Digital After Dark – Details, episodes & analysis

In today's episode, Matt and Andrew explore Google's u-turn on the deprecation of 3rd party cookies and what does this mean in our industry.  As part of the discussion, we start off discussing what are cookies, the difference between 1st party and 3rd party cookies, the difference between using a cookie and browser storage, what does the u-turn actually mean and two of Google's other initiatives (Manifest V3 and Google AI Overview).

After the session, Matt found a LinkedIn post that was relevant for this conversation: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jonsuarezdavis_marketing-martech-data-activity-7232432383872897026-K97K?utm_source=share&utm_medium=DigitalAfterDark-Podcast 

Stay to the end to explore a section of the podcast that got cut for some humorous reasons.

What are your thoughts on Google's decision not to deprecate 3rd party cookies and all things Google?  Join the conversation in the comments section.  And as always, you can contact Matt and Andrew at: digitalafterdarkpodcast@gmail.com

In today's episode, Matt and Andrew explore "The Ethics in Data Collection", exploring how we looked at ethics at the start of our career to current. We felt this reflection is important as the UK are discussing the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (DPDIB), which is currently in the House of Lords.  You can find more information about the bill from the same website Andrew references in the episode: https://www.dqmgrc.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-new-dpdi-data-protection-and-digital-information-bill 

We then end discussing the Code of Ethics that started nearly a decade ago by the Digital Analytics Association (https://www.digitalanalyticsassociation.org/codeofethics) and if there should be a renewed push for Ethical data collection.  Ultimately, if ethics does not play a part in our own career, it will be mandated by the government; shouldn't we get ahead of it while we still can? 

Andrew then talks about attending a webinar that Simo Ahava presented called "10 Game Changing Uses for Chrome DevTools" where you can use Chrome Functionality without the need of extensions.  You can watch the replay here: https://measuresummit.com/training/lunch-learn-replay What are your thoughts on the new DPDIB? 

Do you believe it is a step in the right direction, or a step back?  Join the conversation in the comments section.  And as always, you can contact Matt and Andrew at: digitalafterdarkpodcast@gmail.com

Matt and Andrew discuss Adobe's WebSDK.

Topics covered are:

• What is WebSDK
• Summary of Results from implementing WebSDK
• Why WebSDK is important
• Our Approach for deploying it
• Our impression of the technology
• Noted benefits of WebSDK based on an implementation

Links from some of the topics we discussed:

• Matt's post about creating JS in Google Sheet
• Reverse Proxy on GCP

Any questions - E-mail the podcast

Two mates getting together to talk about all things Digital. In the introductory episode of Digital After Dark, Matt and Andrew briefly introduce themselves and how we met. We then discuss Google Consent V2; from what it is to our thoughts regarding the rollout. Then Matt discusses the outcomes of his test of deploying Advance Google Consent V2 on Loop Horizon’s website and the impact on the data collection. 

If you have any questions or suggestions of topics for Matt and Andrew to talk about, write to us at digitalafterdarkpodcast@gmail.com. 

Links from the show: Simo Ahava Consent Mode V2 for Google Tags: https://www.simoahava.com/analytics/consent-mode-v2-google-tags/

In this episode, Matt and Andrew have invited a special guest, Rajesh (from our team at Loop Horizon) to discuss Automation.  The points covered on this episode are:

Common Analytical Issues
How can Automation resolve many of these issues
Why is Automation Important
Our aproach for using Automation
Wrap-up

This episode is unedited in any shape or form.  The software tool I was using could not handle this episode so well; maybe because we were recording in the same room.  Maybe it was because the internet was as good.  I am not entirely sure, but I found it impossible to do anything with the recording.  The next episode release will be using a new software tool; one I have partially used before.  

Andrew reviews Adobe Summit 2025 session of 8 Bit Insights: The Customer Journey Analytics Tips and Tricks by Trevor Paulsen.  I recently tried a new podcast solution, as I was not the happiest with the previous one due to losing my audio and video.  Spoiler warning - while this audio was better, the editing was not great.  And the next podcast did not come out great at all.  Hence, will be on the hunt for a new solution.

