arturo garcia
Pilgrim/Hospitalero/Mountain guide/Photographer
- Time of past OR future Camino
- French way (Dic. 2012), Portuguese way (Dic.2013) and now living on the Camino.
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Thanks Robo! Buen Camino!Whilst not fair at all, sadly that is often the way these days in any business........
People find it easier to express complaints online rather than 'fairly' to the business owner.
The best thing to do is to use the opportunity to 'calmly' address the complaint online.
That way other people see you as being fair, and the person complaining might be seen as being too critical.
Take complaints head on, and treat them as an opportunity to show others how you deal with these things professionally!
I often read bad online reviews and totally dismiss them! Obviously the writer had a grudge, hasn't traveled much, doesn't know how to behave etc etc.
No. Praise in public, criticize in private. It has always been a good rule, but is lost in the world of instant gratification. In Europe you can have content deleted. I suggest you learn your privacy rights and enforce them. Do not be bullied by Facebook, Twitter, or Yelp. They are the turf of the cruel and angry. Learn to ignore them.Is that Fair?
I think those who run albergues are generally rock stars. I can’t imagine what it’s like to do your best, day in and day out, while an endless pilgrim parade passes through, and to do it with a smile is such a great gift.I am a pilgrim, and also, I run an Albergue full season with my wife and we are very proud of what we do and how we do it., And its interesting the phenomenon of Blackmail on the internet and social networks.
The pilgrims sumerged in this phenomenon wants to behave in the albergue like they think is Ok, they feel they has freedoom to do anything they want, and when you come to say in a good manner, "Please don´t do it, this is a pilgrim´s Albergue and the rules are the same for all of us". They don´t tell you anything, They go straight to the internet and complain. Very bad. Is that Fair?
You are right, we can compare this with an ultra marathon, 17 hours per day for 8 months. if you make a little mistake, everybody will know about it. Good souls spread the good part of our labor.I think those who run albergues are generally rock stars. I can’t imagine what it’s like to do your best, day in and day out, while an endless pilgrim parade passes through, and to do it with a smile is such a great gift.
Thank-you for all you do for all the many of us!
That is very smart and wise from your part, thanksWhen I make purchases on the internet I go to the negative reviews first. People are usually very pointed and specific with what they didn't like. Oftentimes I find that some of these people make themselves look like fools with their pettiness and general selfishness and one star reviews can actually be positive reviews in disguise. You didn't provide any specifics of these negative reviews but if somebody gave your albergue a negative review by saying you wouldn't allow them to play their radio after 10pm I would view that as a positive review!
Also many of these review sites do allow for the owner to state their side of the story. I highly recommend you do so and make sure you are very professional about it, don't get sucked in with name calling and getting all emotional about it.
You also might consider posting your rules for staying and expected behavior on these sites, that way there are no surprises when you have to ask somebody to not do something.
Is difficult for me to find the appropiate word in english, thanksWhat you describe is sad and unfair but I do not think it can really be called "blackmail": that suggests some sort of threat or demand is being made.
ThanArturo, I think the majority of pilgrims will appreciate your rules.
Just keep doing what you do for the pilgrims.
Believe me, the PILGRIMS appreciate it.
The tourists... let them go to a private hotel if they aren't happy !
Thanks what we feel, but am also very curious about this phenomenon and its effectsArturo, I think the majority of pilgrims will appreciate your rules.
Just keep doing what you do for the pilgrims.
Believe me, the PILGRIMS appreciate it.
The tourists... let them go to a private hotel if they aren't happy !
Than
Thanks what we feel, but am also very curious about this phenomenon and its effects
thanks Laurie, will do!I agree with Robo. Give your response to the bad reviewer and address any issues they have posted. Also, spend some time ensuring those of your clients that love your establishment post positive reviews. Good luck.
I work in a business where internet gossip is prevalent and even some things about me. I ignore them. If a person doesn't have the integrity to make their statements face to face they are not worth speaking to or listening to.I am a pilgrim, and also, I run an Albergue full season with my wife and we are very proud of what we do and how we do it., And its interesting the phenomenon of Blackmail on the internet and social networks.
The pilgrims sumerged in this phenomenon wants to behave in the albergue like they think is Ok, they feel they has freedoom to do anything they want, and when you come to say in a good manner, "Please don´t do it, this is a pilgrim´s Albergue and the rules are the same for all of us". They don´t tell you anything, They go straight to the internet and complain. Very bad. Is that Fair?
Slander might be a better word, but even that might be too harsh. In any event he is sullying your name. And that is very hurtful.Is difficult for me to find the appropiate word in english, thanks
Thanks so much for support icacos!Slander might be a better word, but even that might be too harsh. In any event he is sullying your name. And that is very hurtful.
Persons' perception of the same event can be so very different. I recall one time dealing with someone - in a work situation - in what I thought was a respectful manner. A few minutes later I overheard that person relating the incident to someone else, including what she perceived of my demeanour, and I was shocked, and hurt. (I had suspected this woman of lying to me in our earlier interaction and now she was lying to someone else about it.) As I think one of the posters above said, these people have issues.
As to what to do about it, I think others on this thread are giving good advice.
You find bullies everywhere. That's a real pity. I'm quite sure St James and his fellow travelers wouldn't have done something like that. So if one undertakes the camino and keeping St James in mind, then one would be more compassionate and considerate of fellow pilgrims and those who give shelter? Or has the camino become just one more adventure? Or perhaps I'm just being naive?Than
Thanks what we feel, but am also very curious about this phenomenon and its effects
If it is San Miguel, on Gronze I see 8 positive reviews and just one negative. As a pilgrim, I would look at the overall positive rating and make my own judgement.Arturo; is that you whom I just met yesterday with the wonderful albergue San Miguel in Hospital de Orbigo? I just gave a *GLOWING* recommendation here for people to visit your albergue. I have met few people whose success I wish for so much as yours.
