End of the Game: "Ad Altiora Tendimus" or "Panem et Circenses"?

Et oui, Friday night here was "end of the game" for me...thing that I had predicted right from the beginning, when I saw the list of challenges...I told my friends and family: "You know where they will send me out?....in the restaurant review.." Everybody asked me why...and I replied: "because it is the only challenge where precisely we don't have to cook..."
But predicting this didn't mean it did not hurt me...and if you want to know how ridiculous I can be..I cried ! Yes, a woman of my age crying over a ridiculous contest ! But I was not crying because I had lost..Losing is part of any game...losing is what most often happens..I taught that to my children and my little students..I was crying at my own stupidity, at my own hard ingrained sense of honor, sense of fair play (well that is desirable in a human being, isn't it? ) or probably, because I was angry at myself for being so naïve, to think that everybody would play fair !!! 
Attention: in this competition there have been AND there are some amazingly talented bloggers, who have followed the rules, even in those cases where strict compliance of rules went to their own detriment...and I feel so lucky to have met those people, people that will remain for ever in my mind !!! but let's face it and I am sorry if I am the only person that says this...not everybody has had the same dignity! In some cases, the non-compliance with the rules has been flagrant !! yet what happened? nothing happened!! To the people, "panem et circenses"? 
Don't count on me for that!!! I was proudly brought up at a school in Argentina, the school that taught this Spanish native speaker to write English the way I do, that my motto in life had to be "Ad Altiora Tendimus" (we strive for perfection) perfection being working hard to give each day the best we have, respecting others, following rules, playing fair...
This is and will always be at the "heart" of "Cristina, from Buenos Aires to Paris". If you don't like my words...easy! Don't read my blog any more...but the first thing I have to do in my blog is to be faithful to myself...I am not in search of popularity here! I only work seriously for my readers' sake....
It goes without saying...I don't belong to Foodbuzz any more !!!!

Comments

Miriam said…
Mira, yo no sé qué ha pasado exactamente, lo que sí sé es que precisamente en este último reto los posts de los 3 ganadores a mí no me parecían los mejores. Entiendo muy bien que estés dolida, uno siempre espera que la gente aprecie el trabajo propio cuando uno sabe que está bien hecho y que los organizadores sean "justos" y apliquen las reglas. Te diré que yo estaba esperando a ver cómo ibas para borrarme o no de Foodbuzz, porque yo también estoy un poquito harta de esta web. Un beso y ánimo, porque yo sí que seguiré aquí.
fromBAtoParis said…
@Miriam:

Gracias Miriam !!! Yo ya escribi un mail a esta gente para borrarme también!
Mardi Michels said…
"I was crying at my own stupidity, at my own hard ingrained sense of honor, sense of fair play (well that is desirable in a human being, isn't it? ) or probably, because I was angry at myself for being so naïve, to think that everybody would play fair !!"

You took the words right out of my mouth Cristina. I also cried, not at being eliminated but because it was such a letdown after so many many weeks of hard work. A lot of people warned me entering this contest that it was, after all, a contest and that it would most likely descend into a bit of a popularity contest which we all know it did. That said, I am pleased to see one of my original picks to win is in the Top 3 and I couldn't be more pleased. So perhaps "justice" will prevail after all?

I hope Foodbuzz will have learned a lot from this contest and I hope they will run it differently next time, if they choose to do so. There needs to be much more transparency in voting and accountability for eliminations and stricter adherence to "post guidelines" in my opinion. But that is just me. That said, not sure if I would participate again.

Glad to have discovered your blog through PFB though and you have a loyal new reader here in Toronto, Canada :-) (and many many others, no doubt!)
I'm so sorry to hear that.You sure had your chances!

Cheers,

Rosa
fromBAtoParis said…
@Mardi:

Ditto, Mardi !! You were one of the contestants that raised the bar !! So glad to have met you too !!!
Anonymous said…
I've been looking out for this for 2 whole days...
Not to worry Cristina ! This is life, but I think you are very right to speak out and give them a piece of your mind, which of course won't change anything other than let the steam off.
WE know YOU were the best and we love you !
Life goes on, with more exciting adventures to come that you will, no doubt, share in this blog for our greatest pleasure.
Good luck !
Y.K.W.
fromBAtoParis said…
Y.K.W.

Thanks for the encouragement !!! I will continue working..harder then ever!!
You did an amazing job in this contest and for that you should be proud--count me among your new readers as a result of this contest!

Still--to have worked so hard and produced so many posts, I can understand your frustration. When you can, just shake it off and keep moving forward, as you do pretty amazing work here. :)
FOODalogue said…
I felt the sting when I was eliminated in Round 3 -- and for precisely the same reasons as you stated here. I can only imagine how much greater it is in Round 9.

