A post by our guest editor, John Worthington.

I was recently contacted by a major research and advisory firm—one of the big names. They invited me to join one of their “Councils,” citing my experience and presenting it as a prestigious opportunity.

I was initially quite flattered; but then came the fine print:

  • A 4–5 week editorial process, during which they’d control what and how I could contribute.
  • And, more surprisingly:

I would need to pay them to join the Council—so I could contribute my expertise and write for them.

Wait a minute...

This wasn’t an opportunity. It was a business model: polish the language of prestige, wrap it in exclusivity, and turn respected professionals into paying content providers. They monetize our insight, and we foot the bill.

WTF?!

“What’s different with the ‘nature of the beast’ today is the speed and ease of which improvements to proven techniques can be duplicated — and monetized — by the community. Food for thought as you race along the digital turning point and its related disruption.”— Rolling Uphill

The old gatekeepers may be feeling the heat. Today, ideas move faster than institutions. Insight can be shared openly, built upon by others, and amplified through communities without a price tag or a velvet rope. The real value? It’s shifting to ecosystems where collaboration, not control, is the driver.

Look to the New Playbook

This is why I support initiatives like the SURVUZ Foundation and the Open Service Community (OSC)—both nonprofits, both committed to advancing service management with open models, clear logic, and community-driven evolution.

No paywalls. No prestige traps. Just practitioners working together to improve the craft and elevate the profession.

So, no—I didn’t join the Council. And I don’t regret it.

If you’re approached with a similar “honor,” ask yourself:

  • Is this platform amplifying your voice or monetizing it?
  • Is it about shared value or just brand optics?
  • Are you joining a community of practice—or buying into someone else’s content machine?

The nature of thought leadership is changing. The rules are being rewritten by those willing to share, collaborate, and challenge old models.

Ok, so I'll never be a household name.

That's fine with me.

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If you enjoyed John's post and it made you think about improving your own organization, please check out his USM Professional profile and his personal website, or better: contact John for a free consultation.
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