I am nameless

I have to admit I’m a bit perplexed as to the news that Manchester United has banned its players from using social networking. Surely a brand as big as Manchester United can see the bigger picture?

To some extent I can see what they are trying to achieve after incidents such as Darren Bent’s rant and Ryan Babel’s recent slip up. But surely in this case they must realise the power of brand advocacy.

Education in this case must be better than prevention. We tell our clients this day in day out that the powers that be can churn out comment day in day out, but there is no better internal brand advocate than an employee who is happy and understands the brand and goals.

So why should this be any different for Manchester United? The ticket buying public are guaranteed to pay more attention to the likes of Ryan Giggs or Wayne Rooney than they ever are to the things that the Glazers are telling them.

Surely it would be better to give the team lessons on good social media etiquette and educate them properly rather than a blanket ban.

Secondly, I am employed by Hatch Communications, but I am not owned by them so outside of the working day surly I can partake in as much social networking as I see fit providing it doesn’t impact directly upon my employer. Obviously it is a different case with footballers who’s job is also their life, but banning them. Really?

What is the next step for them? No mobile phones, no leaving the house, no socialising, no friends, a complete ban on all verbal communications with sign language limited to gestures that cannot be misconstrued?

In this case prevention certainly isn’t better than cure.