In an attack on OnTheMarket, estate agency trainer Richard Rawlings has blamed the new portal for the decline in sales volumes and new instructions.
Rawlings released to the trade press an “open letter” late on Friday evening – in a pattern of timing similar to other open letters attacking OnTheMarket.
Rawlings says the open letter is also being released to the consumer press today.
But it has already come under fire, with one agent saying: “To blame OTM for lack of stock is ridiculous.”
Another, London agent Ed Mead, said the idea that portals control the property market was so far-fetched as to be absurd.
The letter is addressed to OTM boss Ian Springett and signed by Rawlings and his fellow director Dr Bradley Payne, a statistician.
In it, they claim to have identified that OTM’s “one other portal” policy is “directly contributing to the current decline in transaction volumes in the UK, albeit inadvertently”.
The pair call on Springett to withdraw the one other portal rule “for the sake of our industry and prospective home-movers alike”.
Rawlings – himself a former estate agent – and Payne argue that before OTM, buyers assumed that most properties would be on either Rightmove or Zoopla and did not portal hop.
They cite research which says that 80% of home buyers use only one portal, and that consumers did not think they needed to go on multiple portals to check.
The pair say far fewer properties are now duplicated on both Rightmove and Zoopla – but the consumer is unaware of this.
They say that buyers are simply not being exposed to the same number of properties as before.
They allege that this has led to a decline in transactions and new instructions.
Many people, they say in their letter, are not bringing their house to market, or are withdrawing it, because they do not believe they will find anywhere to buy.
They conclude that OTM has “shot the industry it seeks to serve, along with the consumer, in the foot”.
The letter ends by saying: “This problem could be quickly corrected if the one other portal rule were to be lifted, and on behalf of the industry and consumer alike, I would urge you to drop it to prevent further disruption to the industry and restore normal market conditions.”
A rationale follows the letter.
Notably, neither the rationale nor the letter makes any reference to other influences on the housing market. Only OTM is blamed for lack of stock.
EYE asked Rawlings if he had a commercial tie-up with any other portal, but he refuted this.
We also asked him why had chosen to write an open letter when he could have written privately to Springett.
Rawlings said: “I don’t specifically need a response as such. It was just an observation and I wanted to raise awareness of the issue, informing and engaging agents, and hopefully prompting a shift of policy with their support.”
A spokesperson for OTM declined to make any comment on the letter.
Ed Mead, executive director at Douglas & Gordon and a director of Agents’ Mutual, told EYE: “For board members of OTM the slack of what was expected to be a short-term lessening of lead numbers has been taken up by an increase from Rightmove, meaning that overall leads, according to our research, have not changed from 12 months ago.
“We expect this to continue but with a bigger percentage of leads coming from OTM.
“Clearly you can’t build an alternative in only eight months.
“I know Richard well and am surprised, as an agency trainer, that he can’t see one of the biggest issues here – taking ownership and control of our data.
“Data is where the future, and value, lies. If Amazon Prime directly contacted the makers of the products their advertisers sell, and they could, surely the shops that use Amazon’s online service would feel threatened at the very least.
“Indeed, if Richard scratches the surface a bit he’ll discover that many of these sellers complain bitterly about fees Amazon charge as well. Sound familiar?
“Unlike disparate shop sellers that Amazon can divide and conquer, estate agents are beginning finally to talk to each other and together can offer an alternative that serves the property buying public with just that – property.
“Portals have divided and conquered and are merely interested in making money. They are listed companies, and making money out of customers’ data – why do you think Zoopla bought uSwitch?
“The biggest latent value for these outfits is data they are currently collecting from us – and we are paying them to do that! How daft is that.
“BUT imagine if all agents could reach all buyers via one website that they ran for consumers.
“Well, you don’t have to imagine it. It’s here and if all agents were on it, the public would be perfectly served and jobs, best practice and service would be maintained, in their best interests.
“Whilst I respect Richard’s views, and him as a person, to try and imply that portals control the property market is so far-fetched – they’re an advertising medium – as to be absurd.
“Markets, and volumes, go up and down and there are plenty of simple politico-economic reasons for this year’s slowdown.
“As it is, the rather more important out-of-London national market is thriving which is good news for all.
“If Richard wants to call me after reading this, he has my number.
“It might be less damaging than trying to have the argument in public.”
Rawlings’ entire letter, exactly as released to the trade press, is attached.
Wow. Reading this article you wonder if PIE has actually read the letter. Richard is very careful to be respectful about AM and is also clear that he supports the idea of an industry owned portal.
As for Ed Mead, it is a long while since he has ranted his utter nonsense in public. I thought he had been packed away somewhere. I would even go as far as to say he is an out and out liar with the suggestion that Rightmove plus OTM is delivering his customer’s properties as many leads as Rightmove plus Zoopla was.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Eileen, agreed.
Reading the article and comments below I think there is a complete disregard for the respectful approach that Mr Rawlings has taken. I can understand it from the trolls who do most of the posting here, but it is unforgivable from PIE.
There is an ever growing desperation from those agents who have put their reputations behind this silly project. Isn’t Ed Mead the guy who made a complete twot of himself in a debate about online vs traditional with Russell Quirk last year? He let himself and the industry down then and continues to do so with his incomprehensible rants.
I think he is a fair way down most people’s idea of a ‘reliable commentator’ when it comes to digital matters!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Richard has tried to provide observations. Anyone who knows and understands Richard, has the greatest respect for him.
