Pioneers in Pharma eMarketing (PiPeM): Richard Meyer. A Modern Day ePharma Diogenes

Background

In July, 2008, Richard Meyer made the gusty decision to leave Medtronic Diabetes — a medical device company — because he felt they were not investing in the “e” channel and believed that his talents could be better used elsewhere.

Recently, he also learned that he had been “blacklisted” at a major pharma/biotech company because of his blog, which often criticizes the drug industry for not investing more in online marketing and criticizes DTC ads that he feels are bad.

Going forward, Meyer is now faced with a quandary…does he continue to write what is on his mind and risk being alienated from an industry he loves dearly or should he surrender to the powers that determine pharma’s Internet-deficient marketing mix?

Rich’s story reminds us of Diogenes of Sinope, an ancient Greek philosopher exiled from his own land who is said “to have walked through the streets carrying a lantern in the daytime, claiming to be looking for an honest man, but unable to find one. Diogenes was a self-appointed public scold whose mission was to demonstrate to the ancient Greeks that civilization is regressive. Sympathizers considered him a devotee of reason and an exemplar of honesty. Detractors have said he was an obnoxious beggar and an offensive grouch.” (see Wikipedia).