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dublinben · 4640 days ago · link · · parent · post: John R. MacArthur: Internet con men ravage publishing
I would argue that Google's targeted text advertising has always been the least egregious advertising anywhere on the web. They've never (to my knowledge) used colorful graphics, moving images, sound, popups, scantily clad fantasy women, or malicious programs to deliver their advertising like so many other internet advertising companies have.
I would much rather live with intelligently targeted, non-offensive, plain text advertising than the insultingly stupid, full color advertising that fills print and broadcast media. I'm right with you in hating advertising in all its forms, but you must give Google credit for dramatically redefining what online advertising meant. Their enormous success is the perfect testament to the power of tasteful advertisement.