Last week we, INEA were told by an agent that they had joined OTM and would have to drop RM or Z (only). the agent was directed to their presence on INEA and told they now have to leave us too.
The OTM contract is a farce and OTM threats to agents underhand.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Oh, dear – so one of your ‘Members’, ironically that you are trying your hardest to implicate as participating in a ‘cartel’, all of a sudden doesn’t like the rules of Membership that they willingly and knowledgably signed up to.
Diddums.
I’m sure you will find a way of helping them still list on your portal, Mr Mealham – after all, you’ve been advocating ‘sharing’ properties to cut portal costs now for years…
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Pee bee, time to grow up and stop being a pratt. AM / OTM are nothing more than a cartel like association. One has membership and rules. The other is insisting enforcement.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Mr Mealham – I repeat previous advice – you REALLY need to brush up on your spelling.
It’s prat.
As far as the rest of the post goes – your opinion is well documented in this respect.
TOO well, perhaps… time will no doubt tell.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Think your fine Trevor, the rule is ONE competing portal, you are nowhere near them in competition are you? 😉
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Agree Smile. INEA is a B2B mls not a portal. All said why should a commercial entity restrain agents. Its WRONG. Agents working for bosses supporting this nonse are compromising their staffs ability to do best and also consumer interests.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
No they are not.
If you went to work for an agent tomorrow that did not list on a single portal that would be your choice.
If the staff do not like or agree with it they can go.
Most decent employers would have spoken to the staff about it and explained why they are doing this, most agents are still on RM, still in the paper, still have high street presence, still leaflet drop and STILL MAKING MONEY!
Ihave only seen one post from an employee so down heartened they left the firm and its dubious if in fact it was a a real poster or the real reason.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
smile please – irony is that said ’employee’ of the OTM Agent reportedly hadn’t left their employment at the time the ‘story’ (and what a story it was) was scribbled on the bog door down the other pub.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
You need to be a pretty poor agent to walk away from a company just because the second portal they advertise on you do not like.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Careful, smile please – you’ll be lambasted by the OTM Disruptors if you’re not careful – and you’re one of them!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I have for a long time now said (to anyone who’ll listen – including vendors when I’m on valuations) that Rightmove is both my best friend and my worst enemy.
Why? Because EVERYONE has come to rely on it, not just a bit but completely.
If you type my area into RM to do a search it’ll tell you that 45,512 searches were done in June 2015 – that’s 1,517 per day. (Yes I know some will be agents).
Did I speak to 45,512 different people in June? Of course not.
Even if we assume that each visitor checks the website every day, twice a day that would mean 750 customers.
Did I speak to 750 unique customers in June. No I didn’t, not even close.
Nearly every seller is a buyer too. They are sitting at home scanning RM + others and struggling to see anything to buy.
So they decide to do a loft conversion instead.
You need to STOP thinking like an estate agent – after all what do you know? Start thinking like one of your customers. It wasn’t until I sold my first property and ended up in a chain that I truly understood what stress really is. I’d been an estate agent for 12 years by then.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Is this really being sent to the national press?!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Hahaha….. yep, a property portal that “lets be fair” nobody has heard of if you listen to the anti-brigade yet it has managed to convince people “Not to move house”.
So in fact (contrary to Z reports!!) the entire UK has heard of OnTheMarket and read it’s name as Don’tGoOnTheMarket. instead!
It’s member agents throughout the land are saying “Stay and Extend” on their valuations in a bid to forge ahead and make money….
Not the agents? It’s the portal combo? well not to forget the RM/Z agents who still offer what the market wants that all important RM/Z combo and apparently a Low Fee Agency with top service! So the Online Only Agents and Corporates must be pretty poor if they offer the only combination the market wants yet it has still lead to a UK wide slow down in property instructions.
Funny Mr Rawlings proper funny! Glad I never had a training session from you.
I heard the last property crash was due to the menu change at Burger King.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
You are thinking like an estate agent, not as a member of the general public.
We think this whole house selling business is just a matter of getting more houses on the market.
Your next vendor is going to be interested in 2 things: getting a good price and finding the perfect next home.
If they can’t see ANYTHING suitable then they will just stop.
At first I read it and laughed.
Then I stopped and thought about it.
I would call it the law of unintended consequences.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Sorry I am still laughing, I thought it was only Celebrity Juice which has this effect on me.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Final conclusion – The public do indeed want the RM/Z combo of advertising – However after meeting the Corps and Online Only Agents decided staying put was the better option.
Therefore High Street Agency is indeed the more powerful force and more so AM member agents clearly have the most sway!
THAT in itself is a message for non-members – follow the most powerful set of companies in the UK who can stop people moving whenever they want……
oh Dicky you are soooo funny.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
You do like to rabbit dont you mate
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Yup! Certainly do…. not the kind you like though ;-p
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Many people, they say in their letter, are not bringing their house to market, or are withdrawing it, because they do not believe they will find anywhere to buy.
This is very true. I hear it every day. I wonder then why we are top of the leagues for listings in our area? Overcome objections is what trainers should be advising on. Blaming ANY portal for lack of instructions is absurd. Coming from a trainer….is absurd.
Whilst no great fan of OTM as a portal, to blame it for reduced leads or instructions is absurd.
Buyers follow the stock and if a property is on RM or Zoopla and the agent’s local website, it will be found.