Arturo, thanks for your post. You can see wisdom in the replies you have received! If someone has not got the grace to speak to you face to face, but uses internet to speak badly, then I would suggest that you do not pay any attention. I would find that hard, but it is not a good idea to play ping pong on a public space. You don't need to. I wish you and your wife continuing success, and gratification through your service to pilgrims!I am a pilgrim, and also, I run an Albergue full season with my wife and we are very proud of what we do and how we do it., And its interesting the phenomenon of Blackmail on the internet and social networks.
The pilgrims sumerged in this phenomenon wants to behave in the albergue like they think is Ok, they feel they has freedoom to do anything they want, and when you come to say in a good manner, "Please don´t do it, this is a pilgrim´s Albergue and the rules are the same for all of us". They don´t tell you anything, They go straight to the internet and complain. Very bad. Is that Fair?
There are very few places on the Camino Frances that I have not inhabited, and San Miguel is one of the best. Unfortunately, it is closed in the winter, so I have had to take alternative accommodations in Hospital de Orbigo for the last couple of years. I was there when "Dos Caballos" painted her self-portrait. I suspect it is still there!! Please do not be bothered by the "naysayers." Your "regular" patrons know that your albergue is a gem!!Arturo; is that you whom I just met yesterday with the wonderful albergue San Miguel in Hospital de Orbigo?
Yes , I am! Hugs Morgan!Arturo; is that you whom I just met yesterday with the wonderful albergue San Miguel in Hospital de Orbigo? I just gave a *GLOWING* recommendation here for people to visit your albergue. I have met few people whose success I wish for so much as yours.
Thanks lissie!THe TripAdvisor review will do you no damage though I’m surprised that’s you didn’t reply to him and just restate your curfew rules. I for one would definite stay somewhere which doesn’t allow people to get up at 4am! The world is fully of brave people who won’t criticise to your face
When I make purchases on the internet I go to the negative reviews first. People are usually very pointed and specific with what they didn't like. Oftentimes I find that some of these people make themselves look like fools with their pettiness and general selfishness and one star reviews can actually be positive reviews in disguise. You didn't provide any specifics of these negative reviews but if somebody gave your albergue a negative review by saying you wouldn't allow them to play their radio after 10pm I would view that as a positive review!
Also many of these review sites do allow for the owner to state their side of the story. I highly recommend you do so and make sure you are very professional about it, don't get sucked in with name calling and getting all emotional about it.
You also might consider posting your rules for staying and expected behavior on these sites, that way there are no surprises when you have to ask somebody to not do something.
I’m sad for you. There are a minority of people who think an albergue is a posh hotel. An albergue as far as I can see is a part of a family. A Camino family. Please stay positive and continue to offer true pilgrims a sactuary.I am a pilgrim, and also, I run an Albergue full season with my wife and we are very proud of what we do and how we do it., And its interesting the phenomenon of Blackmail on the internet and social networks.
The pilgrims sumerged in this phenomenon wants to behave in the albergue like they think is Ok, they feel they has freedoom to do anything they want, and when you come to say in a good manner, "Please don´t do it, this is a pilgrim´s Albergue and the rules are the same for all of us". They don´t tell you anything, They go straight to the internet and complain. Very bad. Is that Fair?
Wise words as usual Falcon! Just for info, I hope to start the Ruta de lana from Alicante on Wednesday. I thought I might try and write an Alison style guide for it at the same time. It will be similar to the one I wrote for the Almeria Granada route in 2015. Best to you and yours. Kev.No. Praise in public, criticize in private. It has always been a good rule, but is lost in the world of instant gratification. In Europe you can have content deleted. I suggest you learn your privacy rights and enforce them. Do not be bullied by Facebook, Twitter, or Yelp. They are the turf of the cruel and angry. Learn to ignore them.
I am a pilgrim, and also, I run an Albergue full season with my wife and we are very proud of what we do and how we do it., And its interesting the phenomenon of Blackmail on the internet and social networks.
The pilgrims sumerged in this phenomenon wants to behave in the albergue like they think is Ok, they feel they has freedoom to do anything they want, and when you come to say in a good manner, "Please don´t do it, this is a pilgrim´s Albergue and the rules are the same for all of us". They don´t tell you anything, They go straight to the internet and complain. Very bad. Is that Fair?
Unfortunately, sone spoil the beauty of what it means to be a pilgrim.I am a pilgrim, and also, I run an Albergue full season with my wife and we are very proud of what we do and how we do it., And its interesting the phenomenon of Blackmail on the internet and social networks.
The pilgrims sumerged in this phenomenon wants to behave in the albergue like they think is Ok, they feel they has freedoom to do anything they want, and when you come to say in a good manner, "Please don´t do it, this is a pilgrim´s Albergue and the rules are the same for all of us". They don´t tell you anything, They go straight to the internet and complain. Very bad. Is that Fair?
Thanks Mick, that´s what we do. in english, spanish, ltalian and corean, But....As a pilgrim I would do the honour of the hospitalero and say lights out at ten and if you are walking earlier than six am get your gear ready and don’t wake the rest of us up, it works.
What you describe is sad and unfair but I do not think it can really be called "blackmail": that suggests some sort of threat or demand is being made.
Thanks so much rebekah!I am a pilgrim, and I accommodate pilgrims at my house, too. I am active on the "hospitalero network," so I hear a lot of the rumors and news that travels from one albergue to the next.
I have heard NOTHING but WONDERFUL things about your place, Arturo! You're a gold-star stop on the Way. No worries.
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