There does seem to be a good deal of debate at the moment about the extent to which bloggers should be compelled to reveal any commercial sponsorship that they receive – see this, for instance, from last week’s Guardian Technology Supplement – this.
For anyone who can’t be bothered to click on the link, here is an extract –
“The long-running debate over freedom of speech on the internet took a new twist yesterday, when America’s most important regulators – the Federal Trade Commission – decided to approve new rules to stop independent bloggers from hiding their links to advertisers.
Payola schemes – where web users are offered money or gifts to write about certain services or products – have increased in recent years, as marketers realise that there’s a lot of hay to be made by using freebies and cash incentives to encourage bloggers, web users and forum contributors to produce reviews or testimonials. At its worst, it is a form of astroturfing, the pernicious practice of trying to trick people into thinking that has widespread support from ordinary members of the public.”
Well, I will leave it to you, the reader, to decide whether I’ve received any payment for this, but I should like to offer a testimonial for the following product – Geo Watkins Mushroom Ketchup.
This almost miraculous substance has the power to transform the dullest dish, and is particularly efficacious at this time of year in lending a smoky autumnal note to stews and risottos.
It is available from Sainsbury’s for £1.19 – very reasonable, considering the use you are certain to get out of it (and it is, no doubt, available from other reputable retailers too).
Here is a picture, and a description, in their own words:
“This rich-tasting sauce was the secret of success for many Victorian Cooks with Steak and Kidney Pies and Puddings, Roast Meats, Sauces and Soups”.
If I were you, I’d pop out and buy a couple of bottles tomorrow – I guarantee you won’t regret it!
The Crimson Rambler 
Do you have an outlet in the US?
No, I’m sorry (I’m not officially connected with the product). If you don’t mind ordering online you might want to try this – http://www.britsuperstore.com/acatalog/Geo_Watkins.html
Hope this helps.
i HAD IT IN okehampton and would like to obtain it in the US
My family used to use Burgess Mushroom Ketchup but they stopped making it. Geo Watkins’ version is milder but still nice with chips and potato waffles (can you tell I’m not a great chef?). I found that Britsuperstore charges too much for delivery to Ireland (where I am), but luckily http://www.bakersandlarners.co.uk/watkins-mushroom-ketchup-p-463.html works out much better. The price per bottle is a little higher but the cheaper shipping costs more than negated that.
Good to hear from you, Ken. I really just came across GWMK in Sainsbury’s and liked the look of it – I can’t remember the Burgess variety at all. I tend to use a bit of it to liven up stews and so on (not that I’m an expert cook either). Hope your link is useful to anyone else who’s looking for the stuff outside England.
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