The trouble with all of these arguments is that it shows that most unsuccessful agents believe they simply have to advertise to get leads. Nope! Get on the phone, call your database, call your archive and make outgoing calls, hand drop letters and gain market share.
It isn’t OTM’s fault if your share goes down. It is tougher so you have to engage in proper EA activity to secure an unfair share of the market.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
hi Jam,
Have you any proof buyers follow stock ? If that where true why are OTM’s figures so disastrous?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
oh danny boy! Are you saying buyers do not follow property for sale? AKA stock?
If OTM are the 3rd portal and don’t have the majority stock, then THAT IS PROOF that they do follow stock and your answer to why the figures are not great…. as buyers visit RM first and Z second for the stock.
Really? are you Dicky Rawlings in disguise?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Are OTM the third portal?
I’d like to see some evidence for that.
Also, on Rics point – if everyone were to follow stock, everyone would buy their cars and houses on Ebay.
They do not.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Out of RM, Z and OTM are you saying they are not the 3rd portal?
Does Ebay have more available UK property than RM? I’ve never checked!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Out of RM, Z & OTM they may be third (technically 4th behind Prime Location) I suppose. But out of all property portals I’d be amazed if OTM are in that group.
Ebay have 1.1m House listings & circa 240k car listings…but who shops there for those items?!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I suppose it proves the UK public don’t fully trust the idea of people using cheap and cheerful DIY marketing!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
It proves that consumer behaviour isn’t effected so directly by stock as some agents would have you believe.
Also, people still love proper service and like protection of dealing with an agent.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Ric , read back what you’ve just said ? OTM have 5000 branches and many of them are larger players . Many of the comments on here are from people saying “OTM have more property in my area than Zoopla” This would suggest that they have at least one quarter of the UK. The latest traffic stats I read from Alexa say that OTM after 10 months have around 10% of the number of visitors to Zoopla and 5% of that of Rightmoves despite a large advertising campaign …… They don’t have the quarter of market visits that their stock numbers would suggest given that “buyers follow stock” No doubt you’ll argue with the logic but I think it’s pretty self explanatory
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I’ve read the letter – perhaps you should too before making comments on this at http://www.propertyindustryeye.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/open-letter-OTM.pdf
as then you’ll see that RR’s observations are valid. He is clearly not anti-OTM but has just identified one of the unexpected consequences of the one other policy rule.
Anything but absurd, it is quite feasible that removing stock that is otherwise available on OTM and away from Rightmove or Zoopla would mean those casual buyers (who were not ‘following the stock’ as one agent said) would miss these and potentially delay their purchase (and delay them coming to market themselves). Even if a small amount of people do this then it could effect transaction levels.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
What is the exclusive stock count for OTM? 1 or 2 houses I would suspect at best.
RM have more agents than they have ever had and aren’t Z boasting records every other day……
Pure rubbish and in my opinion….. people and the economy are the issue. Many homeowners (people) are comfortable for the first time for a long time and not wanting to sink all their spare cash into a new higher mortgage, for the fear if the market changes that nasty credit crunch may come back.
We have simply had a complete change in the UK attitude to moving every 2 minutes as a way to make money in my opinion….. Hard times are still fresh in peoples minds! and all of a sudden a couple of holidays, nice clothes and breathing space that if rates do go up (which is the only real way they will) they have some cash to deal with it.
We aren’t all in London!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Even more rabbit!!!! Soo Booooring :-0
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Boring?
He is an agency owner putting his thoughts forward on our industry. Pretty well placed i would say.
Ric has demonstrated in numerous posts he is open minded and knowledgeable, i do not agree with all his thoughts but always look to welcome to his input.
Boring are comments that add no substance. Or people with hidden agendas not willing to listen or debate, or people posting comments like they are fact.
No doubt my post is boring to you but at least some substance behind it.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I think he was talking about his Christmas wish list! :-p
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Rabbit hmmmm more like his wife’s!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Clearly Richard is talking out of his backside.
The reality is really simple and two-fold:
1) The primary reason – Stock is low because people across the country are simply not feeling the need to move house
2)The secondary reason – Some people who do want to sell are not putting theirs on the market because they cannot see enough stock on the market for them to buy. This is driven by point 1, NOT the exposure on one portal versus another.
People look on Rightmove. They may also look on others, but they look on Rightmove, so additional exposure is largely irrelevant.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Where’s your substantiation for your primary reason? people across the country are simply not feeling the need to move house! Where did you find that out from?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
The fact that there are fewer valuations across all agents in my area and fewer new properties coming to market in my area.
Report after report (even from our masters at Rightmove) make it clear that the pattern is largely repeated across the country.
So to answer your question, we used numbers.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
You are making the assumption that just because there are fewer valuations across your area and fewer new properties coming to market in your area that this is because ‘people across the country are simply not feeling the need to move house’. That’s your assumption, not fact, and it could equally be that they ‘do feel the need to move house but can’t find anything currently that’s suitable – so maybe RR’s comments shouldn’t be shot down in flames quite so readily. Your comments are equally as easy to refute.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
It’s more likely that although there is renewed consumer confidence in the housing market for those ‘not desperate’ to move, those that are considering a move now prices have (more than) recovered post 2008 are waiting on the magical pricing bubble to reach its zenith…they’re waiting for something that might never happen.
