Wanted to point out a couple of recent articles over at imediaconnection.com. Both focus on the impact data is having on the advertising world / model / agency / experience / etc, which has plenty of relevance to the world of media.Given the symbiotic relationship between advertising and entertainment , it shouldn’t be surprising that both industries are facing the obstacles / opportunities of collecting and using data for personalization and targeting of their respective “content.”1) “The data debate: Why agencies need to listen closely”

Ad networks, behavioral targeting concerns and businesses specializing in data aggregation all seem poised to represent the future of advertising.

Love this analogy Jim uses about the dilemma we face in collecting and using data:

But the unrelenting emphasis on technology, automation and data starts to conjure up the image of — as I said on the panel last Monday morning — a dystopian vision where there is one giant, a Cyberdyne Systems-like company, in whose warehouse there is a man, a machine and a dog. The man’s job is to feed the dog, and the dog’s job is to keep the man away from the machine.

2) How will the agency of the future redefine itself?While specific to ad agencies, this synopsis of Havas Digital CEO Don Epperson‘s keynote has some thought starters that are equally relevant to media companies.My tweaks to Don’s comments in << >>:- Think of our <<content>> as a network of brands -- Think of our brands as many networks of unique users -- Think of our unique users as individuals to be aggregated -- Think of our <<content channels>> as audience aggregators -- Realize that data, insight and ultimately intelligence about a unique user is where we’re heading -- Realize that as a trusted partner of advertisers, <<media companies>> have a unique source of intelligence that will help us value each and every impression