Thoughts on Alissa Cohen ...
Curious as ever to read more from the raw food world, I do find it strange at times to hear about controversial people and/or topics concerning said people. Alissa Cohen seems to be lumped in with this group of controversy for various reasons. Her message board, her book, and some of her (and her husband's) ethics with regards to their business practices seem to be the main sticking points.
Her message board was the first one to send warning signals my way. I originally did register, as it was the largest online community that I did see at the time. I did not read the rules at first, I guess, and I began asking others about the literature concerning raw food (I am a voracious reader) and the responses I received were few, before noticing my post was removed. I saw posts complaining about similar actions (removed qucikly as well) and it was only then that I decided to read the rules.
Since it's run by Alissa, she has the right to as she pleases with it. But her rules are very interesting, especially this part here:
"This board is for the support of the raw food lifestyle ... according to the principles in Alissa Cohen's book Living on Live Food"
I guess this wouldn't be so bad, except for the fact that #1, I thought her book was a shade below mediocre, tacky, and really doesn't add anything to the growing literature on the raw food movement itself. And #2, she goes on to state this:
"I do not promote a high fat raw food diet which some claim. I promote freedom of choice."
Oh.
Alissa then gives the members of the board more "choice" by outlining all of the other things they cannot post about: other authors, other points of view, religion/politics, cooked food, animal products (honey is OK to post about), no links to other sites for any reason, etc. It seems Alissa only wants the members of the forum to talk about her. Or her book. Or her products that can be sold on her site (even if they can be found cheaper elsewhere). And the plethora of people who state they like her book are mostly found on her site.
The business practices I have read about deal with Alissa cashing checks from her customers and then never delivering on the products. A very interesting story about one of these instances is here: (http://groups.google.com/group/rawfoodgroup/browse_thread/thread/73...)
This is where two recorded phone calls of Alissa's husband threatening a woman who wanted a refund of her money back (and she has a link to the check Alissa signed) because Alissa never delivered the product or sought to help resolve the issue.
There are also rumors about Alissa stealing all of her recipes from online, anointing herself a "chef", and to save face, then asks all of her forum members to submit their own original recipes to be used in her new book (thus, absolving her of any charges of stealing recipes)
Maybe it's the academic in me who abhors plagiarism that irks me on the last one. Maybe it's the fact that Alissa, like Al Gore with the internet, feels she invented the raw food diet. Maybe it's all of the typos on her book and her posts on her website that make me think she's just an ignorant raw food pretender with little to add to the movement, with the exception of an overinflated ego, perhaps.
I am not sure. But I felt very put off by her pompousness. And I do not feel like she deserves my money, anyway.
Does anyone have any success stories with Alissa? Any unsuccess stories? Thoughts on the Alissa Cohen movement? Or is she only important to her own little world?
Her message board was the first one to send warning signals my way. I originally did register, as it was the largest online community that I did see at the time. I did not read the rules at first, I guess, and I began asking others about the literature concerning raw food (I am a voracious reader) and the responses I received were few, before noticing my post was removed. I saw posts complaining about similar actions (removed qucikly as well) and it was only then that I decided to read the rules.
Since it's run by Alissa, she has the right to as she pleases with it. But her rules are very interesting, especially this part here:
"This board is for the support of the raw food lifestyle ... according to the principles in Alissa Cohen's book Living on Live Food"
I guess this wouldn't be so bad, except for the fact that #1, I thought her book was a shade below mediocre, tacky, and really doesn't add anything to the growing literature on the raw food movement itself. And #2, she goes on to state this:
"I do not promote a high fat raw food diet which some claim. I promote freedom of choice."
Oh.
Alissa then gives the members of the board more "choice" by outlining all of the other things they cannot post about: other authors, other points of view, religion/politics, cooked food, animal products (honey is OK to post about), no links to other sites for any reason, etc. It seems Alissa only wants the members of the forum to talk about her. Or her book. Or her products that can be sold on her site (even if they can be found cheaper elsewhere). And the plethora of people who state they like her book are mostly found on her site.
The business practices I have read about deal with Alissa cashing checks from her customers and then never delivering on the products. A very interesting story about one of these instances is here: (http://groups.google.com/group/rawfoodgroup/browse_thread/thread/73...)
This is where two recorded phone calls of Alissa's husband threatening a woman who wanted a refund of her money back (and she has a link to the check Alissa signed) because Alissa never delivered the product or sought to help resolve the issue.