Expectations from vendor are at record highs, again, so I think it’s down to the skill of the agent to explain, with factual support, why now is the right time (lack of stock, high demand, comparable evidence from the market – agents own, comps from RM & Z). Good old fashioned objection handling and expectation management.
All the public ever hear is the media spouting the govts propaganda about the housing market and how healthy the economy is (it isn’t). Really good agents will guide them into the right decision based on real, local facts.
If they wait for that maximum price, the bubble might burst again before they act. Now is a great time to sell your house – this is the message.
With the right marketing (I won’t spell it out) the right price and time is now…
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Of course the whole letter is utter nonsense and this lack of agenda he professes is of course in actual fact wrapped up with announcing a business promoting alliance with Dr Stats. The bare facts are: even if OTM relaxed the one other portal rule you wouldn’t find very many agents at all advertising back on Zoopla and thereby advertising on three portals.
There is of course a much simpler solution and that is that perhaps other real estate agents should join those of us that have decided an industry supported and run portal is better than two profit only and market dominating motivated ones.
I understand that both RM and Z are now requesting software companies to upload client as well as property information now. If that is in fact the case I wonder what their motivation could be there…
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Had this discussion already.
I will say what i said when i first saw this.
What a load of rubbish, take a minute to say it out-loud
“A portal is responsible for a nationwide shortage of property for sale”
Bonkers!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
It seemed to be bonkers to me as well until my (highly qualified) colleague explained it to me! So I do understand your initial reaction.
However, agents should be mature enough to understand the wider issues here that affect the market they serve and contribute to doing something about it. I’m not suggesting the OTM issue is solely responsible for a decline in transactions, but the facts do indicate an issue here. And this is one of the few aspects of the market that you as agents CAN actually influence!
I am not anti-OTM. It’s pretty slick. But by enforcing an anticompetitive stance (the one-other-portal rule) there has been an unexpected consequence in that listings have divided (ie fewer duplications across Rightmove and Zoopla) but the majority of the public has not. They still appear to use just one portal, as they assume that most properties are on both (eg would you use Google AND Bing). The main problem is with those speculative buyers toying with a move who will not put their own on the market until they are satisfied that there are enough properties for sale from which to choose.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Despite the vitriol from certain agents who, having invested in OTM are naturally keen to
defend it, I wonder if, nine months down the line, there should be a sanity
check here. Something has been created that apparently never set out to be
consumer centric (“of the agents, for the agents”). But is this a firm and
sustainable foundation? Other disruptors such as Amazon Prime, Uber and Air BNB
all put the customer at the very centre of the proposition. I don’t think it
can be argued that this is the case with OTM and rather than bickering between
the “fors” and againsts” might it not just be wise to release the brakes, scrap
the one other portal rule, and let the best man win?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I don’t necessarily disagree with you regarding the rule of one other portal needs to be dropped, i can see benefits for it and i can see negatives.
But just because somebody who can manipulate stats has come up with a theory (its not a fact) it should not be used to promote such a dubious idea.
I fails to see why you are promoting this idea so forcefully Richard, on here and other publications. You are starting to alienate yourself from your paying customers. I do not even advertise on OTM yet your ideas have made me think does this guy have a clue at all when it comes to agency?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I would agree with the one other portal rule….. strong agents would survive anyway and not so clever agents would pay for three. (ive said this since pre OTM launch!!)
But are you telling me – the office diaries will be awash with valuations with news of this?
More so, why are current RM/Z agents not experiencing RECORD numbers of instructions as they offer the very thing you say the public desire?
Or would you agree the OTM agents are clearly the favoured choice of potential sellers hence the lack of new property?
Come on give over….. there is a real world issue causing the slow down and that is a change in the UK idea of selling to make money and borrow borrow borrow.
I was never on Z and still had a majority share of the market for around 25 years!!! why did those vendors not chose RM/Z agents then?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
As i have posted elsewhere.
Stamp duty changes, MMR, lending criteria, Elections changes in pensions. Have all happened in last 12 – 18 months.
Individually these have an effect on the market, coming together so soon has created a “Super Storm” and had the impact it has. I firmly believe by quarter 2 next year the market will be more settled and more stock will be available.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
And that is bang on the money SP. In addition The we are seeing less instructions is that on new developments 80/85% sell to investors not existing homeowners, so no house to sells and in London and the South, notoriously asset rich cash poor, you require somewhere around £100K to buy in the early £1M, which has removed a number of the aspirational movers who don’t have that kind of cash simply to finance a move.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I didn’t know he was related to Hans Christian Andersen
I have never heard such tosh in all my life.
Does he own shares shares in Zoopla and Rightmove.
RealAgent above is right. Few would return to Zoopla if they gave up OTM. No need as the customers naturally go to RM. Whilst on that point, it would be good if Zoopla published the demographic of the 2000 people they surveyed last week who told them Zoopla was the first portal that entered their head. How many were in London and how many in the North of England or the West Country?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Mr Rawlings. Would you please enlighten us as to why you chose to use an open letter to air your view?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I used an open letter as I wanted to raise awareness of the issue, informing/engaging agents of the unexpected effect of the one other portal rule and possibly prompting a shift of policy for the sake of the market, hence addressing it to Ian Springett. I certainly don’t have any shares in any portal or agency.