As such, the AI notes is not as good for this episode.  You can watch the session here: https://business.adobe.com/summit/2025/sessions/8bit-insights-the-customer-journey-analytics-s103.html

Summary Notes

• Gamified Learning Experience: The session used video game-inspired challenges tied to each of the 12 tips, with prizes like gift cards and an Adobe-branded Nintendo Switch to boost audience engagement.
• Customer Journey Analytics (CJA) Deep Dive: Covered how CJA unifies data across sources in Adobe Experience Platform, removes traditional data limits, and enables advanced querying with SQL.
• Three Core Tip Sections: Focused on breaking data limits, using derived fields, and leveraging unique CJA capabilities like smarter bot filtering and AI assistants.
• New Visualization Tools: Introduced Journey Canvas, Guided Analysis templates, and Content Analytics (a paid add-on) for richer, more intuitive data storytelling.
• Roadmap Highlights: Previewed upcoming features like real-time panels, B2B support, warehouse mirroring, and a next-gen data feed purpose-built for CJA

Key Themes

1. Enhanced Data Flexibility & Integration
   • CJA removes traditional Adobe Analytics limitations (eVars, props, low traffic).
   • Supports SQL queries and real-time data manipulation.
2. User Empowerment Through Insights & Tools
   • Features like user state change tracking, pathing dimensions, and derived metrics empower deeper behavioral analysis.
   • Internal usage tracking (CJA on CJA) helps identify power users and adoption gaps.
3. Innovation in Visualization & Automation
   • Journey Canvas and Guided Analysis simplify complex flows and impact analysis.
   • AI assistant and smarter bot filtering improve usability and data hygiene.
4. Community Engagement & Forward-Looking Development
   • Gamification encouraged participation.
   • Roadmap reveals Adobe’s commitment to evolving CJA with real-time, AI, and cross-platform capabilities.

In this episode, Andrew and Matt delve into the intricacies of Data Layer Schema, emphasizing its critical role in ensuring accurate data collection and validation in digital analytics. They explore the importance of a well-defined schema, the benefits of using JSON Schema for data validation, and the integration of schema validation with tools like ObservePoint. The conversation highlights the financial implications of poor data quality and advocates for a collaborative approach to defining schemas, ultimately aiming to enhance developer efficiency and data integrity.

Unfortunately - Andrew's track got corrupted at the end.  We did the best we could with the editting, but there was not much we could do.  Instead of ending the podcast suddenly, I cut Andrew's track all together.  Thankfully, the new Podcasting solution we were using for this episode has been cancelled and we are moving to a another new one to test it out.  Thankfully - it was only the last 6 minutes.  It was funny seeing that near the end, even Andrew's camera got lost!  During the recording, there was no indication that anything was wrong.  

Key Takeaways

• Data Layer Schema is essential for accurate data collection.
• A well-defined schema helps developers understand data expectations.
• JSON Schema provides a code-based approach to data validation.
• Schema validation can prevent errors before they reach production.
• Integrating schema validation with tools like ObservePoint enhances data quality.
• Data quality issues can lead to significant financial losses.
• A collaborative approach to defining schemas improves outcomes.
• Using a centralized data layer reduces technical debt.
• Automation in data validation saves time and resources.
• Clear delineation of responsibilities improves team efficiency.

Chapters

• 00:00        Introduction to Day-Layer Schema
• 05:01        Defining Day-Layer Schema
• 09:13        Exploring JSON Schema
• 13:44        Benefits of Schema Validation
• 18:08        Types of JSON Schema Validation
• 25:46         Advanced Schema Features
• 30:15         Collaborative Development of Data Layers
• 34:23         Empowering Developers with Data Quality
• 38:57         Division of Labor in Data Management
• 44:27         Data Quality and Development Team Dynamics
• 46:59         Benefits of Implementing a Daily Schema
• 50:57         Cost of Bad Data and Its Implications
• 57:35         Integrating Tools for Data Validation
• 01:07:45    Outro

Andrew Talks Episode 3 with Abid at Digital Republc Talent!

