Readers may be aware of Gmail, a Google product that would provide e-mail capabilities with enormous mail-storage space for users. The catch is that it includes a program that will scan e-mails and serve up supposedly relevant ads based on their content.
But Google is also testing an instant-message chat advertising service. As its name implies, UpsADaisy would serve pop-up enticements based on chat content. The problem, of course, is that these ads will be triggered by machines, which are not known for their sense of linguistic nuance.
I recently tested a beta version of the UpsADaisy program in an online chat with an editor who shall remain nameless, but whose IM handle is BigCheez.
[BigCheez]: How’s the IM column coming?
[DirectWryter]: Slowly. I’m not overly impressed with this service.
[BigCheez]: We’re going to need your copy soon.
[UpsADaisy]: FREE THREE-MONTH SERVICE CONTRACT WITH PURCHASE OF RICOH PHOTOCOPIER.
[DirectWryter]: It’ll happen. Don’t sweat it.
[UpsADaisy]: ARRID XTRA DRY DEODORANT KEEPS YOU EXTRA, EXTRA DRY! $1 OFF YOUR NEXT PURCHASE.
[BigCheez]: Can we get it by Friday afternoon?
[UpsADaisy]: FREE HOT FUDGE SUNDAE WITH ANY ENTR
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