I do find that some agents can hardly see beyond the end of their nose sometimes and I am in the fortunate position of being able to take a wider view without agenda. I have trained many OTM agents in how to take advantage of their membership to gain instructions as well as the flipside for agents who are not OTM members. It was just an observation with a call to action!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Thank you. Did you ask OTM/Springett to drop the one-portal rule before you circulated the open letter? If you did, what was their response? If you didn’t, why not?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Ian Springett is not answerable to me, nor would I presume that our observations might influence OTM’s mission without the support of the industry. Hence the open letter. Looking at other comments below this, it seems that others have also used open letters but I can assure readers that this is not part of some plot to overthrow OTM! I have better things to do!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
“I can assure readers that this is not part of some plot to overthrow OTM!”………Then you are extremely naïve Richard, because it is exactly how your open letter comes across.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Well… for a start my money is on his logo appearing on the wall down the other pub right next to Mr Mealhams very shortly.
For some, thirty silver coins may appear a good price to pay for advertising.
5000 lost potential customers is a canny tax rate, though…
Rawlings’ ARTICLE (it’s now time for EAT to drop the pretence of these being “open letters” – it is an organised assault against OTM they are orchestrating) is pure, unadulterated tosh. That is the only four-letter word printable that comes close to my analysis of it.
Statistically, I am 100% correct in my opinion.
Can’t remember the last time I agreed with Rawlings on any matter. This time is no exception to the rule.
Man Booker Prize standard piece from the man whose weekly mail-outs to thousands were ironically entitled ‘RAT of the week’.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Does seem odd all these “Open letters” suddenly becoming available ……
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Agreed Smile. I know you aren’t on OTM but it isn’t difficult to see that Richard Rawlings should not have gone open letter route with this.
What I find very hard to understand is what good an open letter will actually do with regard to the either side of the argument?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Open letters are great for getting attention.
OTM seen to be under attack at the moment and that has to be a good thing doesn’t it?
They have to now discuss things, maybe even make an announcement, but I believe their arrogance will shine through and they will do nothing.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I cannot understand why he has done this?
Its commercial suicide in my opinion.
He has managed to upset a number of estate agents, estate agents that could very well be his customers.
Coming out and saying this on such a controversial product/service/offering was only ever going to lead to negative comments.
On here and other publications most of the comments are laughing at him (oh and his statistician). It makes you wonder why he has decided to do it, surely would have been better to say nothing?
Agents have long memories ……
I wonder if he has been paid or “Encouraged” to write such a letter?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
If OTM announce they are getting rid of the one other rule, he will become God.
Agents may well have long memories but we are pretty shallow too 🙂
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
True!
But i dont think they will change it.
To me the two things OTM cannot change is one other portal rule and allowing online agents to advertise.
If they lose those two then it really is just another portal.
They can do more for membership than change this.
I would love to know the current number of agents on OTM and how far they have come since Jan. I am guessing that they must be near their 7500 members (with letter of intent)
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Gump, you really are excelling yourself with nonsense today. You say
“They have to now discuss things, maybe even make an announcement”
Why?
I’ll make a suggestion; write an open letter criticising a company and then see if, as a result of said open letter, they “discuss things and make an announcement.”
Then write an e mail or letter to same companys’ customer services dept. explaining the same criticisms in private and then see, as a result of approaching things in the correct professional way, whether they respond. We all know the answer.
I think you know that open letters of this nature may draw a personal opinion to others attention, but it will never be the most suitable way to address any issues………which is exactly why those intelligent, professional responses on this thread are suspicious of Richard Rawlings real motives.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Maybe was the key word in that sentence.
Discuss things – if your company was being ripped into publicly on forums and by open letters would you not sit down together and maybe go “Hold on chaps think we may have a few issues here” or would you ignore the situation and hope it would blow over.
There are a lot of people wanting answers from OTM at the moment, and where are they? They are quick enough to release a statement publicly when Zoopla say OTM figures are rubbish
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Gump
“There are a lot of people wanting answers from OTM at the moment”
The vast majority of whom have a vested interest in its’ failure and/or are not members…..so I say again why do you think that those persons have any right at all to discuss anything, especially in public, through open letters???
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
If you care to read through a few OTM threads floating about at the moment even members are questioning what is going on and the past decisions made.
As a fence sitter wanting to join OTM I for one am very interested to hear a response from them, the lack of anything from them hits home to why I didn’t join them in the first place.
Why?
Because we can
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Google ‘Dr Bradley Payne’. Result: Conkers.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Gump
I ask you ….”why do you think that those persons have any right at all to discuss anything, especially in public, through open letters???”
Your reply……
“Why?
Because we can”
……………Sums the standard of your observations, comments and insight into this issue nicely I think.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
What sort of response were you expecting Wilko?
‘It doesn’t concern us non members and it is disgusting that we form any opinion at all, let alone in such a public way’…….would that of been better?
And this forum is private you think? All of us have collectively discussed OTM countless times here, why have you never complained about us non members keeping it to ourselves before now?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Have there really been any positives of the ‘one other portal rule’?
I understand the motives behind the policy were to help create ‘a portal run by agents for agents’, but can anyone tell us how it benefits the buyer and seller?
Maybe now is the time to do a real survey of agents – not just those on here to see how many are really in favour of the one other portal rule and if they have seen any benefits to their businesses as a result.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
“Have there really been any positives of the ‘one other portal rule’?”
Apart from some quality leads from OTM, the other positives are not having to pay for 3 portals.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Until OTM drop the one other portal rule to survive and then swathes of agents will be on all three and then the public will expect you to be on all them all. That will happen.