There are also rumors about Alissa stealing all of her recipes from online, anointing herself a "chef", and to save face, then asks all of her forum members to submit their own original recipes to be used in her new book (thus, absolving her of any charges of stealing recipes)
Maybe it's the academic in me who abhors plagiarism that irks me on the last one. Maybe it's the fact that Alissa, like Al Gore with the internet, feels she invented the raw food diet. Maybe it's all of the typos on her book and her posts on her website that make me think she's just an ignorant raw food pretender with little to add to the movement, with the exception of an overinflated ego, perhaps.
I am not sure. But I felt very put off by her pompousness. And I do not feel like she deserves my money, anyway.
Does anyone have any success stories with Alissa? Any unsuccess stories? Thoughts on the Alissa Cohen movement? Or is she only important to her own little world?
Replies are closed for this discussion.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Raw by Default on -
The forum on her site was the first I joined. I'm lucky I didn't get put off the whole raw food movement! I was irked by what I viewed as censorship (disappearing posts) and I didn't like the fact that just asking a question could get your post deleted. Plus, I was basically attacked and called names by one of her sycophants when I made a simple observation. So I haven't been back there since.
I don't know about the other claims (recipe stealing, threats, etc.). I've watched her DVD, and that's about it. But I would also be interested to hear about other people's experiences.
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Permalink Reply by Raw by Default on
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I just had a look at that link, and I'm not sure what to think. The fact that the only other posts on that so-called raw group are homophobic ramblings about Alissa's husband makes me question the whole thing...
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Permalink Reply by Ian on -
I agree. I think it was posted on that site (and Juliano's) is because Alissa couldn't delete it. I think I was more disturbed by the recorded message of her husband "handling" the customer service issue.
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Permalink Reply by Charles on -
Alissa was the very first raw food "celebrity" that I discovered. I attended one of her teaching classes (taught by one her students, not Alissa herself). I thought it was wonderful. I had a great time and it really encouraged me to want to stay raw. The food was delicious and it made me realize that I wanted to do something associated with this raw food diet, to get more involved, to spread my philosophy of being raw by default since everything else in this world is total crap.
So I had a good experience with Alissa. I didn't know anything about the ugly details of her website. However, I have since come to realize that Alissa isn't as wise as I first thought. I realize she doesn't have all of the answers. I know there are a couple moments on her own dvd where she seems stumped as to how to answer a certain question. But she's out there, whether it's on the Today Show or Tyra Banks or whatever, and she's actively promoting the raw food lifestyle, and I think that's a good thing. She comes across as friendly and engaging and down to earth. She's a departure from other raw foodies who may come across as hippie-ish, which isn't a bad thing at all, but some people can be turned off by that. (I count my mom as one.)
Plus she's got her own restaurant opening in Boston next month, so again, I think that's something positive. The more exposure this diet receives, the better.
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Permalink Reply by Matt Mueller on -
Her forum was the first I found and I have been an active member there. I am currently completely my first 30 day challenge. I wouldn't be where I am today with the support I got there. I do notice some moderation and a kind of 'Alissa's book' is the answer to every question mentality, so I kind of see your point.
In general my advice to everyone would be devote more energy to making your contribution to the community and less energy cutting others down.
Mueller
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Permalink Reply by Suki Zoe on -
i thought what made GITMR different from other forums was being 100% negativity free?
people bashing ain't raw & Loving,
we KNOW we can do better than that, right?
x
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Permalink Reply by Rande on -
I found her website when i was just learning about all this "raw stuff" and i agree its great for beginners, a very warm community overall despite the "strictness" of the rules. i think her approach works for some people (and those are the people that stay on her board) and not for others (who want to learn other approaches to raw food). i'm certainly not against her as i think she's been helpful to many many people, but it is a shame that those things are happening, i hope they can get everything cleared up.
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Permalink Reply by StarFire on -
OMG... OKAY -- who are you and why are you so keen on bashing Alissa? You know what -- you showed up on raw freedom community and tried to vomit on everyone over there.
Here’s the link to the truth of how that went down...
http://www.rawfreedomcommunity.info/forum/showthread.php?t=2563&...
I really feel sorry for you that with all the amazing wonderful things to talk about - you are WASTING not only your time - but polluting this wonderful new forum with your trash talk. I NORMALLY DO NOT GET UPSET NOR DO I RESPOND TO THIS KIND OF NONSENSE.... but it is obvious what your agenda is -- cruise cyber space to find any available forum where you can spread your one-sided hateful lies. You speak as though you are 'revealing the truth' to 'help us... GAG.. ARE YOU SERIOUS??? Do you think I am so ignorant as to listen to what you say and simply accept it as gospel??? DO YOU WALK ON WATER???? then I'm not listening to your ranting ... every time I turn around - your are there trying to pour your garbage out into what is (like this amazing forum....) a beautiful joyful pool of fresh clear water.... and then there you are flinging unnecessary mud... WHY?? You poor thing you...
and this thing about the un~cook book - you are so WRONG THERE.... your information is a LIE -- and I know this cuz I was there -- I know what happened with that!
and one last thing -- I am one of those that asks people 'DO YOU HAVE ALISSA'S BOOK?' and I ask it out of sincerity -- because for me -- it was a life saver -- it helped me immensely -- I don't get a 'cut of proceeds' on book sales... I don't get a discount at her store for every time I say that.... I say it – Because I BELIEVE it might HELP those that are new and transitioning into this amazing LIFESTYLE.... that's why I say it... because it helped me... perhaps it will help others...
