With the April 11th deadline for EU members to enshrine The Citizens' Rights Directive (2009/136/EC) into their own legislation rapidly approaching, the UK Government is dragging its feet once again.
It is an accepted fact that each Euro member state interprets the central legislation in their own way however, the somewhat protectionist position being taken by both UK Parliament and the ICO is in my view counter productive to relationships with consumers. Only slightly regulated compared to the telecom or postal sector, digital is hurtling at light speed into an abyss of consumer resentment that could ultimately contribute to its undoing.
The alternative would be for the government to embrace this legislative change so that consumer’s browsers and computers are not intruded upon without their consent. While I understand and appreciate the business need for cookies and that the consumer has a better web journey because of cookies, it doesn’t negate the need or importance of consumer choice in the whole equation.
Of course, there were (and still are) many arguments for carpet bombing households with needless door drops, but ultimately good direct marketing whether it be terrestrial or digital is still about giving consumers a choice and then delivering what they want - when they want it - how they want it.
Unless we accept that a digital free-for-all is no good for anyone in the long run, then the future looks bleak for those investing in digital marketing communications and I for one dread the day that OUR choices are made for us.
24.12.10
Plunging into the Festive Season
It is clearly true that the older one becomes the faster the years go!! Where on earth did 2010 go to? Looking back over the past 12-months, we have good reason to be proud, and not just because we have continued to grow and prosper in a complicated market.
As we had no idea what 2010 would bring, I urged everyone to proceed with caution during my speech at last year’s Christmas party. The fact that we are well ahead of our forecast at the end of the year is testament to our robust business strategy and our group of loyal, talented and remarkably likeable people that represent the very best interests of The REaD Group PLC.
Some of you may be surprised that I do actually care whether a member of staff is likeable or not. Honesty, integrity, intelligence, tenacity and generosity are just some of the elements that come together to create likeability in a person and at TRG we aim to treasure and nurture these special qualities.
We spend around a third of our lives working and there are far too may people doing jobs that they hate. I have always endeavoured to create a working environment that allows people to be challenged, to grow, to be respected and to make a real contribution to the company and in so doing, feel a part of the success. This ownership in my experience creates loyalty and commitment as well an individual that is contented and successful.
As we plunge into the festive season (when is it again?!) I urge you all to find time for the people that enable you to do what you do. Without the support of your partner, relatives, or the patience of your children, you might be stuck in a job that you hate. Before you return for whatever 2011 has to throw at you, spare a moment for those that are less fortunate than you are and remind yourself of how lucky you really are.
Have a terrific break, it is well deserved I am sure.
See you on the other side.
As we had no idea what 2010 would bring, I urged everyone to proceed with caution during my speech at last year’s Christmas party. The fact that we are well ahead of our forecast at the end of the year is testament to our robust business strategy and our group of loyal, talented and remarkably likeable people that represent the very best interests of The REaD Group PLC.
Some of you may be surprised that I do actually care whether a member of staff is likeable or not. Honesty, integrity, intelligence, tenacity and generosity are just some of the elements that come together to create likeability in a person and at TRG we aim to treasure and nurture these special qualities.
We spend around a third of our lives working and there are far too may people doing jobs that they hate. I have always endeavoured to create a working environment that allows people to be challenged, to grow, to be respected and to make a real contribution to the company and in so doing, feel a part of the success. This ownership in my experience creates loyalty and commitment as well an individual that is contented and successful.
As we plunge into the festive season (when is it again?!) I urge you all to find time for the people that enable you to do what you do. Without the support of your partner, relatives, or the patience of your children, you might be stuck in a job that you hate. Before you return for whatever 2011 has to throw at you, spare a moment for those that are less fortunate than you are and remind yourself of how lucky you really are.
Have a terrific break, it is well deserved I am sure.
See you on the other side.
15.11.10
No, no, no, Yes!
Ok, so I admit it! I am a convert! One would have thought that someone of my (ever advancing) age would have grown out of the moist handed, dry mouthed, heart fluttering stage. Unfortunately, nothing could be further the truth as I have been pining for this new, sexy, sleek and quite frankly gorgeous gizmo like a school boy for months.
In this specific case, the object of my desire is already paying dividends in that I am writing this very blog upon my newest accoutrement. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you MY iPad! Metaphorically speaking of course.
Since purchasing my new toy, I have become accustomed to the cacophony of 'ooooo's and 'Aarrhh's that follow when I place it in view of colleagues and friends. Everyone wants to look at it, to touch it and to see how it works. Secretly I worry that the iPad is getting more attention than my Aston Martin ever did!
My wife cannot understand what all the fuss is about and has completely dismissed the iconic gadget as some kind of fad. She thinks my behaviour is unbecoming and the result of something that happened to me in my childhood! How very dare she! Worse still, she has accused me of buying a giant I-phone because my eyes are failing and I need a bigger screen to see. Regrettably, there might be something in that!
OK, OK my name is Mark, and I am addicted to gadgets!
In this specific case, the object of my desire is already paying dividends in that I am writing this very blog upon my newest accoutrement. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you MY iPad! Metaphorically speaking of course.
Since purchasing my new toy, I have become accustomed to the cacophony of 'ooooo's and 'Aarrhh's that follow when I place it in view of colleagues and friends. Everyone wants to look at it, to touch it and to see how it works. Secretly I worry that the iPad is getting more attention than my Aston Martin ever did!
My wife cannot understand what all the fuss is about and has completely dismissed the iconic gadget as some kind of fad. She thinks my behaviour is unbecoming and the result of something that happened to me in my childhood! How very dare she! Worse still, she has accused me of buying a giant I-phone because my eyes are failing and I need a bigger screen to see. Regrettably, there might be something in that!
OK, OK my name is Mark, and I am addicted to gadgets!
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