However, the challenge was a great experience in learning, whether as a contender or an observer, and I think we'll be better bloggers because of it.

The real problem in my eyes with PFB and another challenge I just (foolishly) entered is that the winners are not always advanced on merit and compliance. "Open voting' only benefits the sponsor of the contest by driving traffic to their websites. [Other bloggers said this in the beginning but I didn't understand it then.]

That said, I know who I'm voting for. One of the last challengers has shown excellence consistently throughout the challenge and I believe is an honorable contender.

P.S. As you know, I followed you before the challenge and will continue to do so. Your work is beautiful and appreciated by your readers.
Claudia said…
Cristina - your blog has enchanted me from the first moment I laid eyes on it. You have upped the ante and presented culinary works of beauty. I wish you were still in the running...my top 3 picks now are gone. And I carefully went through all. I am wary of anything that has internet voting. I feel it is too dependent on marketing and not on quality. That said, I wish the three finalists well and I appreciate hitching the loveliest ride with you.
Gracielita said…
¡ AVANTI !

Si te postran diez veces, te levantas
otras diez, otras cien, otras quinientas;
no han de ser tus caídas tan violentas
ni tampoco, por ley, han de ser tantas.
Con el hambre genial con que las plantas
asimilan el humus avarientas,
deglutiendo el rencor de las afrentas
se formaron los santos y las santas.
Obcecación asnal, para ser fuerte,
nada más necesita la criatura,
y en cualquier infeliz se me figura
que no mellan los garfios de la suerte ...
¡ Todos los incurables tienen cura
cinco minutos antes de su muerte !
Gracielita said…
¡ PIU AVANTI !

No te des por vencido, ni aún vencido,
no te sientas esclavo, ni aún esclavo;
trémulo de pavor, piénsate bravo,
y acomete feroz, ya mal herido.
Ten el tesón del clavo enmohecido
que ya viejo y ruin, vuelve a ser clavo;
no la cobarde estupidez del pavo
que amaina su plumaje al primer ruido.
Procede como Dios que nunca llora;
o como Lucifer, que nunca reza;
o como el robledal, cuya grandeza
necesita del agua, y no la implora...
Que muerda y vocifere vengadora,
ya rodando en el polvo, tu cabeza !
Unknown said…
Cristina, I am so disappointed that you are not going forward in the FB challenge, I loved all of your entries and your restaurant review was a pleasure to read as it was exceptionally well done. I followed you, voted for you and will continue to be a big supporter of all that you do here. From San Francisco to Paris all my best wishes, Patty
GRACIELITA said…
Para mi fuiste, sos y serás la mejor!
Te prestaré mi hombro mañana para que llores tu desdicha y junto a vos derramaré mis lágrimas por la pérdida de mi tan ansiada recompensa...
Cristina dale nomás!!
Un abrazote,
Graciela
Anonymous said…
Bravo Christina: Por lo menos tu tienes las P#*^%#s de decir y expresar la verdad. Una mujer con mucha clase y inteligencia.

I followed you from the beginning and I thought you were exceptional. I never made it past two and I also cried. I followed the rules, but I guess I was not "popular".

I will continue to look forward to your creations and to me you are a "winner".
fromBAtoParis said…
@Norma: Thank you for your incredible encouragement, post by post !!!

@Gracielita: Arriba Almafuerte !!! Te contaré una anecdota sobre eso!! Gracias!!

@Patty: I don't know if I can tackle so much sweetness!!
Thanks a lot!!

@Elizabeth
@Claudia
@Foodalogue

I always felt you so close to me!!! Thanks a lot, girls!!
Cherine said…
I was really really disappointed when I didn't see you between the 3 finalists, I was not believing my eyes, I thought something was wrong and I kept refreshing the page waiting for your name & blog to appear!! I don't understand!! But this is the game!
I love your work and your blog, and as you know, I followed you before the challenge and will continue to do so. Your faithful reader from Paris :)
fromBAtoParis said…
@Cherine

