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Google Passes Gas Around the Web

by Tom Conlon on May 1, 2007 at 02:37 PM

Google Passes Gas Around the Web
Google's next strategic foray into new business is going rock the very Internet to its core. It appears the search colossus has set its sights on the total domination of the oft-ignored fart machine industry. For evidence, look no further than the Google Ad Words that recently plopped up in the Gmail account of one Switched staffer.

"Fart Machines $12.95 ea," the ad screams, which, we're reminded, is far below the market value of a fart machine. How did this ad end up in one of our messages? Let's see, according to Google:

"Google scans the text of Gmail messages in order to filter spam and detect viruses, just as all major webmail services do. Google also uses this scanning technology to deliver targeted text ads and other related information."

Targeted ads. Hmm, this was tacked onto an e-mail chain discussing EA's new 'NCAA Football' game. We fail to see how a fart machine fits in. Wait a minute...yes! In the e-mails there was talk about the NFL draft. Google must have read the word, 'draft' and thought we meant 'wind.' Honest mistake!

But get this: Upon further reading on Google's own site, we found this tidbit:

"To ensure a quality user experience for all Gmail users, we avoid showing ads reflecting sensitive or inappropriate content by only showing ads that have been classified as 'Family-Safe.'"

Google Passes Gas Around the WebFor the record, Switched doesn't think fart machines are necessarily inappropriate. In fact, we checked this one out, and it's pretty sweet -- it even has a remote control. But, some people may not be as understanding as we are. IBS sufferers, for example.

We look forward to the official announcement about Google's new venture soon, but in the meantime send us your wacky Gmail ads. Comment with text below, or better, send us picture evidence. We'll make a gallery out of the best submissions we receive!

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Tags: ad words, AdWords, email, gmail, google, targeted

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