You seriously need to get a life who ever you are.... and I'm so sorry you turned up here to once again try to vomit all your lies all over this beautiful site....
How sad you have nothing better in your life than this vendetta -- how sad for you that there is no joy in your life ... only this need to bash other people.... what -- did you miss your green smoothie this morning? Get out of your house - go jogging - get some exercise - drink a green smoothie and try to get some of that poison OUT OF YOUR SYSTEM....
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Permalink Reply by suse on -
To be honest I am really shocked at the anger in your energy as you berate someone who just put out an enquiry. So many cruel comments which, for me, had a far more pollutant energy than anything he said. People are allowed to have doubts and questions in this world, it's called 'freedom'- and in the spirit of freedom you took to expressing yourself with no less negativity than the person you chastise. There's a Chinese proverb that goes something along the lines of :
'A thousand of the fastest horses can never overtake words, once spoken'
All I know about Alissa Cohen is that she has a great smile. People are complex, successes and so-called 'mistakes' get made. For me- we could all do with helping each other co-arise in healing in our unique individual ways and if we can't flirt with a few flaws in kind heart on the way our prospects are pretty jinxed. So love to Ian and love to you as you both honour your own way. xx
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Permalink Reply by StarFire on
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okay... sorry I got so upset and if you are NOT the person that has been going to every raw food forum and posting trash - then my sincere apologies.... HOWEVER.... your last statement...
Does anyone have any success stories with Alissa? Any unsuccess stories?
YES ... ME. I posted my testimony on the testimony Group page...
I just don't understand WHY with all the beautiful fun things to talk about --- and even the MORE IMPORTANT global issues that could be discussed....
WHY... BASH a woman who is on the front lines - making it happen, and opening the doors for so many people to find this amazing LIFESTYLE?? people get disgruntled for one reason or another or their thread got deleted... okay - maybe that decision was made by a Moderator (whoever they are)... do you actually think Alissa has time to read all those blogs everyday - and search and destroy the ones she doesn't like?? Please... that is so unrealistic.
no matter what you do in life - you cannot please everyone.... but weigh that agains the good they have done - and KNOW ALL THE FACTS.... not just what some unhappy soul has spewed ....
forgive me for yelling at you ...
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Permalink Reply by Ian on
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My sardonic nature doesn't go over well at times, I will admit. And yes, I had taken a stance about my opinion of Alissa based on experience and what I've read (ie- for those unsure: "rumors"). What I wanted from this 700+ member community was some feedback, that's all. If all of the posts here disagreed with my assessment, then I simply alter my assessment of Alissa and choose whether I want to give her message another chance. I reserve judgement until then.
Now, I couldn't possibly do this on her site with all of her - how did Raw By Default put it? - "sycophants"? (great word, btw) When all inquiries have responses such as "read Alissa's book", this shows a potential lack of understanding about questions and the language we use - I instead decided to find a community elsewhere.
I did like the approach you took of admonishing my "bashing" of Alissa by bashing me yourself. Who says irony is dead? hahahaha. There's no need to apologize, seriously. I appreciate all the respones, even ones that approach "yelling" :-) A response is better than a passionless response, no?
As you were
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Permalink Reply by rawcanadian on -
The first person I heard about when I started researching Raw & Living foods was Alissa. I took the Level One class from a woman teaching Alissa's classes in my area. I'm a very all or nothing kind of person and the diet promoted (anything as long as it is raw) was not right for me. I did the 30 days raw according to Alissa's book and gained weight. I also had a gallbladder attack from too much fat. (I had a very healthy diet before I began raw foods.) It was a HUGE learning experience for me and I still refer clients and others to Alissa, but now I am able to provide them with a little more knowledge and experience first. I do believe that her site and book have a place, especially for the beginner. I have recently found Karen Knowler and love her approach. Her style is very similar to the the way I live and teach now. It's all a learning experience and I think every voice for the raw lifestyle has it's place and purpose. Congrats to those that are able to live the raw lifestyle and make a "living" at the same time.
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