Why Writing “And Go” in Food Facebook Groups Is the Worst Way to Ask for Advice
If you’ve ever scrolled through a food-focused Facebook group (Dine_LI Facebook Group), you’ve seen posts like this:
- “Best chocolate-covered strawberries. And go.”
- “Best pizzeria near UBS Arena? And go.”
- “What’s the best bread for sandwiches? And go.”
At first glance, it might seem harmless—a quick, informal way to crowdsource opinions. But if you’ve spent any time in these groups, you know that “and go” is the ultimate pet peeve for many members. It’s not just lazy—it’s counterproductive, dismissive, and, frankly, annoying. Here’s why.
1. It’s Dismissive
Adding “and go” to your post feels like saying, “I don’t care to engage with you; just do the work for me.” Food groups thrive on community and conversation. When you ask for advice or ideas, it should show that you value people’s time and expertise—not that you’re shouting demands into a void.
2. It’s Vague and Unclear
Good advice comes from good questions. If you’re asking for pizza topping suggestions, are you looking for classic combos or something creative? Thin-crust Neapolitan or thick Detroit-style? “And go” gives no context, leaving people to throw out random suggestions that may not even apply to what you need.
3. It Ignores Etiquette
Online food groups thrive on mutual respect. Thoughtful posts that start with context—“I’m making pizza for a party and want something unique; what are your favorite toppings?”—will always yield better responses than tossing out a half-baked “and go.” Why? Because people feel like you’re inviting a conversation, not barking orders.
4. It Pisses People Off
If you’ve ever scrolled through the responses to an “and go” post, you’ve probably seen reactions like:
- “I don’t work for you.”
- “Don’t tell me what to do.”
- “Fuck off.”
- “And go… to hell.”
Take a cue from these frustrated replies. Asking for advice without demanding others waste their time will always get better results—and fewer insults.
How to Ask for Advice the Right Way
If you genuinely want input from your foodie peers, here’s how to do it:
- Be Specific
Explain your context. What are you making? Where are you going? What are your preferences? What do you want to avoid? Specificity leads to more relevant answers. - Show Effort
Mention what you’ve already tried or considered. For example, instead of saying, “Quick dinner ideas? And go,” try: “I have a top round in the fridge and I’m craving a pounded meat dish. What’s your favorite braciole recipe?” - Invite Conversation
End your post with an open-ended question like, “What do you think?” or “Any creative ideas I might not have thought of?” It’s a simple way to show you value engagement.
Let’s Retire “And Go”
Food Facebook groups can be treasure troves of inspiration—when members treat each other with respect and thoughtfulness. By ditching “and go” and putting a little effort into your posts, you’re not just asking for better advice—you’re contributing to a more vibrant, supportive community.
So next time you’re tempted to type “and go,” take a breath. Think about what you’re really asking for, and craft a post that invites conversation. Trust me—your fellow foodies (and your taste buds) will thank you.