I hate math.

This could have something to do with what I expect to be undiagnosed ADD. I’m also convinced its part of a genetic flaw that leaves most members of my extended family unable to balance their check books. In case anyone wants to challenge this as dramatic license to the intro of a blog post, I’d be happy to put you in touch with my parents, my high school algebra teacher, or college transcripts that demonstrate not one, not two, but three attempts at advanced calculus.

Despite the cold shivers I experience when seeing mathematic formulas, or when having to split a check among a party of 10, I do however love data. Statistics, graphs & tables, little factoids and discoveries. That’s why this man had me grinning like I’d just seen a ritual burning of calculus textbooks.

A friend in Second Life forwarded me this video post that’s been floating around the web for some time. Hans Rosling’s empassioned, witty, and observational monologue at last years TED conference. It’s fun and surprising, and demonstrates his gapminder software that “unveils the beauty of statistics by converting boring numbers into enjoyable interactive animations”. Sound like a stretch? Watch the video.

With Google investing in his Trendalyzer software, you know this is something to watch. And though it’s mission is to make free data usable, and to uncover the truth in the statistical domain, it does beg a question.

As ad and marketing folks either fight each others day-to-day datapoints, or spend millions to create complex if not useless marketing models… is the answer in the data they already own?