s gag, as I hope it is: Nicely done!)
April 1st, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Let’s all rubber nose in her shame. Clog her mailbox. Sabot-age her.
April 1st, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Dear Manolo for the Big Girl.
Please fire Plumcake Immediatemont! I would be happy to take her place. I will also offer my mail drop for all correspondence and package delivery to the blog, jest to keep things on the up ‘n up from now on.
Sister MPV
(size 8.5M)
April 1st, 2008 at 3:51 pm
I thought I knew you. I thought we were friends. I thought I could trust you. I was mistaken. I am shocked and dismayed. How could I be so wrong about you!
But…. If any of those Crocs came in my size - my unfashionable feet would be willing to sacrifice for the squishy Croc comfort.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Plumcake — Your taste and wit are the reasons I read this site. I am saddened to read this, but I too have made mistakes and will not hold it against you.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Okay, I’m sitting here, fingers atremble, mascara streaming down my puckered, flushed face, trying to find a way to live and let live by offering forgiveness. all I can manage at this point is the promise that I won’t wear flats when it counts. That has to be enough because it’s all I have to offer at this point. Excuse me, I need to take a deep, shuddering sigh and collect myself. Where was I? Oh yes. Of course you’re forgiven. Now go and sin no more.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Poor Plumcake. It’s hard to find a shoe to fit FEET OF CLAY.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:40 pm
But, but, but I thought you loved my shoes! Has it all been a lie? Has everyone and everything I’ve ever known been a lie? Et tu, Plumcake?
April 1st, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Plumcake,
thanks for your honesty. personally, i dont think it’s that big of a deal. while i loathe crocs, ive got a mind of my own and know better than to buy them. they just arent my style, along with a variety of things that you post on this site. point is, you’re human. you made a mistake. and heck, if in those 12 pair of shoes you happen to find a pair that you legitimately thought werent so bad, then thats great! if you wrote the post the other day BECAUSE of the face that you recieved those gifts and felt obligated to do so…well then that’s lamentable. i think folks in here are being really hard on you, but that’s my opinion. in any event, keep on writing and just let this incident be a reminder to you of the importance of upholding the Manolo’s blogging policy.
*shrugs shoulder* it’s not that big of a deal, really darlings.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:43 pm
I think we’re all forgetting the true injustice here: Crocs cost $33.42 a pair?! I’ve bought some fabulous pumps for half that!
April 1st, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Miss Plumcake–As someone who has also misbehaved professionally and been sternly and humiliatingly reprimanded (I deserved it) I’d just like to say, from someone who has been there: a)shake it off b) lesson learned and c) get back on the horse. Good luck and stay fabulous.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I’m going to assume that this is an April Fool’s joke. That way, if it is, I won’t feel like an idiot for responding with outrage.
April 1st, 2008 at 5:29 pm
I do hope this is an April Fool’s joke but if it is not some of the comments here are a bit harsh. I’m sure just about everyone here has done something at one time or another that s/he knew was wrong and was ashamed of after the fact. I know I have. It takes a big person (no pun intended) to own up to this kind of thing and apologize publicly. Feel disappointment in Plumcake if you need to, but allow her to earn your trust back.
April 1st, 2008 at 5:32 pm
This has got to be a gag.
April 1st, 2008 at 5:46 pm
See, what gets me is I thought I knew you. I know about your real life aspirations, and being bought off does not seem like it would put you in the good graces of Your (future) Boss. It’s not like you can hide from him. Yes, you apologized, and will likely be forgiven by Y(f)B. But notice that it took the threat of being fired from this job to get you to do so. As for the twelve pairs of Crocs, I might be tempted to believe that you should as part of your penance be forced to have these and none others as shoes. Your beauties should go to more deserving people.
April 1st, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Crocs? Seriously? I am a casual girl, but I seriously dont know if I can be friends with you anymore. I forgave you for not recognizing me with my new short haircut, but Crocs? I dont know…..
April 1st, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Hoping it’s an April Fool’s joke, but feeling it’s a bit serious for that…
Thank you for the public admission and apology. I think everybody deserves a second chance. I’m glad you get to stay on; I enjoy reading the site and the sense of camaraderie y’all have developed over here.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:08 pm
I’m guessing it’s April Fools!
April 1st, 2008 at 6:09 pm
OH this is is a bitter slice of Plumcake indeed! SHAME SHAME SHAME!
April 1st, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Plumcake,
While Im not comfortable with the payola, it feels very similar to drug companies stocking up our doctors offices with free samples.
Another thought…The line in the sand has moved so dramatically in the past eight years that morality appears murky.
The plastic off-gassing from Crocs clouded your judgement.
Just my three cents.
