It wasn’t meant to end this way. I was going to finish the year off with a really meaningful post on the next big thing for 2010 or what I learnt in 2009 or some sort of top 10 list which would be easy Twitter fodder. But I’m not going to. I’m done. Spent. Signed off. 2009 is almost over and I’m happy not to poke the beast anymore.

Today marks my last day at DP Dialogue. This brings me to the end of my three and a half year stay in the De Pasquale family. For the past eight months, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Gino De Pasquale and Matt Granfield in an agency that is well ahead of its time (as well as being profitable). It’s been exciting, experimental and educational. I’ll be reaping the rewards of surrounding myself with such forward and broad thinkers for a long time to come.

You know that Hyundai i30 ad with the cop out of the first season Underbelly? He introduces us to the barista who drives a Hyundai because it suits her lifestyle? In the the 30 seconds it goes to air we’re introduced to her, learn a bit about her and meant to trust her.

“Ooh she looks friendly. I like friendly people. Oooh she’s a barista. I know lots of nice baristas. Ooooh she drives a Hyundai. I want to drive a Hyundai.”

Sadly, it doesn’t work like that. She’s an actress…

Was 2009 the year that press media got digital? Nope.

But did we see some cool things? Sure we did….

The Cluetrain Manifesto

by Christopher Locke, Rick Levine, Doc Searls and David Weinberger

Reviewed by Gavin Heaton from Servant of Chaos

Gavin (or Mr. Chaos to you) has developed digital communication strategies for a number of global brands including McDonald’s and IBM. He is the co-publisher of The Age of Conversation and The Perfect Gift For A Man. He also preaches a powerful preso and busts a bodacious blog.

Anyway, click through to read Gavin’s thoughts on The Cluetrain Manifesto…

Well, it has finally happened. You guru’s have overexposed yourself and look what has happened…

I went all out last week and made a prediction on the ‘next big thing’. No, it wasn’t Tony Abbott. I was talking about Foursquare. I won’t go into what Foursquare is here but Mark Pollard has a nice overview of the functionality and his experience with it here.

I just want to rattle off a few dot points on why I think Foursquare will change the marketing game for business. Here’s how…