This is a service industry, and the customer is King, right?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Hmmm… a comment of two halves both of which would earn, were they separate, substantial agreement or disagreement. As is – the OP will look at the ‘Dislikes’ only (which WILL be directly attributable to the first ‘half’ of the post – there is no doubt about that) and do his/her usual twisting of the reality.
Shallow ponds still allow a good reflection in the right conditions.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
My bewilderment would be with Ed Mead here. There are many valid points in his vitriole and it’s a matter of opinion whether RR is onto something. IMHO it’s a bit of both. BUT, Ed refers to the importance of data. This is absolutely crucial at this time, not agent data, but that which Portals are collecting about consumer behaviour. If D&G has someone on their website they want to know what that someone is interested in. Similarly so would the portals. If Z and RM have a gazillion visits to every one OTM visit, I know whose data I’d rather have access to, where appropriate.
Simples….
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Having read the open letter, I’m amazed that a statistician would publish a theory based on assumed numbers. Surely that’s part of statistical analysis 101, if you’re going to theorise on a causal effect then at least base it on real numbers.
Also, how does the theory explain the North West property stock decline? 95% + (I don’t have an exact number but those in the North West will agree) of properties are listed on Rightmove and they have generated the majority of traffic/leads for many years. So why is available stock dropping here?
Could it be influences other than OTM? I’m thinking it probably is, although I don’t have a theory, I don’t have relevant and accurate real data that would allow me to to produce one.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Everything’s already been said this morning on this, I think it fairly obvious that there is no correlation between any property portal and transaction levels.
What is quite clear however is that open letters are now the ‘in’ thing, with 3 agents sending them out to the trade press in the last two weeks and now this letter. Surprising when you consider that two of the letters were written by agents who left OTM many months ago. It does make you wonder if this is a co-ordinated effort or just great timing?!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I think we all know there’s no question as to whether this is an orchestrated movement, Paul – as was predicted on 15 October when the first ‘report’ came out these ‘open letters’ are well-drafted press releases – the only thing missing is ‘- ENDS -‘ at the bottom.
And who better to produce one of these so-called ‘open letters’ but Mr Rawlings – self-proclaimed ‘PR specialist to the… property sector’; whose summary of talents includes “cage-rattling, writing property articles and prospecting material for estate agents”.
For those above who crow that the “letter” is balanced; that it praises OTM and isn’t in any way unsupportive – then you’ve never learned the invaluable lesson of how to knock the opposition without being seen to knock them.
Today you look like prize numpties – but don’t worry because one day you will thank yourselves for allowing your training needs to be identified – even so publicly.
For that need, I wholeheartedly recommend Mr Julian O’Dell.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
On a similar tack, it does appear that the black is not longer black at all. We can all see quite clearly that it is white.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
unless you’re colour blind of course, or in denial.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Last time I checked black and white weren’t problematic to those afflicted with colour blindness.
For those with deviated septum or just self-induced nasal constipation, however, the overpowering smell of ******** that accompanies this whole episode may be almost imperceptible.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
“Many people think anyone labeled as “colorblind” only sees black and white – like watching a black and white movie or television. This is a big misconception and not true. It is extremely rare to be totally color blind (monochromasy – complete absence of any color sensation). There are many different types and degrees of colorblindness – more correctly called color vision deficiencies.” I wonder if this is affecting some of the posters on here – or is it ‘property listing deficiencies’ affecting prospective buyers caused by OTM?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Are you for real?
First poster speaks about the difference between black and white.
You then bring ‘colour blindness’ into the conversation as if CB people can not tell the difference between black and white – yet black:white differentiation is UNAFFECTED by ANY form of colour blindness, ESPECIALLY monochromacy – then go off on a long Wiki-fuelled babble which only digs your hole deeper.
Flawed argument in attempted support of a flawed argument.
Well done. You played a blinder.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Richards argument is floored I have never met a buyer or seller who doesn’t use Rightmove they may use one other portal, however if you are serious about moving home you will be a Rightmove user. When did we kid ourselves that we need two portals to sell a property ? Richard suggests we could use three which is ridiculous he clearly has never run a successful agency and has no idea of the cost pressures put on us business owners. OTM was set up to put pressure on Rightmove and stop these annual 10% increase in fee’s only time will tell if this works !
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Interesting read with stats in – on EAT https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/news_features/Different-audiences-use-Rightmove-and-Zoopla-says-analyst
This is contrary to what marccox says. But who is right?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Stats can be manipulated, common sense rules along with experience.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
In my view Richard Rawlings may have an agenda in connection with this outburst?
Why would he decide to do an “open letter” and instantly alienate 5000 or so agents ?
He has totally lost industry credibility by choosing to do an open letter, rather than discuss any issues with agents and OTM themselves, which is the professional thing to do.
Richard Rawlings can’t be taken seriously any more in my opinion.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
No agenda – I say what I think, based on the facts and figure presented rather than hunkering down and saying nothing. That would reflect even more poorly on me when my job is effectively supposed to present considered opinion to the market I serve, whichever portal they use (and I care not which that might be). It’s difficult to accept a challenge to my credibility when most of my critics on this blog prefer to hide behind anonymity! Anyone who knows me knows that I am 100% pro agency and that I will defend our industry as best I can by identifying threats to it. If you wish to bury your head in the sand then that’s up to you. Have a great day.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Richard, Taking into account the negative comments received on this from most agents and other industry commentators, do you still plan to release this open letter to the national consumer press?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I have not done so yet but would that really be so much of a problem? In view of the findings, wouldn’t it be better if the public were encouraged to search across more than one portal, thereby helping our industry as a whole?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
“In view of the findings,”
Sorry Richard but in search of what findings? It is simply your opinion but is not based on fact, unless I and all the other posters have missed something.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Unfortunately, too many OTM AM agents see what they are told and fail to look further. Too many facts point out too many flaws including cartel like bullying behaviour.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
NOW who’s being the prat?