Thank you Cherine!! I feel less lonely here in Paris !!
Stella said…
Hey Cristina! You know, I applaud you for writing your real feelings, and, the truth is, you may be right. Plus, I've been thinking a lot lately about how some bloggers would speak ill of/verbally attack you (or any other blogger) for writing something blunt like this. For example, I received nasty e-mails from both anonymous people & bloggers after I wrote my post on vegetarianism. What kind of person thinks that they can tell another person what to feel/think and what to write on their own blog? Hello?! They are the crazy ones!!!
I like that you wrote this, and, being that this was a contest, I believe you. I know how people can be;-)
Don't fret though. You made it so far and are so talented. Just be glad that you are so lucky to know so much and be this way. I often wish I could be in Paris and come over and learn from you;)
XO,
Stella
p.s. Oh, and I think you should have been at least in the Top 3. The other contestants are good-really good! But you were too. I think some things have a lot to do with popularity/networking. I mean, it explains how W became president over here:) Makes no sense but it happened. You know (smile)?
Evan @swEEts said…
It'll be sad not to see your recipes pop up in my foodbuzz inbox, but I'll definitely still be stopping by anyways! Congrats on getting as far as you did though.. I can only imagine your frustration- I didn't even make it past the first round when there were others who wrote about not wanting to be in the contest or not being sure about it and they made it through! I definitely don't think it went as well as fb was hoping. Look forward to your delicious food!
Gaby said…
Hi Cristina, I am very very sorry. I kept checking that Foodbuzz everyday until I reluctantly realised that you weren't through. I was very annoyed cos I really believe you are fantastic, took this seriously and it showed. Of course you have the right to be angry,anyone with clean concience would!
Don't worry,(I know that it is easily said than done!), but all of us who are in love with your blog, will still be here awaiting with great expectation, the update on the rss feed telling us that you have a new post....then we will click, see and smile!
Saluditos, Gaby xx
fromBAtoParis said…
@ Stella

You know there are a lot of crazy , intolerant people in this world...We are setting an example: I am a "carnivorous" Argentinian, you are vegeterian...still great friends!!

@Evan

Thanks for your affectionate words!! You can always follow me in Twitter, or other media

@Gaby

Thanks for your sweet affection! When are you coming to Paris, to visit me? xoxo
Isabelle said…
I think you did a beautiful job, Cristina, though I'm sorry to hear that you've thrown in the towel (so to speak).
Unfortunately, the thing about a contest is that there can only be one winner at the end, which means everyone else will have to live with coming in second... or third... or thousandth. Them's the breaks.
You took beautiful photos, shared great recipes, wrote wonderful posts, and bonded with your daughter while making a fantastic video. I think these achievements are worth celebrating for their own sake. Putting down the contest just lessens their value, because it means you didn't do them for any purpose other than to win... not to grow, not to learn, not to share. Is that really the case?
Could it have been done better? Sure. Hopefully Foodbuzz will learn a few lessons and fix up a few loopholes next year. Still, that doesn't make the finalists (or the eventual winner) any less deserving.
fromBAtoParis said…
@Isabelle,
Thanks for your thoughtful comment! but if you read my post well, I said that still there are bloggers of value in this contest!!! (and actually I 've just voted for one of them)I never thought I had to win..far from that!! there were and there are valuable people here !! but maybe because I was part of this contest, I noticed things that passed unnoticed for others..As I said in my post, meeting great people was the best reward of this contest...learning of course, I learn every time I read a post written by somebody else, sharing with my daughter that helped me so much in the video, listening to my family's opinion when I explained my idea for each post...It was a great life experience !!! but some people did not respect the rules, and they were not penalized !! and that is unfair for the more than 1000 people that participated, not only for me!
Bravo. My disappointment with the contest and who has moved forward centers around the lack of rule enforcement. It was disrespectful to those of us who followed the rules and I absolutely refused to vote for anyone who ignored the guidelines. There are a lot of people who feel how you do, but at least you are brave enough to say it.
fromBAtoParis said…
@ Baking Barrister

