Whatever Happened to Myspace Tom?
Oct, 2024
Introduction
If you could retire tomorrow with all the money you need, what would you do with the rest of your life?
Vocabulary list
• Students read each word followed by the definition, focusing on the correct pronunciation.
• The teacher reads the sample sentence and the students repeat, focusing on the correct pronunciation.
• After reading the list, students try to make their own example sentences using the words that are new to them.
• Students share their example sentences and the teacher gives feedback, correcting errors if necessary.
platform (noun)
ˈplæt.fɔːm
an application or website that serves as a base from which a service is provided
Most job search websites require users to input their CV details on the platform.
revolutionary (adjective)
ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən.ər.i
completely different and resulting in a significant change to what was before
The smartphone was a revolutionary idea that has changed how we communicate.
popularity (noun)
ˌpɒp.jəˈlær.ə.ti
the state of being very popular
This was a low-budget film with no stars, so its popularity has surprised everyone.
flock (verb)
flɒk
to move or gather somewhere in large numbers
Fans flocked to the film star’s hotel in hope of getting a photograph or a signature.
frustrated (adjective)
frʌsˈtreɪ.tɪd
to feel annoyed because you cannot achieve something or get what you want
I’m getting frustrated with the lack of promotion opportunities in my current job.
venture (noun)
ˈven.tʃər
a new plan or activity, usually in business and typically with no guarantee of success
I’m leaving the company to start a new business venture.
pursue (verb)
pəˈsjuː
to follow something or somebody with a strong intention
I always wanted to pursue a career as a dancer, but I was scared of failing.
Whatever Happened to Myspace Tom?
In 2003, Tom Anderson and Chris DeWolfe launched Myspace and it became one of the most popular social media platforms on the internet. Anderson became known to millions as ‘Myspace Tom’, the first friend of every new user on the platform. However, as quickly as Myspace rose, it was overtaken by other platforms like Facebook. Since then, many people have wondered, “Whatever happened to Myspace Tom?”
Myspace was a revolutionary idea at the time as it allowed users to connect, share music and express their creativity without needing their own websites. It soon became popular with musicians and artists, and by 2005, the platform was so successful that it was purchased by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation for $580 million. However, by 2008 Myspace’s popularity declined sharply as users flocked to a new social media platform called Facebook. Myspace attempted to refocus on being a site for musicians, but it never regained its previous success.
Tom stayed with Myspace for a few years after it was sold, but eventually became frustrated with the endless meetings and decision-making process of the business. In 2009, he decided to retire and leave the corporate world behind altogether. However, rather than pursue an innovative new venture like many successful tech founders, he chose to travel the world as a photographer, sharing his work for free on Instagram. He now focuses on having a life of freedom and creativity, separating his art from the financial pressures of business.
For Tom, photography is a passion; something that he enjoys doing for the joy of doing it. His financial freedom has allowed him to retire early, explore his creativity and live life on his own terms. A key lesson that he has learnt in life is that time is more valuable than money, an attitude reflected in his views on retirement. Tom has said in interviews that he believes the purpose of retirement is not to stop working completely, but to stop doing work that you are forced to do for money. It’s a time when people have the freedom to pursue activities they love without worrying about financial gain.
While few of us will be fortunate enough to have the same kind of journey as Tom Anderson, his story encourages us to rethink our own priorities. Perhaps we should give more consideration to what gives us personal satisfaction and what we truly want to spend our time doing.
Tom Anderson’s story after Myspace serves as a lesson about the meaning of success and how it can be redefined. While having a lot of money can improve your life, money alone does not bring lasting happiness. Instead, finding a passion and dedicating time to it is what brings joy and fulfilment.
QUESTIONS
1. Why was Myspace popular with musicians and artists?
a. It allowed them to create their own websites.
b. It helped them share their work without needing their own website.
c. It was the first music-streaming platform.
2. When did Facebook overtake Myspace in popularity?
a. 2005
b. 2008
c. 2009
3. Tom Anderson sold Myspace because he was tired of the corporate business world.
TRUE / FALSE / INFORMATION NOT GIVEN
4. What did Tom do immediately after selling Myspace?
a. He became a photographer.
b. He started a new tech venture.
c. He stayed at Myspace for a few years.
5. What is the main reason Tom does not sell his photographs?
a. He doesn’t believe in selling art for profit.
b. He prefers to keep his photographic work private.
c. He doesn’t want his photography to feel like work.
6. What statement best describes Tom’s views on retirement?
a. Make sure you have enough money to retire.
b. Don’t stop working if you can earn more money.
c. Stop working for money and focus on your passions.
7. What lessons can be learned from Tom’s life after Myspace?
Discussion
What are your thoughts about the Tom Anderson story?
Was there ever a time when you left a job or gave up something to pursue a completely different thing you were passionate about?
What would you like to pursue as a passion if you had the freedom, time and money?
How do you think people develop a passion for something?
What do you think you will do with your free time when you are retired?
Why do you think so many people have flocked to social media platforms like Facebook, Tik Tok and X (previously Twitter)?
What is your favourite social media platform and why?
What is the most revolutionary new thing that has been created in your lifetime?
What do you think will be the next revolutionary new thing?
Les Brown is an American politician and motivational speaker. He said: “Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.” What do you think this statement means?