(note once again the correct spelling of the insult, Mr Mealham)
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I love the “Anonymity” argument on here.
Just because somebody does not post under their real name it makes their comment null and void?
Richard, some of us do not hanker after self promotion. Some of us are not pushing our own products and services.
Some of us want to stay anonymous as its the correct business choice. When posting on something so controversial you do not want you or your companies reputation to be trawled through and attacked.
You have taken the decision to post your thoughts on a subject close to many agents hearts. You have decided to do it under your own name you have decided to come on at least two industry outlets to discuss this. All under your own name.
Your are considered by many to part of the industry and you are a public face into self promotion.
Do not get upset when your thoughts backfire. You sound like one of these Z list celebs that love being in front of the camera and getting paid for it but then moaning when pictures are taken of their private life.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Ha! I’m not upset and my thoughts have not backfired. I really don’t know why I bother sometimes.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Easy answer then.
Don’t!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I second that…
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Oh I don’t know, I think that while he is at it, as well as missing vendors he may as well have a stab at where Lord Lucan and Shergar are as well……….
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Richard, On this occasion I really don’t know why you bothered too . What did you really think the outcome would be of doing an open letter of this nature?
You have been sending out your blog etc to most members at most of my offices for ages-and I have used you in the past-(instructions to offices and staff now to unsubscribe) yet I don’t remember you ever asking me my opinion on OTM and you know all my offices are signed up?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I think this is were most the controversy is on this.
Not the fact of an open letter, not the fact a statistician has made up a laughable theory.
But the fact that “The agents friend” who some, including I, actually have had respect for in the past and agreed with comments and outlooks now feel cheated by him.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
On the contrary – the few negative posters on here do not reflect the majority of agents. Let’s start listening more and accepting criticism so that we can keep up with the pace of change on how the consumer buys and sells homes. Other industries have embraced change. One observation and stat… The vast majority of the ‘borne digital’ homebuyer have not yet had the need to use an estate agent to sell their homes. When the time comes let’s ensure they can a) find us and b) want to use us rather than an online agent.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Rawlings or Ratner?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Come on, wardy – this is an easy-peasy ‘spot the difference’…
…give him his dues – Ratner confirmed that his offering was cr@p.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Its all the confirming I need.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Having started a week’s holidays I suddenly thought about all the months that I had inadvertently let pass by without taking a holiday!…… and here we are April 1st!
Rawlings Ramblings!……. if this man had any credibility in our industry it has just been flushed down the portal pan!
Complete nonsense Rawlings, utter and complete nonsense!!!
The real story is your agenda, who are you sucking up to?!
Take Rambling Rawlings the Storyteller to another universe and let him ramble in silence!
One thing is crystal clear though….. as OnTheMarket.com sits defying The Duopoly Monopoly….. there are some very desperate efforts/tactics to try and undermine the only threat to this Cosy Profit Taking Duopoly.
If a reporter had the option of stopping Rawlings in the street or asking a passing Traffic Cone for a comment on the property market….. clearly the Traffic Cone would have been the most sensible to interview!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Richard Rawlings……award winning?!….. really!??……. really???!
If you simply came out and said drop the “one other portal rule” then I could have taken that as a valid suggestion…… however to dress it up in all this portal/less stock/damaging house market dribble!?
Forgive me….. despite being busy at present I am well aware that the property market is a fluid business and portals DO NOT control it! it goes up, down, static etc….. if you need some training on that Richard…. call me!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Who are you fronting for Richard?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Ed Mead has displayed an almost unbelievable level of digital ignorance in his comments. He says ‘the idea that portals control the property market was so far-fetched as to be absurd’. He obviously fails to understand that the emergence of digital platforms over the past few years has changed control in almost every market globally. Amazon in retail, Uber in transport, etc. are. Wake up Ed. Platforms that are highly used by consumers is exactly where control has shifted. The world is changing and you are simply being left far behind. To pose as some sort of digital expert or even marketing expert when you don’t get the fundamentals of how markets now operate is what is absurd.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
RealAgent … I understand that both RM and Z are now requesting software companies to upload client as well as property information now. If that is in fact the case I wonder what their motivation could be there…
From where is that information coming to you?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I’m not naming names and of course I can’t substantiate it, but it came to me from a source within a software provider to the industry, who has received this request not from the agents they upload for, but from the portal directly.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Personally I feel there are a lot more factors in lack of stock than the public being unable to find them on the internet.
I have been an Agent for over 20 years, many years ago where I live, a little housing estate was built of 1 bed starter homes, mainly corner houses. We used to sell these to 1st Time buyers who would live in them for a few years outgrow them and move on, so we always had a half dozen or so for sale. I haven’t had one of these properties on the market for nearly 3 years now because they are all rented out, BTL buyers are keeping their properties at the moment. There are pockets of these type of property that we just don’t get for sale anymore – Surely this is more a factor than an Internet search!
