Coffee Critique? My Starbucksidea.com Experience

As a blogger who's had her share of negative responses, I am not sensitive to backlash. However, I couldn't help but feel a little ostracized for expressing a concern, and posing a suggestion to Starbucks, of all places. I was expressing my "desire" for something gluten-free at Starbucks. (my "desire" as my critics called it. I do not choose to eat gluten-free, but clearly my need for something to eat with my coffee is not a necessity) I was not suggesting Starbucks go completely gluten-free, but perhaps they could accommodate some of their diet restricted customers?
Anyway, the criticism, from people who would not be affected in any way by this, was quite rude. These seem to be the same kind of people who join forums just to disagree and argue with other well-meaning writers. I found the whole thing a little funny, so I thought I would post them here for your enjoyment, my original post included. The last comment was my response to my nay-sayers. :)

We all want a better, gluten-free Starbucks.

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Posted on 3/8/2012 12:37 PMby whitb 

After reading the many, many requests by my fellow Starbucks customers for more (read: any) gluten-free food options, I feel like a broken record. But, here it goes. As one of many, and our numbers are growing, of the sufferers of a gluten/wheat allergy, I feel we have a responsibility to provide patronage to those cafes and shops which provide us with aggreable dishes. Starbucks, unfortunately, falls a little short in this category.

I use my Starbucks card deligently, and I frequent the one at my college, however, I feel somewhat betrayed by the lack of attention to customer service that Starbucks fails to provide to its diet-restricted clientele.  Starbucks would do well to listen to the overwhelming demand for more gluten-free food options. I can also attest to the lack of employee knowledge on storing and packaging in keeping gluten-free products free from cross contamination. 

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Sharlsie 3/8/2012 1:03 PM

Uh, guess again. Not all of us.

1yogagirl Top CommenterIdea Launched3/8/2012 1:43 PM

I'm all for offering alternatives for people who need them.

lilmissykato Top Commenter3/8/2012 3:04 PM

I dont want them. I dont mind if you have the ability to have them, but i want my glutten..

Cafeslinger Top Commenter3/8/2012 4:11 PM

This is a very limited need. Rather a desire. Snacks are not a need. And, there are plenty of places to get them from.

lilmissykato Top Commenter3/9/2012 10:05 AM

Ya know, ive been agreeing with slinger ALL week. Must be that solar store everyone was talking about around her. Tis a good thing.

Cafeslinger Top Commenter3/9/2012 3:46 PM

lilmissy. i know you have a hard time understanding what you read. So let me lay it out for you: lots of stores offer this. Those who need these items have lots of places they can get them from. Starbucks does not sell gluten free well. But there are still plenty of stores that offer them.

lilmissykato Top Commenter3/10/2012 6:10 AM

Slinger, i was agreeing with you...... nothing to lay out. chill.

1yogagirl Top CommenterIdea Launched3/10/2012 8:36 AM

I think there is more than a limited need for gluten free being that many stores now are carrying a whole section of gluten free products.

nmk1986 3/13/2012 5:26 AM

People with wheat/gluten allergies are customers too, it would be nice to have a treat with your coffee. Who wants to go to a bunch of different places for coffee then snack.

whitb 3/13/2012 11:20 AM

I love all these supportive comments! To be honest, this feels a little, "if it won't affect you, there's no need to share your opinion." I wasn't suggesting Starbucks go completely gluten-free (don't worry lilmissy you'll still have your glutinous treats). Speaking from solely my own position, and in no contempt to anyone who does eat gluten, I was merely expressing yes, my desire if you wish, to be able to enjoy a Starbucks snack with my coffee. It's fine to disagree, but what harm would it do to keep negativity to yourselves? You're all entitled to your opinion. As am I. Equally so, I believe I'm entitled to enjoy a bite to eat at the same establishment as the rest of you. If that's alright.

If you're only on forums to disagree with anyone simply expressing themselves, then you are a sad lot. 

Have a nice day!

P.s. thank you nmk1986 and 1yogagirl; it's nice to know Starbucks has a few positive customers! Maybe the others hadn't had their coffee yet before posting ;)