Thank you !! I wondered why we didn't ALL speak up !!
Nancy said…
Dearest Cristina, I have been in shock since readying the results not to see you in the final 3. Quite honestly I was so sure that you would be in the finalist, maybe even the winner. I say this not because I am a loyal reader, fan or friend, I say it because of your talent. Only as an observer I can say there were so many talented participants, including the 3 finalists, that I was shocked to see eliminated. Only you who participated can comment on the fairness and respect of the rules. It doesn't matter if people agree or disagree with what you've written, this is how you feel and we all have every right to express how we feel, popular or not. I don't see life as a popularity contest, I judge on quality over quantity, talent, class, and knowledge. Y tu amiga, you have all of these plus more beautiful qualities about you. Brush it off, lesson learned, keep on doing all the wonderful things that make your blog wonderful. We will all be lucky enough to see you advance on to your next challenges and opportunities that will come your way because of the true talent you have. Muchos abresos!
Gaby said…
You're welcome Cristina..Paris Paris la cite de l'amour... I wish I could go there tomorrow! I love Paris...it must be lovely at the moment with all the xmas lights about..I am even doing a French language course Oh lala! to be able to show it off next time I go there..!
I am going to Argentina in January via Paris...just exiting enough for me to run across the airport to catch the next plane...!
Diana Bauman said…
Christina, when I was eliminated, I was a bit sad but you know.. it is what it is. Having seen many GREAT bloggers eliminated early on really allowed me to see that this contest was not about who is the best blogger or has the best blog but instead it was something that allowed us to reach for something to go above and beyond what we normally do. With all of the different kinds of blogs out there, how could one really judge who will be the next best blogging star. You have a beautiful blog and one that I would never have run into had it not been for this contest. For that I am so thankful! To have gotten to speak to you and enjoy the magnificent posts you brought to us! Regardless, Foodbuzz is marketing themselves and they are doing a great job at it! Will I compete again.. NO! too much work when I know that my readership can not gain me votes. That's okay. I had fun and met some amazing people along the way! I'm excited to keep following your beautiful blog in Paris!! Besitos Amiga!!
Anonymous said…
your blog stands on its own merits! And we appreciate your straightforward thoughts! Keep writing and keep cooking!!
Unknown said…
Cristina,
I have always loved your posts because you speak straight from the heart. We see the true and honest Cristina, not hiding behind any veils or pretenses. Thank you so much for your honesty in this post. I actually thought your last restaurant post was really really good! I was especially impressed with your smooth video skills and the way you chose to feature the rich background of the chef. In general, your posts have been amazing and I'm so glad I got to know you through this contest. :)
Lana said…
Cristina, you have put out a great fight. I loved your posts and kept my fingers crossed every round.
From the beginning it was clear that this would be a popularity contest, and I am not surprised. Being on the outside of the loop, I do not know how the rules were broken, but i feel sorry for everybody who was eliminated if they let some injustice slide.
I am just happy that I have found your blog.
My Barbarian Table said…
great post! you hit it on the nose, i have long thought this but felt shunned for speaking so. shaking me head in disbelief each round, i truly became frustrated with the whole thing. Bravo to you and your eloquent words! You've got a life long follower, keep up the beautiful work.
Leila @ My Barbarian Table
Hey Cristina. I'm so sorry to hear the disappointing news! You were a marvelous competitor. I'm always so excited to read your posts and this doesn't change anything for those of us who look forward to your stories and cooking every week! If nothing else, it was great exposure--I'm sure you gained some new readers from it!

I hate it when you find out your competitors aren't fighting fair!
Trish said…
Cristina, I love your blog. It's so full of beauty and inspiration. You worked very hard with PFB and I can understand your frustration. Keep your chin up and stay positive. You have many loyal readers and you are very talented. Good things will come to you.
It's quite sad how some people have gotten through with such average quality work. I know, it's a popularity game, but so is life I suppose. We just suck it up, roll our eyes and feel thankful that you made it this far b/c many of us were able to find you and might never have otherwise. You put out great work and the world sees it!! And you and your daughter worked together to make a video, and an article was written about you. So much wonderful stuff has come out of this =) Yes, some people don't follow the rules. Unfortunately, I see this everyday in the real world, and great people are pushed out of the game b/c of it. Then there are the talented & strong ones who don't care and keep following their passion. And these people are the geniuses who keep getting better and better and one day they're recognized. And by the time that happens they are so far past everyone else in terms of quality. It's parallel to the situation of the chef you reviewed in the last challenge.
Jean said…
Cristina, I was booted out of the contest so long ago but I do also remember feeling that there were inconsistencies with adherence to the rules. You did a fabulous job and you never ceased to impress me with you entries. I'm proud of you and I'm happy to continue reading your blog. Keep those wonderful posts coming. :-)
fromBAtoParis said…
@ Spicie Foodie

Thank you Nancy!! I value highly your words...

@ Everybody

I don't know if it was the wisest thing to write this post or not...but I felt I had to do it...because when we don't like sth in life, when we feel sb has done us wrong, and we don't express it...sth horrible begins to grow in our chest, in our heart, like cancer, so my philosophy is to let it out...then yes, after this "catharsis" I am ready to look ahead, to continue being the girl with the big smile, to keep on working hard, and dreaming... AND sharing this amazing friendship with each of you !!! Thanks a lot for all you have given me !!!
Barbara said…
Because someone who was not entered and never followed it much can never knew the problems, I can't comment on fairness or rule following. But I do remember Lazaro commenting on how disappointed he was with the contest quite a while ago.

I voted for you each time, really thought you would win the entire thing..you certainly worked hard enough and your results were perfect.

