David Fiske Affiliate Marketing & Web Development

Ever since the launch of interest based advertising, I've noticed that they do indeed work. It's a clever system that delivers relevant adverts based upon what you've searched for.

The only problem is ... I don't like it!
 
For example, I've spent a bit of time here and there working on Cheap Honeymoon Deals in amongst other bits and bobs. The problem is that when I switch back to other tasks, I'm hounded by travel adverts for airport parking and travel agents.

Proof it works but is it effective?

Yes and no.

Yes in the sense that the technology is there. It knows that when I spend so much time either on a particular site or researching a topic, I'm interested in it.

No in the sense that when I switch off a topic, I'm no longer looking for relevant information.

Take this case for example. I'm searching for car insurance and this is identified by the interest based advert server. I receive an email routing me to a video and from there I go off topic. Each site that displays interest based adverts will give priority to car insurers until it catches up with me and realises I'm no longer looking for that. Surely that's a lost revenue source for those that failed to get their ad displayed and a wasted revenue source for car insurers.

I just don't like the idea that ad serving is now more intelligent and that I am pigeon-holed as a particular type of surfer (that apparently likes taking lost of holidays). Big brother is watching?