Google Reveals the Whys and Wherefores Behind Targeted Ads

Google plans to let users know why they see the advertisements they do in their Google searches and Gmail. Called "Why These Ads," the tool reveals that ads are personalized to the user based on a user's recent searches, geographic location, and other factors. Google will also release an Ads Preference Manager that lets users "make changes to improve the site's ad targeting or to block unwanted ads." See Google Reveals the Whys and Wherefores Behind Targeted Ads.

Online Ad Scams, Part 1: Tip for a Tiny Belly and Other Snake Oil

What's the scam? Diet and weight loss ads promise great results. Clicking on the ad takes you to a fake news site praising the product. Links from that site will take you to the "manufacturer's" site offering a free sample if you pay for shipping and handling. Give up your credit card information and you will likly be charged large sums every month for "as long as the scammer can get away with it." Few customers actually read the fine print on the sites that tells them they will be charged. See Online Ad Scams, Part 1: Tip for a Tiny Belly and Other Snake Oil.

Facebook's Latest Work: One Too Many Facelifts?

Facebook changed the all important News Feed this week, angering many users. Commentators are wondering if Facebook's habit of forcing change on it's users will create a backlash. Will Google+ seem like a reasonable alternative? See Facebook's Latest Work: One Too Many Facelifts?

Shipping Shock: Why Ready-to-Buy Customers Bail

Sites that inflate prices to cover free shipping may be missing out on sales. Shopping comparison sites will reveal these higher prices. Shipping costs influence purchasing decisions, with 50% of customers reporting that they have abandoned carts when the shipping costs seemed to high. See Shipping Shock: Why Ready-to-Buy Customers Bail.

Juror Caught Adding Defendant as a Facebook Friend

Social media can get you in trouble in a number of ways. Jurors are instructed in Texas that they should not use Facebook and Twitter during trials. One juror wasn't listening. See Juror Caught Adding Defendant as a Facebook Friend.

The E-Shopping Fun Factor

How will the "entertainment factor" affect the e-commerce marketplace? Shoppers who ignore traditional advertising may be drawn in by infotainment like live shows that interact with customers or show that "entertain and inform, and also to create a sense of loyalty and excitement among consumers." Shoppers may share their experience to other online users by "word of mouse." See The E-Shopping Fun Factor.

The Rise of We-Commerce

We-Commerce is the marriage of shopping and social networking. Sites like ShopSocially and Kaboodle let shoppers create profiles and tell their friends about recent purchases. These sites become "consumer-to-consumer" marketing sites. See The Rise of We-Commerce.