Please don't be too disappointed...life is never fair. And you have gained the respect of so many readers, new and old. I love your blog, Cristina, you have a friend and follower in me!

I doubt Foodbuzz will learn much from this; how disappointing.
Tasty Trix said…
I am so sorry to see everyone's disappointment and disillusionment from this contest. I wish I could say I'm surprised. ... One reason I didn't do it (besides the incredible time commitment; I remain in awe of how much work people put into this) is because I simply don' trust Foodbuzz. I have always found their methods to be sketchy and self-serving, even when it comes to Top 9 ... this is NOT to say that the finalists don't deserve it - I really have no idea as I haven't been able to follow closely. I just never thought it would be fair. I tip my hat to you and all the contestants for all of your hard work!
fromBAtoParis said…
@Barbara:

Thank you for all your support throughout the contest, but mainly for your friendship!!! I am so happy to have met you!!

@Trix:

You are wiser than me!! I agree with you completely on Top 9 !!!
Lazaro Cooks said…
Foodbuzz is useless. Congrats on coming to that realization.
Marcella said…
Hi Cristina! I am sorry that you did not make it to the top 3, but don't sweat too much over it. Your work is so beautiful and inspiring that you absolutely don't need to win that contest to be recognized. ;) I feel like I am in your living room listening to you when I read your posts and in my opinion that is so fantastic and in itself shows how talented you are. Keep up the good work. :) I'll definitely keep following you. We are going to Argentina next Monday to spend Christmas with the family. I'm excited! :) besitos, Marcella
Hi Cristina - I have been out of the blogging loop and don't really know what happened in PFB in the last two weeks, but I completely understand how you feel and to be honest, whether or not I agreed with the judges' decision, I would have cried too, because I am just an emotional fool :P

I have no idea how the other contestants may have ignored the rules and gotten away with it, but it is definitely dishonourable if such a thing happened and yes, the judges should not let such a thing go unchecked!

I would be so angry after all the hard work I would have put into such a project! Ma pauvre Cristina! But you know the quality of your work here - it has stood long before PFB and it will stand long after, so no more tears, yes?
fromBAtoParis said…
@ LazaroCooks

You are right! I should have known better!!

@Marcella

Thanks for your words, sweet Marcella, and enjoy your stay in BA !!!

@Denise

You are right!! I'm just a silly, over emotional, firm believer in fair play girl, but don't worry !!! I'm ready to COME BACK !!! ;D
I was so sad to see you eliminated Cristina! You are a lovely person, a wonderful cook and I must admit I cried too when I didn't advance. It was fun while it lasted.
Anonymous said…
Daaaaaaahling, part of being a girl is crying over stupid things. I do it all the time (can't even begin to tell you how many times i cried when my macarons never came out right--and they still haven't, I just buy Laduree now, its not worth the frustration). In fact, I had a conversation with hubby about it. I came to a realazation: the reason I cry over stupid things is because, thank god, i dont have any real problems. Life is good daaaahling, don't forget the big picture.
As for Foodbuzz, it is completely there loss.
When it comes to blogging, it is so easy to get side tracked. All I can say is blog for you, not for any one else. Sometimes I have a horrid sense of humor and I am super naughty, but that's what makes me me, and if i changed that, my blog would not be special any more. Stick to what is YOU, that's the best thing about your blog (and your stunning treats of course ;)).
I am so proud of you for coming this far, and in my book daaahling, you are so the winner!!!
*kisses* HH
Anonymous said…
p.s. i have to tell u something very naughty: guess who is also getting a LV monogram bag :D :D :D :D
I am getting the big carry on version. I got it ordered this weekend. It takes 10 weeks. My colours are going to be pink and red.
So daaaaaahling, it doesnt matter if we win any contest, cause we are so cute and fashionable :), what more could u want?
fromBAtoParis said…
@Lindsey

Thanks a lot! and let's cheer up!!!!

@Heavenly Housewife

You said it, Hana!! Thanks a lot for making me smile, and laugh!! (as always!) and I ADORE your sense of humor!!
Aldy said…
Cris,
I'm so sorry to hear that!!! Pucha,Que Bronca!!! Pero bueh... me parece que no se podia esperar mucho mas de Foodbuzz..."Bastante Mediocres" los organizadores de este evento!!! Y la verdad me parece que con Tremendo Talento Y Creatividad que Tenes Ni falta Te hace estar en ese "Contest".

Desde Aqui para vos APLAUSOS X 1000!!!

And I'll continue to look forward to your BEAUTIFUL CREATIONS!:)

ABRAZOTES,

Aldy.