Where the ad industry’s future gets fact-checked, roasted, and occasionally redeemed.
The Ad Stack dissects the AI era in advertising with sharp humor and industry insight. Written by entrepreneur and agency leader PM Berry, it explores how automation, consolidation, and creative chaos are reshaping agencies, brands, and the people caught in the middle. Each edition blends data-driven strategy with satire — think Jerry Seinfeld meets Mad Men in a server farm. Expect breakdowns of WPP, Publicis, Omnicom, and the new AI-powered production world, told with a wink and a wince. For creatives, marketers, and brand leaders navigating the algorithm age — this is the briefing you actually want to open.
Facebook?
I quit Facebook six years ago. Facebook had become a personal overshare journal for many people. And as time passed, increasingly narcissistic postings became awkward, boring, and dull.
LinkedOut
Unfortunately, the same people took the same path to LinkedIn, wanting to impress their biz broh’s with their fabulous lives as Facebook became a collection of tumbleweeds and jorts.
I needed a place to speak my mind that wasn't Facebook and certainly wasn't business content worthy of LinkedIn. So I found Substack.
Substack is not without it’s egos, but for the most part, it's not a bad place to hang out and find your voice.
Why subscribe to The Ad Stack?
I believe AI is an accelerant that must be understood. Now.
Business. Home. Industry. Now is the time to understand what AI is, is not, could be, and should not be. And the better you understand a bigger picture, the better off you’ll be. And feel.
Mission Statement
The Ad Stack is a satirical newsletter discussing hard news in a humane way.
“Will I lose my job to A.I.?”
“Why are ad agencies chasing after my production company’s clients?”
“What else should I know with Creative Tech that is not AI-related?”
“How do I remain relevant in such overwhelming times?”
While we employ satire, occasionally stories present serious outcomes. You'll get it straight, with reference links to inform decisions that are right for you or your company.
I also post stories I feel are important. With serious outcomes for real people. I promise to deliver it straight up, citing references, and minimal commentary. And zero humor. Following is an example. “Lavender” and “The Gospel” are two types of A.I. targeting software used in warfare.
Lavender and The Gospel.
Politics and religion were not intended to be discussed here. There are plenty of other better-written and funded places to find that information. I felt compelled in this instance. A.I. in the battlefield.
On the other hand, with some news that I find important I may “poke the bear” just a bit to help ask questions. It is not done at anyone’s personal expense. Like this one.
Under Armour, Media.Monks, & Runway
Update: 3/23/24: DAMN! What a difference a day makes. Photo: WSJ The Wall Street Journal reports S4 Capital’s valuation slashed from $6 billion down to $300 million? Stagwell offering $600 million takeover? What the actual? Sorry, the WSJ has a paywall.
How The Ad Stack Can Help.
Use back issues as reference materials. Time is spent loading them with relevant links to apps and reference materials. Immediate gratification.
The current week’s post is updated throughout the week(s) as the world evolves. Re-writes are common and often as this pub finds it’s voice, so check back from time-to-time.
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Got any relevant agency & creative tech news? Good or bad? Bounce it anonymously to theadstack@adverstuff.com
