Alex Negranza, co-founder of Seattle’s whynotcoffee.com, has recently posted a rather controversial dissection of the Barista Guild of America. Writing from an admittedly outsider perspective, Mr. Negranza voiced a critique on what he feels is a profound lack of Seattle BGA presence:
The only time I’ve ever seen the B.G.A. in Seattle is during CoffeeFest or when someone gives a damn enough about them to PAY THEM to “sanction” us as knowing what we’re talking about and trying to actively do what they should’ve been doing in the first place. It makes me wonder if the BGA just claims events that other people have done the grunt work for, or if they are actually facilitating in community building.
Alex goes on to call the BGA “pompous”, denouncing the necessity of certification while implying that he plans to start his own Barista Guild of Seattle Cool Kids Club (“Send us $450 and the B.G.S. will show up with a checklist, sit in the back and do nothing”). His frustration is palpable, and if Mr. Negranza’s goal was to spur debate and dialogue on the services provided by the BGA, he’s a success. Just check out some of the big names who’ve jumped in to comment:
Nick Cho: “Nobody from the BGA goes around in a hostile annexing of barista activities. That’s bullshit, Alex.”
James Hoffman: “Is the BGA perfect? Of course not. Is it above criticism? Of course not. Is complaining like this likely to elicit useful change? It is a volunteer organisation working hard to help shape a craft into something we can all be proud of. The best way to have some influence on how it changes – volunteer your time too!”
Jay Caragay: “I think you touch on a number of points that are well founded as criticisms of the Barista Guild of America. Does the “sanctioning” of events truly bring about legitimacy to said event? Maybe. Otherwise, you’re doing a lot of work while the SCAA gets the credit (and the cash).”
You can join the discussion over at www.whynotcoffee.com
