Dear members—
The coronavirus has moved the US election campaign almost entirely online—which means politicians and interest groups are now targeting ads with messaging tailored to particular regions, specific age groups, and people who drive an Audi.
To help monitor this ad targeting, Quartz just launched a crowdsourcing tool called the Political Ad Collector, which you can install to help Quartz’s investigative journalism team by sharing information about the Facebook ads you see.
Quartz investigations editor John Keefe explains the tool and how your use of it helps our journalism:
You see ads I may never see on Facebook—that nobody on our team may see. By installing the ad collector, you help us see what you see—to hunt down misinformation and watch what the candidates say. This can go beyond elections; for example, our investigation into a precious-metals scheme that tricked older conservatives out of their savings was a direct result of ads we spotted in the database. Originally built by ProPublica, and now under Quartz’s stewardship, this browser extension watches for ads as you browse Facebook normally and sends a copy of those ads to us, along with their targeting info—but without any information identifying you personally. We won’t know who’s contributing ads, but I promise to let you know right here about stories we write using this valuable information.
You can install the ad collector here.
ATTENTION: SMALL BUSINESSES
We know these are extremely stressful times, especially if you’re a small business owner. We’re excited to test-launch a new, limited membership benefit for your small business (that is, companies in the US with fewer than 100 employees) to enter for a chance to receive free advertising exposure in Quartz’s Daily Brief newsletter (a $10,000 one-time value).
Submit a brief statement about your business, starting with the products and services you offer, your challenges in the current market, and how exposure on Quartz could help you. Please note that at this time the contest is open to US-based companies only.
LEADERSHIP SKILLS
We also have a new member-exclusive reading list for you this week, focused on leadership advice in times of uncertainty and crisis. It’s like a leadership cheat-sheet from people including Satya Nadella, Amy Poehler, Angela Duckworth, and Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph on how to make your own luck, cultivate grit, keep your employees calm and focused, and give your team feedback that really works.
WILL CITIES EVER BE THE SAME?
Last week I asked for your questions about the job market. If you’re interested in that topic, check out this piece by Jed Kolko, chief economist at Indeed, where he lays out his view of what the labor market will look like going forward.
This week, we want to hear how (and how much) you think cities will change after the Covid-19 pandemic ends.
✉️ What’s one aspect of city life that you think this pandemic will (or should) change?
Best wishes for a safe and healthy weekend,
Walter Frick
Membership editor, Quartz