British Colleges Selling Screen Saver Ad Space

gotroot801 writes: "The Chronicle of Higher Education is reporting that eighteen British institutions plan to generate income during the coming academic year by displaying advertisements on the computer screen savers of students, professors, and staff members. Why does this remind me of that Simpsons episode where Troy McClure is teaching a Pepsi-sponsored class?"

Comments

Nothing New

[Moonshadow]

Already happening!

I'm the unofficial tech for my residence hall, and make a lot of "fix my computer" calls. You'd be suprised how many "Absolut" and other such products are featured prominately on my neighbors screens :)

What's next, OS adverts?

[gregoryl]

I can just imagine when Microsoft gets a hold of this idea:

IEXPLORER is not responding
When part of you is not responding, try BioV MultiVitimin.

Re:Enforceable how?

[the_other_one]

The waste basket will be replaced by a shopping cart icon.

Re:UHM

[Moonshadow]

And then you get the brilliant idea that, "Hey, if we password protect these screensavers, and tell no one what the password is, the ads will get even MORE run time, and we'll get more money!"

What do you want to bet?

Grammar Nazi, -1 Offtopic

[RasputinAXP]

I'd worry about the benefits of paying attention in English class instead of the money you'll be saving. It's not going to have much of an effect on your spending habits, but just think of all the benefits you could get with a good college education!

I mean, it looks like you're working so hard at it!

Correction

[Ezubaric]

The as the poster is thinking of has a first name, it's O-S-C-A-R. The advertisment has a second name, it's M-A-Y-E-R:

Principal Skinner: We can buy real periodic tables, instead of these promotional ones from Oscar Mayer.
Ms. Krabapple: Now, who can tell me the atomic weight of bolonium?
Martin: Ohhh... delicious?
Karbapple: Correct. I would also accept snacktacular.

Web channels

[os2fan]

Didn't MS try something like this with their channel placement thing a few years back?

I'm waiting to see who buys out the Blue Screen space: Can you imagine it if RedHat bought it out. "Well, another BlueScreen: Don't you wish you were on RedHat Linux today?"