In this blog post, I asked the two nominees for Chair of the ADM a few questions. Here are John’s responses:

Why are you running for this top leadership position?
Back in 1996 I remember how important the early industry players were to the overall success to what we see today in online advertising. Groups like the IAB were critical to helping those industry pioneers create the online advertising industry. Today, podcasting and downloadable media are in a similar situation. There is a large ‘macro shift’ in the media and advertising business, and my vision is that new advertising solutions have arrived - web 2.0 advertising. In
1996 it was the web 1.0 that created access to information via web sites and search engines. Today it is new web 2.0 technologies like podcasting, social networks, and social media that are creating new relationships among users and advertisers. New web 2.0 solutions and new media practices are going mainstream and many new advertisers and
publishers are looking for scalable solutions and standards. It is a great time to be an innovator in the emerging online advertising area.

I am running for this position because being part of the founding team of the ADM I have been impressed with the high quality individuals and organizations involved. The group is passionate, diverse, and experts in this new media - the team of members are pioneers and have the right stuff to build an new industry - that’s exciting. I feel compelled to contribute my vision, industry contacts, experience, and knowledge to this important new shift in the market - the next generation media advertising leaders, solutions, and standards.

What are the three biggest goals you hope to accomplish first?
There are many things to do but I would say that my guiding principles and goals would be the following:

1. to establish a great working board that can create an agenda for the creation of a thriving ecosystem for this new industry
2. focus on external education and opinion shaping on this new form of advertising of downloadable media - podcasting, social networks, and social media. New web 2.0 solutions and new media practices are going mainstream and many new advertisers and publishers are looking for scalable solutions and standards. Education and information on the emerging online advertisting and downloadable media market.
3. Secure financial support and establish a business model for the ADM to fund the expansion of the ADM vision and mission. This is all about building on the foundation that has been established by the
founding members. Having the ADM funded allows the industry, entrepreneurs, and companies to continue to develop the solutions that advertisers and marketers are looking for.

What do you think is the least understood element of the ADM’s charter?
That the ADM is not about just podcasting. It’s about the global web 2.0 online media and emerging digital advertising movement. It’s not about the iPod but instead the iPod generation.

What would you ask of the industry to support you if you get elected?
I would ask the industry to seek to understand that the new emerging media industry is developing, and to support the ADM and it’s list of new startups and established players who are investing in creating new solutions and standards.

Who would you like to have involved in the ADM that is not currently a
member and why?
There is a great list of firms supporting the ADM today. I would add that I would envision 100% participation by vendors who’s business depends on online advertising and web 2.0 related solutions.