Advertising Curiosity

Because I work at an advertising agency, I’m always interested in advertising/design issues, opportunities and curiosities that present themselves in media.  As I was looking at the LA Times website this morning, one such curiosity made its presence known: boxes labeled throughout the site as “Google Advertising.”  I assume these links are part of the ever elusive Google AdWords program. 

The task of understanding and managing campaigns with Google AdWords  is daunting in my limited experience.  However, I see Google ads EVERYWHERE.  They are literally all over the internet in both business and personal websites. The lure of getting paid puts Google ads on lots of blog sites just like this one.

Probably the most curious aspect of Google advertising is how the content specific ads are selected.  I’m sure there is some complicated algorithm that governs the selections, explaining why it completely eludes me.  But, as I noticed some of the actual ad postings in my wandering through latimes.com, I have to wonder…

Is Google the great tally sheet for bottom-lining a web page’s content?

Is Google the great filtering system where dust-laden extra words are trapped, allowing only the essential to heat and cool the visitor?

Is Google the great pot in which content is boiled down to it’s essence?

Scary.

I have to hope and believe that my carefully turned phrases are more than the sum of their content network impressions.  At least, that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.  Regardless, I saw some interesting (and maybe telling) content matched ads at LAT:

• On the Entertainment page –
  Plastic surgery, stomach fat and anti-aging abound.  Hmmm…
  The most interesting were “Plastic Surgery in Mexico” (is that advisable?) and “10 Rules for Stomach Fat” (fatloss4idiots.com, no less).
  Just a note — That one for fatloss4idiots.com is everywhere.  Apparently no matter what news stories you’re interested in, you can always benefit from dropping 9 lbs every 11 days.
   
• With an article about Tiger Woods at the U.S. Open – 
  The most notable was “Tortured Philly Fan Shirt.”  In case that golf thing doesn’t work out. The website says it all: drunkenbleachers.com
   
• On the World page – 
  Again with the ads about plastic surgery, tummy tucks and the infamous “10 Rules for Stomach Fat.”  Is the whole world really looking for a nip and a tuck?
   
• On the Environment page – 
  “Forensic Science School” offers “plenty of good deals on a variety of products.”  I don’t even want to know.  Also, right behind the opportunity to “Run your car on water,” you can get another “10 Rules for Stomach Fat.”  I guess that’s for literally reducing your carbon footprint.
   
• With an article about Leiberman endorsing McCain – 
  We have “Fortunes from the Web,” “TV ads Win Elections,” and my favorites, “Work at Home and Love It” and “Retire Early.”  So, just what is Google trying to say about McCain’s chances?