Skype To Feature Giant Ads

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Posted by Soulskill on Wednesday June 13, 2012 @09:23AM from the when-advertising-departments-attack dept.

benfrog writes "Skype will be introducing a new 'feature' into calls for users don't have subscriptions or credit. Giant ads. They are actually calling them 'Conversation ads' because they hope the ads (as large as the picture of the person to whom you are speaking) will 'spark additional topics of conversation that are relevant to Skype users and highlight unique and local brand experiences.' The ads, of course, are tailored to each individual user, though there is an opt-out for that."

13 of 178 comments (clear)

Min score:

Reason:

Sort:

A recent conversation by Anonymous Coward · 2012-06-13 09:24 · Score: 5, Funny

What the fuck is up with this fucking ad and how the fuck do I get rid of it?
1. Re:A recent conversation by PeanutButterBreath · 2012-06-13 09:32 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  - What? What ad are you seeing?
  - Its some damned ad for. . . [cash register sound effect]
Can't Wait by Phoenixlol · 2012-06-13 09:26 · Score: 5, Funny

"they hope the ads (as large as the picture of the person to whom you are speaking) will 'spark additional topics of conversation that are relevant to Skype users and highlight unique and local brand experiences" Hey, Grandma, what do you think of hot singles near me?
1. Re:Can't Wait by CanHasDIY · 2012-06-13 09:28 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  "Mommy, why do I always see Valtrex ads when I call daddy during his business trips?"
  
  --
  An enigma, wrapped in a riddle, shrouded in bacon and cheese
2. Re:Can't Wait by Genda · 2012-06-13 09:49 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  Because he was able to block the Cialis ads...
3. Re:Can't Wait by kpainter · 2012-06-13 09:51 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  This is slashdot. There won't be hot singles ads flashing up on the folks that hang out here. There will be ads for "Fleshlight" popping up.
4. Re:Can't Wait by cpu6502 · 2012-06-13 10:09 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  I'm afraid to ask:
  - What's a "flesh" light? Some kind of glowing clit ring?
  
  --
  My AC stalker: " I personally agree with your posts most of the time, but that won't keep me from modding you troll"
5. Re:Can't Wait by __aaeihw9960 · 2012-06-13 10:14 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  God I hope you're joking. If you are not, welcome to the internet; wondrous sights await you!
monty python did it first by fche · 2012-06-13 09:26 · Score: 5, Funny

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkp7f8IxJNU
Re:Ad Muncher blocks skype ads. by MrHanky · 2012-06-13 09:48 · Score: 5, Funny

It didn't block your comment, though.
Re:A recent conversation about closed standards by Technician · 2012-06-13 10:25 · Score: 5, Informative

You can use Skype if you wish. Somehow I see alternatives gaining traction.
SIP protocol for VOIP supports video from several vendors for free. Some SIP providers provide free VOIP gateways to/from Skype and Google Talk.
You can ring my POTS phone plugged into a SIP ATA (analog telephone adaptor) suchas a Linksys PAP2T from Skype, Google Talk, SIP, or a plain POTS phone for free. No ads, no Skype-In expense. I call all of US and Canada for free dialing with Google Talk. No cost for Skype out.
Other than the optional Linksys box purchase, the calls are free.
SIP provider with free Skype gateway - ippi.fr
Free US DID number for free in calls from POTS - IPKall
Free calling to US and Canada linked to IPKall number and SIP -- Google Voice (limited locations)
Free SIP softphone for Linux as an alternate to the Linksys box - Ekiga.net or Twinkle.
Why pay for Skype-in or out minutes? Ads are optional.

--
The truth shall set you free!
Re:A recent conversation about closed standards by bryan1945 · 2012-06-13 11:12 · Score: 5, Funny

Yeah, that will be so easy for my family and friends to figure out how to implement. Maybe I should just dig a dedicate landline to all their houses while I'm at it.

--
Vote monkeys into Congress. They are cheaper and more trustworthy.
Re:Ad Muncher blocks skype ads. by TranquilVoid · 2012-06-13 15:39 · Score: 5, Funny

Exactly, that's I love and recommend Linux. It's open source so Linux is trustworthy. It even comes with a 'true' program.
Linux, for all your software needs.