Peaches
April 1st, 2008 at 6:20 pm
[…] says, Miss Plumcake has sad news indeed for the first of […]
April 1st, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Hahaha! April Fool!
April 1st, 2008 at 7:25 pm
It’s like that one guy said, “Let she who is without sin cast the first shoe.”
Of course you were in the wrong. Don’t do it again and put the whole ugly mess behind you.
We’ve got your back, Plumcake!
April 1st, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Puns…bad…need…antidote…ack! (Collapses in heap.)
April 1st, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Oh, what a Croc! :)
April 1st, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Im with Frumpiefox. This is a “croc” of you know what.
Some of you guys are seriously judgmental. If it isn’t a hoax, then do the moral thing but do it with decency. Sheesh.
And if it IS a hoax, I would feel like a jerk for saying some of that stuff.
April 1st, 2008 at 8:57 pm
If it is a gag, well then it’s a good one. If not, it was a heartfelt apology.
Meh, life is too short to hold a grudge. Give us more Plumcake!
April 1st, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Straight up, I might trade my first born, if I had one, for some Jimmy Choos or the orange patent peep toes I had right on my foot at Gucci in Paris last year…
But CROCS!!!
I am stunned and saddened beyond belief by this lapse in taste.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Joyeaux Poisson d’Avril!!
April 1st, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Aw, I just don’t believe it! Possibly if you hadn’t included the detail that they were Crocs! Plus I don’t believe that The Manolo would force the Plumcake to post a public apology like this instead of quietly letting her go!
But if it isn’t a joke, it’s okay, Plumcake, we all make mistakes! I would miss your wit terribly. (Why are there so many exclamation marks in this comment?)
April 1st, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Ummm ….
April Fool’s?
April 1st, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Ummm ….
April Fool’s?
You all know how I feel about my Alice Crocs. They have more arch support than Tory Burch’s flats. So there.
April 1st, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Plumcake, do you have the contact deets for Giuseppe Zanotti’s marketing people? No reason I ask.
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:21 am
Because I adore the Plumcake I choose to commend her on a most excellent April Fool’s! I think because the cumulative value of the alleged gift cards equals appx 401.08 or April 1st that it must be a joke…granted there is no amount of money in the world that would make me wear the dreaded Crocs. :) Good one!
Just in case it’s not, I just can not be upset with the woman who helped bring the Frog Water Cocktail to life! Viva Plumcake!
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:31 am
For shame!
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:19 am
Raincoaster…now Im lusting for a lovely little Giuseppe Zanotti sandle. Um thanks.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:24 am
Well I guess this means that if I send some free Van Cleef or Cartier jewelry from Beladora.com to anyone in the Manolo-sphere, that would be a bad thing. Whew….thank God I haven’t taken the package to Fedex yet!
Plumcake, what I suggest is for you to do is sell the crocs and gift cards on ebay and uses the proceeds to start a non profit organization The Society for the Prevention of Crocs, or TSFTPOC for short.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:33 am
Whoever this Joy Yaupassan is, neither she nor anyone sharing her last name have a web presence of any sort. And the new, trendy line (”You” or whatever they’re calling it) are priced significantly higher than $33/pair — they’re closer to $150/pair.
I’m just sayin’. I really want this to be faked.
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:41 am
@ Nemtynakht: I’ve seen those high-heeled Crocs and I really want THEM to be faked, but they are tragically real. And really tragic.
April 2nd, 2008 at 6:04 am
Joy Yaupassan = Joyeux Poisson? As in “Joyeux Poisson d’Avril”?
Just sayin’.
April 2nd, 2008 at 6:12 am
Hmm, good eyes, meimei. C’mon, guys, it’s April 2nd now … time to come clean.
April 2nd, 2008 at 7:31 am
Nice work, meimei!
April 2nd, 2008 at 11:24 am
Plumcake-
That couldn’t have been easy to admit. I don’t think you did the right thing, but I can understand. Shoe sway is difficult to overcome.
On a related but unrelated note, I was recently told by a doctor that I needed to cease going barefoot EVER and wear either Crocs or Birkenstocks. After a review of Zappos.com, I determined that the Celeste by Crocs was indeed not heinous and purchased a pair. Alas, they were comfortable. I am dismayed to say I will very likely buy another pair.
Yes, what you did was wrong, but you were a big person and admitted it. If the Manolo can forgive, I can too.
April 10th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
1. You didn’t have to tell.
2. If you are taking a dive, do it for a real shoe not tires for the feet.
3. Crocs should have had a longer patents since the market is saturated with Crocs and look alikes. No matter how ugly, people are still buying and wearing them and not just for gardening.
4. Do a give away for the cards and shoes! Donate it to a local silent auction or something similar.
5. I’m sure us readers will be happy to Freecycle those Visa gift cards for you :-)
Carry on!