Google Ideas has launched its first campaign with a social network aimed at former terrorists, extremists and survivors in an attempt to 'tackle violent extremism'.

The think tank, which began in October, was created by former political advisor Jared Cohen. Google Ideas aims to "explore the role that technology can play in tackling some of the toughest human challenges".

Against Violent Extremism was launched this week and is an online destination for former terrorists and victims to communicate their experiences. The network is also an opportunity for the media to connect with designated spokespeople surrounding the controversial issue.

AVE also includes a "professional skills swap" with advice on how to organise charitable organisations, set up marketing campaigns and build websites. Activists can also connect via YouTube.

Launched in New York, AVE aims to have 500 members by the end of 2012 and 1,000 members by the end of 2013. Former members of white power movements and former Islamic extremists are already though to have signed up to the social network.

Principal at Google Ideas, Yasmin Dolatabadi, commented: "This website brings to fruition a platform for 'formers' to speak out, a way to scale connections and project resourcing, and a path for non-governmental leadership.

"Not only does technology allow the conversation to continue, it also creates unlimited space for collaboration."

Facebook has reported a decline in revenue alongside news that is has recently hit 900 million members.

The social networking giant has announced its first quarterly decide in two years, citing 'seasonal advertising trends' for the loss. Advertising spending is typically strong during the fourth quarter of each year, leading the first quarter to attract less in comparison. Facebook claim rapid business growth may have "partially masked" previous first quarter revenue.

Revenue fell 6.5% quarter-on-quarter in the three months leading to March 31st, though Facebook is still up on 45% year-on-year. Overall profit dropped 12% year-on-year to £127m and was down 32% at the end of 2011.

The majority of Facebook's income is brought in by advertising (82%), and has increased 37% year-on-year. Payments and other fees are up 98% year-on-year. The recent purchase of Instagram is thought to have affected Facebook's profit decrease.

Facebook is currently valued at $77 billion according to Digital Spy. Marketing Week notes this figure could be closer to £100 billion after its initial public offering.

The social networking site has recently gained over 900 million users who collectively post around 3 billion comments each day.

Senior marketers who began their careers before the introduction of digital marketing must work harder in the industry or risk being bypassed by younger rivals, according to Christoph Michalski of SCA.

“One of the challenges companies have is that people have started to work there and have grown up in certain jobs. In all companies I have seen so far, you have the same ageing population in the overall demographics," he marketer told Marketing Week.

“The question is: how do you ensure that, despite your ageing population of marketers, you keep the freshness and also the drive of wanting to win.

“To be honest I had not heard of Instagram before Facebook bought it for $1bn, so I am thinking about how many things are out there that are significant enough to pay that much for, which I have never been exposed to.

“And I would not say I am a remotely buried marketer never looking [outside] my patch.”

Research has shown that marketers over the age of 50 are losing out on promotions to younger, 'digital-savvy' co-workers. 64% of those polled by EMR feel there is more age discrimination now than 5 years ago.

Tesco are set to invest in "better" marketing in the wake of another sales slump.

The retail giant will invest £1bn in improving stores, customer experience, promotion, pricing strategy. It will continue to develop its own-label ranges after relaunching its Tesco Value products as Everyday Value earlier this month.

Excluding the impact of stores open for 12+ months, like-for-like sales decresed by 0.9% in 12 months. In the second half of Tesco's financial year, sales fell by 1.2%. This led to a 1% fall in profit to £2.5bn.

Group CEO Philip Clarke has now announced that six areas will be focussed on in regards to improving the brand. These include: service and staff; stores and formats; price and value; range and quality; brand and marketing and clicks and bricks.

Clarke stated: “We fully recognise that we need to raise our game in the UK … As we improve the shopping trip for our customers, it will follow that our sales growth and financial performance will improve too.

“These are decisive steps and this cost investment - as we have already announced - will constrain our near-term profitability. … We are adapting our UK capital plans so that we have the right store base for the future, to underpin the returns that create long term value for our shareholders.

“Together these steps are the right things to do both to improve the shopping trip for customers and to secure a return to profitable growth in the UK.”

Click-and-collect services are also planned. 430 will be 'refreshed' over the coming 12 months.

An illustrator's dream job is now up for grabs -- courtesy of Google. The search engine giant is looking for a 'Google doodler' to create innovative and eye-catching variations of the brand's infamous logo.

The Google logo is tweaked throughout the year in celebration of various anniversaries and special occasions, and was even been turned into a game for Pac-Man's 30th birthday.

Now Google is looking for a designer/illustrator to take on the momentous task of creating new images. Applicants must show a "sense of humor, love of all things historical and imaginative artistry."

The role is based in Montana View, California -- Google's head office -- but we're guessing there's quite a few illustrators out there who'd be more than happy to relocate!

You can apply for the position of Google Doodler right here.