Wetherspoon pub chain shuts its social media accounts

[Scott@KarmaContent]

Wetherspoons have shut all of their social accounts. Shrewd marketing strategy (why waste time if it's not working) or were they just not doing it right?

"We are going against conventional wisdom that these platforms are a vital component of a successful business," said Mr Martin.

Asked whether Wetherspoon's move could start a business trend, Mr Martin said he hoped not.

"Currently we've got a massive commercial advantage because everyone else is wasting hours of their time," he said.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43781281

 

[Annoying Donkey]

Took them long enough... Maybe they've been talking to one of my clients

 

[billmccallum1957]

One of the drawbacks of social media is that your customers can complain about the sh*t service they got, or comment on the zero hours contracts they offer staff.

 

[Gordon - Commercial Finance]

A masterstroke if you ask me

 

[Paul Murray]

One of the drawbacks of social media is that your customers can complain about the sh*t service they got…

I've always found a quick tweet complaining about something is a great way to get someone to actually look at an issue you have. Of course it works the other way too, many consumers will complain about the tiniest things.

 

[Mr R]

Asked whether Wetherspoon's move could start a business trend, Mr Martin said he hoped not.

They're hardly in at the start... The clever money realised a long time ago that a children's playground was no place for serious-minded adults to be hanging around. It's only now that the negative effects of swimming around in a swamp are dawning of the lumberers that they're crawling out of it.

 

[Gordon - Commercial Finance]

I think even Zuckerberg is having to come to terms of how much of a monster his wee site has become. Remember what FB was like when it started? Only a few years on and he is having to sit in front of congress and explain how he is going to prevent influence over upcoming elections. Terrifying.

 

[Joe Y]

One of the drawbacks of social media is that your customers can complain about the sh*t service they got, or comment on the zero hours contracts they offer staff.

This is the true reason, none of this looking after kids crap. It is causing them more work than they gain from it.

 

[Mr R]

I think even Zuckerberg is having to come to terms of how much of a monster his wee site has become. Remember what FB was like when it started?

One interpretation of its origins that has been put to me is that it was designed to be computing dumbed down to the point where even the stupidest bimbos in town could operate it - that way the (otherwise undatable) geeks that built it would find an 'in' with the easiest lays! - Computing for morons! Which, in turn has resulted in a large, indefinite number of monkeys being supplied with an inexhaustible supply of sophisticated electronic typewriters - and there they all are whooping and whaling and throwing their own excrement at each other and all over the walls of their own cages!

It's been a great step backwards for human civilisation!

This is the true reason, none of this looking after kids crap. It is causing them more work than they gain from it.

Yup! That'll be it. that and it's just dragging their brand into the dirt. Ship sinking, rats leaving!

 

[Joe Y]

One interpretation of its origins that has been put to me is that it was designed to be computing dumbed down to the point where even the stupidest bimbos in town could operate it - that way the (otherwise undatable) geeks that built it would find an 'in' with the easiest lays! - Computing for morons! Which, in turn has resulted in a large, indefinite number of monkeys being supplied with an inexhaustible supply of sophisticated electronic typewriters - and there they all are whooping and whaling and throwing their own excrement at each other and all over the walls of their own cages!

It's been a great step backwards for human civilisation!

We talk about it all the time, devolution happening right before us. We are kind of lucky to be in this very defining moment in Earths history.

 

[Mr D]

I think even Zuckerberg is having to come to terms of how much of a monster his wee site has become. Remember what FB was like when it started? Only a few years on and he is having to sit in front of congress and explain how he is going to prevent influence over upcoming elections. Terrifying.

Can he prevent influence over upcoming elections when amongst other things people discuss stuff on facebook?
Is that like preventing influence over upcoming elections by discussion at the water cooler?

And who knew the Yanks were so easy to influence regarding their voting. Its like their methods used over the decades are being used against them with even more impressive results!

 

[Mr D]

I've always found a quick tweet complaining about something is a great way to get someone to actually look at an issue you have. Of course it works the other way too, many consumers will complain about the tiniest things.

Those tiny things however can be corrected before they become a major problem.
Went to a pub for a meal one time and waited an hour for food, a couple of years later after complaint had been raised on social media we waited 10 minutes for food. Not saying our message to the company had anything to do with it but hopefully someone sorted out the issue causing delays quickly.

 

[Minuteman Press]

Online social media is so strong in promoting accountability. In our experience actions really do result from contributions. We've received feedback and acted on it, as have our materials suppliers. Has been invaluable in work and outside of work. Makes for more rigorous organisations.

eg British Gas: Six weeks to fit a boiler became four days.

 

[Business Bank UK]

But what will it do for their reputation management?

Talking with a colleague earlier in the week and they were informed by a neighbour that their local boutique hotel was 13th on a list for one of the lowest paid employers in the UK.

This hotelier was not on social media, however, their insurance company had them monitored by a reputation management agency who had alerted the hotel that they were being tweeted about the story and it may have adverse effects to the brand/reputation.

The local newspaper decided to send out a journalist to investigate.

When the journalist arrived, the hotel was ready with their story to inform the journalist that the staff received three meals a day and lodging at the hotel as part of their salary.

Satisfied with the hotel and staff's response the journalist created another story complimenting the hotels' high standards and the way the staff were treated.

If the hotel did not know that a possible storm was on the horizon, they wouldn't have been ready to stop it in its tracks and the repercussions could have been worse.

 

[George Owen]

Wetherspoons is a clearly defined service which is understood within it's target market across the UK, so why waste time on something that doesn't add value!

 

[TODonnell]

I think they answered the question themselves: their staff didn't think it was worthwhile.