As women and moms in a position of influence, I think the Nestle situation is definitely one that should provoke a deep consideration of the brands we choose to align ourselves.

I admire your courage in posting so honestly about your experience!

I’m just glad that you were able to use this as an educational experience to help you get a better understanding of the issues.

Regarding the issues, I understand where the activists are coming from. My issue still relies in the fact that I don’t think Nestle will answer any questions to satisfy though. So, the objectivity isn’t there, which is necessary to make decisions (of course many thing I had no objectivity in it all either since I was there). I guess, each person will need to read all sides and make their own decisions.

And, I’m with Amanda – this has affected me more than I would like to admit. When someone attacks your character and integrity, I don’t take that lightly. It’s all just baffling…

But on the other hand, I had such a fantastic time meeting and talking with you! :)

So there is good reason to be suspicious of events like this. However, I take as my starting point that those attending may not be aware of the concerns. I found out about this event due to the traffic coming to our sites from links posted on Twitter. I did send messages to directly to the bloggers asking whether they would investigate the evidence or simply relate what Nestlé said, with a link to further information. This resulted in an email conversation with one of those attending that I think we both found productive.

It is wonderful – and often the case – that Nestlé’s attempts to divert criticism go badly wrong as its claims do not stand up to scrutiny. This is happening now on the PhD in Parenting blog where Nestlé’s responses to a list of questions are appearing. The forthcoming International Nestlé-Free Week (26 October – 1 November) has gained a massive boost, particularly in the US, as a result. I very much hope we can raise the pressure on Nestlé about a current concern: its new strategy of labelling formula with the claim that it ‘protects’ babies (see a picture on my blog of a tin from Malawi, one of the world’s poorest countries, with under-5 mortality of 140 per 1,000 live births).

There are, however, important lessons for campaigners to learn. Although the way Nestlé pushes baby milk in breach of international standards and other aspects of its business are emotive issues, there needs to be care in how these are raised. In this case most posts on Twitter were, in my view, providing useful information, but some were attacking some bloggers for attending, for being unaware or for defending Nestlé and dismissing concerns in an increasingly forthright way (in some cases). An unfortunate result is that for a period the discussion was about etiquette and who said what and should they have, rather than on Nestlé. Those who do not want their view of Nestlé changed, may use the comments of a few to dismiss the whole campaign and label all campaigners as aggressive.

So in my view it is neither fair nor productive to attack those caught in the middle.

At other events we sometimes hold demonstration AGAINST NESTLE and pass information to those who decide to enter – we are often thanked afterwards for doing so. The immediacy of Twitter means time for reflection and analysis does not always occur. It is something to think about. Twitter is not journalism, yet the #nestlefamily tag was there to provide a window on what Nestlé was presenting to the bloggers. It was totally right to challenge the misinformation coming from Nestlé – we should challenge this company wherever it raises its head until it changes its practices.

Nestlé will continue to try to use people for its two-step communication strategy and has no qualms about misleading them. I hope campaigners will all be cooler next time so that the evidence is the focus.

I can understand it if bloggers at the event want to keep their heads down on this issue now, and appreciate your posting this blog.

Like you, before this surfaced on twitter – I was unfamiliar with the situation. I think it is impressive that you decided to go in order to learn more and ask questions. Good for you!