Weekly News

Time Inc buys what is left of MySpace for its user data

Time Inc has acquired what is left of social media pioneer MySpace in a move designed to hoover up user data to help it target digital ads more effectively.

The publisher of magazines including Time, People and in the UK, NME and Ideal Home announced in a statement it had acquired Viant, a group of companies that includes advertising network Specific Media, which purchased MySpace for $35m in 2011.

Time chief executive and chairman Joe Ripp described the deal as a “game changer”.

He said: “Marketers are selecting media partners that have either data-driven capabilities or premium content; we will be able to deliver both in a single platform, and will stand apart from those that offer just one or the other.”

MySpace was one of the first wave of social networks to emerge at the start of the century. It was acquired in 2005 by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp for $580m and peaked in December 2008 with 75.9 million monthly unique visitors.

I think that this is a good idea and is likely to benefit Time Inc in the long term. This is because Time Inc will be able to target digital ads effectively which could help them gain more revenue.

Marketing firm posts 'only dyslexics need apply' job advert

A marketing firm has released a job advertisement that stipulates applicants must be dyslexic as it wants employees who think differently.

The ad – which features a photograph of the Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who was dyslexic – says: “We require people with a unique mind, so only dyslexics (like Steve) should apply.”

It was released by the Garage, which aims to provide “innovative thinking” for businesses. The new marketing consultancy was founded by Chris Arnold, a former creative director at the advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi who describes himself as a “dyslexic entrepreneur”.

I think this is an interesting article because it circles out dyslexics which is surprising. Also it is at benefit to them and possibly a good idea because it gives less able people a chance to thrive in a department they enjoy.