Today, I'd like to introduce our new subscription app called Charcuterie, a messaging app that aims not only to facilitate conversation and serve as a forum to answer questions people have about curing and preserving food, but one that will offer education, reliable reporting, and vivid storytelling. All of it led by myself and my partner in Charcuterie, chef Brian Polcyn, including many other chefs and experts as well.
We want our content to inspire conversation and also to encourage people to cook and to cure. We're using a messaging app because, in its simplicity, it enables anyone to participate and do so easily, either publicly or in private conversations. Interaction promotes learning, and conversation builds relationships.
We wouldn't be able to do this if we didn't think it could be self-sustaining and profitable, but we're ultimately doing this because we believe it's needed. We get questions every day by email and on twitter and they’re becoming rather cumbersome. We believe the $4.99 sticker price is the best way to nurture charcuterie in America. The first 100 people to sign up with the discount code "earlybird03" will get their first three months for 99¢.
We want to promote charcuterie as a craft and as an industry in America. We want to promote individuals who love charcuterie and do it well.
You can get this app the old-fashioned way through the App Store. It's technically free to download, and then you can actually use the app by purchasing an in-app subscription membership. Apple takes 30% that way, and we can't offer specials deals, so we set up charcuterieapp.com as another way to download it.
Yes, we have a vision of promoting charcuterie in America. We will also be experimenting and learning. If we're not making occasional mistakes, it's probably because we're not taking big enough risks. So we do ask your patience as we introduce what we hope is a new way of spreading information among those who care about this specific and rewarding form of cooking. And of course, we’d love your feedback on how we're doing and on the app itself.
Today, it's iphone-only and requires Facebook to log in. That will change. We'll have android soon, and we'll make it easier to create an account. We have a very long list of improvements in the coming weeks and months.
But for now:
--Here’s the link: http://charcuterieapp.com
--The first 100 people will get their first 3 months for $0.99/month by using the discount code: earlybird03
--BTW it is Apple based only at this time.
All feedback welcome!
If you liked this post, take a look at these links:
- My past posts on Evolution, Crème Anglaise, and Make Your Own Mayo.
- The ever popular books Charcuterie and Salumi.
- Visit our friends who shared their meat goodies at the event Salumeria Biellese, Ends Meats, Craig Deihl, and Red Apple Butchers.
© 2016 Michael Ruhlman. Photo © 2016 Donna Turner Ruhlman. All rights reserved.
This should be interesting!
All the best of luck, pilgrims!
I tried to join a couple of times but got an ambiguous error message ("sorry. something went wrong") after entering my CC information.
I'm really sorry about the hiccup, Amit. You can email me at josh [at] packtechinc [dot] com, and I'll help you get all set up. We'd love to have you on the app!
Looks great. Jiri from Czech Republic.
Super excited aboit yhe wealth of personal knowledge you guys sre shari g with the masses, in my haste to sign up i didnt realize its an apple app and not an android app, will there be an android version coming soon? Otherwise i shoukd prob cancel bc i cant access it
Android is probably 6 weeks out. We're sorry for the wait!
we'll be working on that
This may sound crazy but make this free and then find other ways to monetize.
Ruhlman! I am so pumped for this app... I think?? Is it beginner friendly? I live in a basement apartment but I have the budget for really good meat and a pretty decent equipment budget. This is something I believe in and something I want to support you in doing! Are there tutorials/links/videos/guides to read? I am a newb.
Credit card ready for the earlybird special if you see this in time 🙂 Thanks for all you do. I am a really big fan of your writing and passion.
sorry for the delay, but yes, our aim as it grows is to include tutorials, videos guides, and of course a forum to ask questions, talk about people's curing projects, successes and fails.
Any eta on when/if you will have the app for Google Play/Android devices?
I'm sorry we couldn't deliver Android immediately, but we're working on it now. I'd say it's probably 6 weeks out.
If the apple version is successful, we'll be able to afford the android build.
Nice to see that the Isheep have access. Glad to know where your financial priorities lie.
Looking forward to the Android app!
Just because you can have an app doesn't mean you should. Am I expected to be planning charcuterie while on the train? If you are looking for more mistakes you'll get them.
This type of community is much better supported by a BBS type forum.