In this episode of Andrew Talks, Andrew interviews Abid, the Billing Manager at Digital Republic Talent, about Navigating the Recruitment Landscape. They discuss the intricacies of recruitment in the digital analytics field, including how to craft an effective CV, prepare for interviews, and navigate salary negotiations. Abid shares his journey into recruitment, the importance of building relationships, and the evolving landscape of the digital analytics industry. The conversation also touches on remote work opportunities and offers valuable advice for career progression in this dynamic field. 

Chapters
00:00      Introduction to Abid and Digital Republic Talent
02:17      Understanding Recruitment and the Role of a Billing Manager
05:01      The Journey into Recruitment and Specialization in Digital
10:15      Crafting an Effective CV: Common Mistakes and Best Practices
21:10      Preparing for Interviews: Strategies for Success
27:40      Navigating Salary Expectations and Value Assessment
33:43      Interviewing Techniques and Candidate Evaluation
39:09      Market Trends in Digital Analytics
49:46      Remote Work Opportunities and Challenges
56:06      Career Progression in Digital Analytics
01:03:02 Andrew Talks Outro

Takeaways

• Abid emphasizes the importance of understanding the candidate's needs and desires in recruitment. 
• Building relationships over transactions is crucial in recruitment.
• Tailoring CVs to highlight achievements rather than just tasks is essential.
• Candidates should prepare for interviews as if they are consultants, not just job seekers.
• Networking internationally can open up more opportunities for career growth.
• Effective communication is key to progressing in one's career.
• Understanding market value and being flexible in salary discussions is important.
• The digital analytics industry is evolving, with a focus on compliance and data-driven roles.
• Remote work opportunities are more prevalent in the US compared to the UK and EU.
• Passion and willingness to learn can outweigh years of experience in hiring decisions.

In this episode, I start to watch the Adobe Summit 2025 content, focusing on the top 10 I highlighted in a previous Digital After Dark, but making my way through all 41 sessions I thought would be worth watching.

I tried to do this more as a reaction podcast, but it did not work the way I wanted.  Instead of scrapping this or trying to redo the entire recording, I decided to VERY HEAVILY edit it and release it.  You do get my real reaction while watching it.  Overall, it went from over an hour of recording, down to 18 minutes.   Going forward,  willl watch and then record my thoughts on it.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00  Introduction to Adobe Summit 2025
01:14  Overview of the Analytics Rockstar Competition
02:20  Contestant Introductions and Expectations
02:27  Jeff First Tip: Internal Campaignå
04:00  Jen First Tip: Reporting by Content Date
05:46  Mandy First Tip: Calculating Weighted Comps
07:17  Trent First Tip: Journey Canvas - Winning or Losing  with your Redesign
08:47  Jeff Second Tip: Advanced Techniques for Internal Campaign
10:16  Jen Second Tip: Campaigns for Mobile Apps
11:10  Mandy Second Tip: Estimating Cost of Missing Data
13:05  Trent Second Tip: Market Channels Analysis
14:01  Final Thoughts and Winner Announcement
18:22  Andrew Talks Outro

Summary
In the inaugural episode of Andrew Talks, Andrew introduces the new podcast that is part of Digital After Dark: Andrew Talks.  This will not replace Digital after Dark, but rather give an opportunity to release more podcasts to improve his own skills in podcasting while distrubiting more content.  Andrew Talks aims to foster open discussions about all things digital and encourages community engagement.

In this mini episode, Andrew emphasizes the importance of keeping one's word in both personal and professional contexts. He discusses how trust is built through commitment and the challenges of maintaining integrity in a fast-paced environment.


Takeaways
Andrew Talks Digital is an additional podcast part of the Digital After Dark family.
The importance of keeping your word is emphasized.
Trust is built through commitment and integrity.
Maintaining one's word can be challenging but essential.
Open discussions are encouraged in the podcast.
The podcast will cover digital analytics and work-life balance.
Andrew aims to improve his podcasting skills through more recordings.
Listeners are invited to share their thoughts on keeping one's word.
The podcast will feature a mix of edited and raw formats.