'My column at the News of the World' blog discussion

JimmyTheWig

There's an update at the bottom of the blog.

Well done, Martin. I think that's a much better decision.

jamesd

Personally I'm wondering whether Martin and his wife will soon be contacted by the police to tell them that their phones are on the list of those which have potentially been hacked. Those commenting might usefully remember that this couple is a celebrity couple and is at risk from exactly the sort of actions involved. It's potentially a lot more personal for Martin than it is for most of us.

For the moment I think that Martin's decision is right.

Those who like polls might usefully start one accurately saying that they have canceled their News International TV and newspaper subscriptions and that they want Martin to act as well. It's fine to ask others to act, harder to act yourself.

The decision for Martin will become more interesting if his family becomes directly involved as potential victims or if there's sign that it happened after his column started. I agree with his view that it's unlikely to be just this publication subject to accusations of criminal conduct like bribing police officers. One publication has been caught out but there are undoubtedly more to come before we can see which were really taking the high road.

payless

payless wrote: »

If not prepared to pull out publically at this stage - then a holding statement would have been better than what really is seen as an endorsement of current management
like...
I'm sickened, awaiting investigation and discussion with current management and considering position...

Martin you been reading my posts again ?

kazwookie

Update to blog, 3pm 7 July 2011
Since writing last night, I’ve watched further news and slept (or not slept) on this, plus taken on board the overwhelming volume and tone of your responses. I’ve spoken with the paper’s editor this morning and asked that instead of running my column (filed last week) I have some space to write something of my feelings on what’s happened and the fact that it mustn’t be allowed to happen again – to which he’s agreed.
I’ve also decided to take some time to think this through calmly and listen to the facts as they develop – while I do so I won’t be writing for the paper.

http://blog.moneysavingexpert.com/2011/07/06/my-column-at-the-news-of-the-world/

Good just as I suggested at 2.53pm this afternoon.

verityboo

I must say that I find Martins blog response almost as pathetic as the original blog

Still want to get a pay cheque from Murdoch for this Sundays paper! I somehow can't believe about the sleepless night when the original blog was written after a couple of days consideration.

Grow a pair and cut your links to NOTW.

Errata

I’ve spoken with the paper’s editor this morning and asked that instead of running my column (filed last week) I have some space to write something of my feelings on what’s happened and the fact that it mustn’t be allowed to happen again – to which he’s agreed.

I have no idea how you can know what's happened. As yet, nobody knows what's happenened. Hence all the hullabaloo.

robt_2

He hasn't 'slept' on it. What rubbish.

He has just found a way to try and appease people on here whilst getting his grubby little Murdoch pay cheque. Doesn't wash.

You are either on the payroll or you are not. I guess you have made your decision and want to remain on the pay roll. I thought you had better integrity and more morals than that. Spineless.

KorkyKat

Get a grip Martin. Get off the fence. Over the years you have built up a loyal following with your excellent advice and site. The site members have also made many valuable contributions making it one of the best consumer sites on the internet. As such you have an obligation to both your members and readers.

It will not wash for you to expose the shady dealings of big business and their scams yet prevaricate over this important matter.

Since when has your loyalty to a non British owned company who owns almost 40% of the British media been more important than your role as a neutral consumer activist/spokesperson?

What they have been engaged in is reprehensible. They have not changed and never will.

You know the solution.

DuckEggGingham

Why is he still posting an article this Sunday on how this should not happen again?! Everyone already knows that!

I think he is submitting his article this week,(maybe he has been paid for it already and because of contractual issues?) and hoping by next week it would of "blown over" That weeks break would then class as "not writing for the paper".

"I’ve also decided to take some time to think this through calmly and listen to the facts as they develop – while I do so I won’t be writing for the paper."

Come on Martin, some of us may be skint but we are not stupid lol! If you were truly pulling away from them, you would not have an article running on Sunday. But then again you are a business man first and foremost, you have created the MSE brand and I guess there may be a few extra NOTW papers sold on Sunday just from people buying them out of morbid curiosity to see what they have to say.... You having an article that is clean cut, clean shaven and by that nice money guy from the telly that always helps people, talking of how bad all this is and how it should not happen again will do your exposure good as well as making the NOTW look all humble and agreeing with you. Win win for you all!

Clever move

flimsier

robt wrote: »

He hasn't 'slept' on it. What rubbish.

He has just found a way to try and appease people on here whilst getting his grubby little Murdoch pay cheque. Doesn't wash.

You are either on the payroll or you are not.

My first reaction was "oh he's given in to the pressure", but on reflection, I find it a bit mealy mouthed.

"It must not happen in the future" - the idea that saying this makes any difference did make me chuckle. As if the forthcoming court, political and media outrage isn't going to ensure that.

I can't imagine what he could write in the NOTW this week, and it seems a ridiculous decision to say he's still going to write anything. Still on the payroll, just not going to write about finance. Big deal.