Maybe when the interest rate goes up to a point where rents don’t cover mortgage costs or you are getting a decent rate on savings will we start seeing these properties again.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Ric … you say
oh danny boy! Are you saying buyers do not follow property for sale? AKA stock?
If OTM are the 3rd portal and don’t have the majority stock, then THAT IS PROOF that they do follow stock and your answer to why the figures are not great…. as buyers visit RM first and Z second for the stock.
Actually, buyers don’t follow the stock.
They follow the brand.
That is why, even if they were to list more properties than RM or Z, that in itself will not guarantee OTM the No.1 or even the No.2 spot in the figure that really counts … visitor numbers.
I’ve said right from the start that AM made a fatal error with the one other portal rule.
Three things were obvious …
1. It would split EA’s into two camps, those who joined AM and those who did not, and lead to acrimony at a local and national level. And it has.
2. The majority of EA’s, despite having more angst with RM, would drop Z and weaken the biggest short term threat to RM and by doing so strengthen RM’s position and make them feel even more irreplaceable. And it has.
3. With the majority of EA’s deciding not to gamble on the unproven OTM because of the one other portal rule AM seriously weakened its potential starting membership. That inevitably lowered its initial and future income.
AM now has a mountain to climb to persuade non members to join, and a potential mountain to climb to pacify currents members to stay loyal if the vowed No.2 portal position is not attained by January 2016.
And, No.2 position should mean No.2 by visitor numbers.
Really? are you Dicky Rawlings in disguise?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
They only follow a brand as long as that brand delivers!
No brand it is worth remembering is invincible.
The rest – I give up…. you are all correct I will carry on struggling to list and sell houses.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Harree just to add one last point as this story has perhaps taken me in a different full on pro OTM light to where I am at the minute…..
I agree OTM needs action and FAST – I am pretty happy to say I worry they will not get anywhere near what they set out to achieve the way things look…. Check out my ramblings recently. AM I fully support, OTM I so wish will become the brand people want, but it doesn’t seem the majority of the industry agrees which is what is required for it to work.
However, I will maintain the view – there is no way at all OTM can be blamed for people not wanting to move or more so a lack of stock in the UK. That is just crackers.
I am with you on the members bit, enough time has passed for people to have joined and I can’t see what will change the non member minds unless perhaps some of the things The Message mentioned comes in to play (not all some). (and @TheMessage only AM can ultimately decide but it seems more and more members are asking more and more questions)
Completely get the for and against and the reality a lack of stock breeds a lack of stock – but OTM causing that – erm….. ok. padded cell time.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Having thought about it, this makes sense to me but it wont have a massive impact.
Think about a nice Venn Diagram showing the population of consumers who look at Rightmove, Zoopla and both. In the circumstances described by the OP, the proportional of customers looking at one portal remains the same, but potentially there is less stock. Now we know that Rightmove is going from strength to strength, but Zoopla saw a big drop in stock in January but has remained relatively flat (+c.1 to 2%).
So thinking about it logicaly, there would be an impact on consumer thinking if they were previously Zoopla only users. This would be marginally offset by in increase in RM viewers, but it’s negligible.
So in summary, it would have a small exogenuous contribution to the current housing state, but other factors outlined above such as the economy, consumer thinking etc would play a much bigger part.
That all said – Ed’s rebuttal is laughable and should be ignored.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
So the fall in transaction has got nothing to do with an over extended market where first time sellers can’t afford the leap to their 2nd home because the next set of vendors can’t afford to jump either.
It has nothing at all to do with the over 55’s grabbing their pension pots and sinking investment into whatever BTL comes on agents’ books?
The supply ladder is broken and disjointed.
The one other portal rule is ineffective, (as it was the first time round) it is ineffective in controlling the identified threats to member agents and should be reconsidered but it is not the cause of a trendline fall in transactions that has been plotable for several years.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Two ‘things’:
Thing #1 – anyone seen or heard anything of a certain OTM ‘disruptor’ since Monday?
I’m a little worried. Had a completely hilarious hissy episode directed at me on Tw@tter until around 1am – not seen since.
Surely he’s not still licking wounds and/or nursing an induced thumper of a headache after all this time…?
Come on, Mr M – show you’re still with us (or more accurately, against us…)!
Thing #2 – as I have said previously, this whole ‘Open Letter’ ******** malarkey stinks to high heaven.
I want to jump on this cr@p-splattered bandwagon, and would like to make an ‘Open Prediction’ that, in the run-up to January 26 2016, a minimum of two of these ‘Open Letters’ per week will appear as if by magic from:
a) “Disgruntled of Cheltenham”-type chaps/chappesses who have ‘suffered’ – however that would simply because they couldn’t make a sustainable business of an ice-cream parlour in Hades;
b) “Leading Industry Figures/Pundits/Gurus/Experts” that we have to Rummage4 to establish who they actually are; and
c) Yer usual pack of piddling whingers, hell-bent on keeping the values up of their handful of portal shares despite the sheer irony of it;
d) Publicity-junkie onlinie who hasn’t had their weekly fix of column-inches and needs to tell the world how they wouldn’t be on OTM even if it was free anyway; and/or
d) some div who has nowt better to do than cause general chew
and will succeed only to stir up another 100-plus comment thread like this here on EYE.
I’m just waiting for one of them to use the wrong letterhead, or not to delete (insert Company name here) to confirm what we all know.
ITS
A
STITCH
UP
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register