Lately I have been experimenting with the X Factor (or Idol) approach to data quality – and I must say, with very promising results.
The basic idea with the X Factor approach to data quality is that it is not about accuracy of data, but all about data appeal.
Data appeal is initially measured by a panel of judges in a data audition. Usually you have 3 or 4 judges, where at least one judge is unbelievably nice and friendly and at least one judge is extremely rude (aka honest). After a following rootcamp the surviving data records are knocked out one by one by the users until we have a golden record as the winner. A secret data steward is usually hosting the show.
The great thing about the X Factor approach is that the so called “xingle version of the truth” doesn’t last very long. Soon we will have a new season where data is going through the same process again with a completely new golden record as the winner.
Wonder about what Simon says?
Liliendahl on Data Quality 
Interesting approach. How do you “audition” for “judges”?
Good question Alon, I guess some data rock stars will do.
Could be a hilarious few hours at a big company’s data management center 🙂