I had a call with a representative this week who is working to recruit sites Fox Interactive Media’s new ad network – Fox Audience Network. The unique aspect of the ad network is that they are using the demographic and profile information that they collect via Myspace (a Fox Interactive Media Property) and using their hyper-targeting algorithm to target ads on other websites. Therefore, if I my profile information on Myspace allows them to segment into one of the 500+ hyper targeting segments, they can target ads to my interest across any site in the Fox Audience Network.

Overall, I like the targeting concept, and I was very impressed with the system by the end of the call. The only thing that I did not like about the system was that the rep said we could not use it to only show ads if the user hit one of the hyper targeted (higher CPM) ads. The rep said that if we showed the networks ad code to a user that did not match any hyper targeted segments, the user would be shown “brand” ads. I really would like to be able to leverage the system to show premium priced hyper targeted ads when possible, and then use my other ad partners to fill my remaining inventory. Hopefully, the system will grow to include this feature. It will be interesting to see if Facebook launches a similar ad network product. I have a feeling that Facebook has even more meaningful and accurate data on their userbase than Myspace. The network is up and running now, and I would be very interested to hear about any initial success stories.