Monty's Social Outlook – Issue 13

Happy Christmas, ho-ho-ho… or as I once hear a market trader say at Brentford market: Father Christmas only comes once a year, but when he does he fills your stockings, ho-ho-ho. They’re a sophisticated and charming bunch, those market traders.

Some would say these very traders have been visible in the social media market for the past 12 months, making offensive jokes and running away with clients’ money in exchange for a cheap bauble and accompanying patter. But will they be around in 2011?

Probably not. It would appear to be that 2011 will see the demise of the huckster and mountebank and the market will mature and become more tangible. As for my ten bob’s worth, I believe that social media suffers from a split-personality.

Is it something for the individual or for a brand? If it’s from the former, it’s about time individuals received some form of long-term monetisation for their efforts, for the latter it’s another channel for communication, inclusion… and ultimately revenue.

But if there’s one area where there is no confusion and it is when individuals say this: ‘My views do not reflect those of my employer’, ‘all views here are my own’, ‘My opinions are mine not those of [INSERT COMPANY NAME]’.

People, if you have to say things like this, then nobody is going to listen to you, nobody is going to respect you… and you have no respect for yourself. If you can’t have an opinion without adding a pusillanimous rider before you make a statement, then your life will be a poor one. Be strong, say what you want to, the world demands it of you.

I have no predictions for 2011 except that Father Christmas always leaves a mess, not only in your stockings, but everywhere. So once the hangovers, the broken toys made in China and the expanding waistlines are dealt with, then it’s time for a new beginning.

So, Happy New Year to all of you, thanks for the support, may all your stockings be full of Santa and all your dreams come true. See you in 2011.

Monty (709 Posts)

Monty Munford has more than 15 years' experience in mobile, digital media, web and journalism. He is the founder of Mob76, a company that helps tech companies raise money and exit. He speaks regularly at global media events with a focus on Africa, writes a weekly column for The Telegraph, is a regular contributor to The Economist, Wired, Mashable and speaks regularly on the BBC World Service.


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About Monty

Monty Munford has more than 15 years' experience in mobile, digital media, web and journalism. He is the founder of Mob76, a company that helps tech companies raise money and exit. He speaks regularly at global media events with a focus on Africa, writes a weekly column for The Telegraph, is a regular contributor to The Economist, Wired, Mashable and speaks regularly on the BBC World Service.