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Google Cleans Up Search Results By Ditching Sidebar Ads (theverge.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the global-change dept.

Mark Wilson writes: Google generates a huge amount of revenue through advertising but it's not afraid to try mixing things up a little. Ads in search results have long-been controversial, but the latest change is likely to go down well with many people -- the ads that currently appear in the right-hand sidebar of search results are to be dropped.

The change means that ads will only be displayed above and below search results. There will be seven Google AdWords ads in total -- four above the search results and three below. The right-hand side of the page will be left free for Google's own Product Listing Ads. Google also confirmed that the change is global and affects all languages.

4 of 105 comments (clear)

  1. Confused by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    From a user's perspective, isn't the sidebar an ideal place for ads so they don't mix in with search results?

    1. Re:Confused by pushing-robot · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Yes, that's the problem.

      --
      How can I believe you when you tell me what I don't want to hear?
    2. Re:Confused by WarJolt · · Score: 4, Insightful

      so they don't mix in with search results?

      Exactly, they want to confuse you. Why would they do anything that would decrease ad revenue? It's probably easier to trick folks into clicking when they aren't aware of the ads.

  2. Re:Hello, new owners? by 93+Escort+Wagon · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Here's the problem.

    If Slashdot ownership decides to keep posting submitted stories as-is, some people are going to complain about perceived biases in the stories.

    If Slashdot ownership chooses to have their editors rewrite the submissions before they're posted, some people will start complaining that Slashdot is controlling the news and attempting to put its own spin on everything. ... and I expect the Venn Diagram of the two groups would mostly overlap.

    --
    #DeleteChrome