Good luck Peter. If you are ever back up here in Boston, let me know.

Congrats Peter. Those first three years sure did seem to go by fast. Mike

Peter, You are right on the money. Most brands are not prepared to deal with the technology or data without a heavy dose of client service and consulting services. This is probably one of the biggest things that has surprised vendors in the Listening Platforms space. As you know, brands are less interested in platforms and technology and more interested in how the information can enhance their business across the entire enterprise. This is a very new way of thinking and doing business for lots of companies and requires a lot more than just the best technology stack. Mike

John, Good overview and you raise some important business issues that I also encounter on a daily basis. The evolution of the industry and the integration of this data into the corporate environment in many ways is further advanced than current business processes at many companies to deal with this new stream of research. There is still a lot of work to be done on both sides but I'm encouraged with the progress I've seen over the past year. Your opinion on engagement platform is also well taken. The mindset of listen and learn is starting to move moving toward a more comprehensive 360 approach around social media. Thanks for the insightful post.

Peter, Very well stated. I think many people have noticed this insane volume of rehashed content and thinking to the point of sheer information overload. The volume of information around the debate over the perceived value of social media to business alone would probably top all of the information on the Web just 10 years ago. To some degree, a lot of this has detracted people from thinking bigger and developing more breakthrough ideas that can advance society and business. This is not all about marketing and more sales, although that's what we hear and read about all day along online. David Armano's highly effective "Neighbors of Daniella" fund-raiser is but a small example of how new thinking can make a big difference. I'm looking forward to this new year as we all apply what we learned and where we failed to advance the greater cause in 2009. Thanks for the intriguing post. Best, Mike