Applebee's Reddit Woes

                Social media can be a source of humor and entertainment, and let’s be honest we would hate it without it!  But in this world where anything and everything posted on the internet can be shared with the whole world, we need to be super careful.  Very recently, Applebee’s has been a prime example of social media gone wrong.

                Apparently, a pastor wrote on his Applebee’s receipt “I give God 10%.  Why do you get 18%?”  The waitress, finding it humorous, posted a picture of the receipt on Reddit.  After seeing his receipt viral on the internet, the pastor called and demanded the waitress be fired.  And she was.  If you haven’t heard the story or want to know more, you can read about it here:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/31/applebees-waitress-fired-god-tip-receipt_n_2591794.html

                Personally, I disagree with the decision to fire the waitress.   I found the receipt to be funny, and honestly thought it was rude of the pastor to respond in the way he did.  Of course, 18% gratuity is a little steep, but he could have simply opted out of the tip without bringing insults in the picture.  If I were in the waitress’ shoes, I’m not certain that I would refrain from sharing the funny receipt with people either.

                The issue is not whether or not the receipt, and frankly entire situation, is hilarious.  Because we all know it is.  The issue is that the waitress was representing a company and put the company name and customer privacy in danger when she posted the picture.  It was not professional and went against company code to post private information on the internet.  The fact that it went viral did not help either.  In this situation, I see both parties at fault over a trivial matter.

                But despite my thinking that the incidence is trivial, this news has blown up all over the internet. In response, Applebee’s has been scrambling to make up for their PR fiasco.  They even released a news statement explaining how they plan to handle situation.  And, in my opinion, they seem to handling it well.  You can read more about their statement here:  http://finance.yahoo.com/news/applebees-strategy-dealing-receipt-debacle-001500427.html

                Although it is still a hot topic, I believe Applebee’s is taking the right steps to amend their name.  First, they admitted the mistake.  Second, they are doing their best to make sure the public knows the facts.  And ALL of the facts; no half-truths.  Third, they are taking measures to monitor all of their social media sites.  They want to know what people are saying and want to respond accordingly.  Fourth, they are not removing any statements or comments from their social media sites.  They are taking the situation as it is and doing their best to deal with it.  Certainly, the entire ordeal is not the best for Applebee’s, but at least they are doing the best that they can.

                Overall, I find the story hilarious.  I understand why it has gone viral and had as much publicity as it has.  But I think everyone is overreacting.  But hey, blowing things out of proportion is the beauty of social media isn’t it?