This sort of thing is amazing to me

[vraiblonde]

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20040407/D81PUR3G0.html

Google is going to start offering free email - the "catch" is that they'll also be scanning for content so they can include targeted ads in the emails you send. The nutball "gimme some stuff for free" people are crying about this "invasion of privacy".

My take is, if you don't want Google scanning your email, DON'T USE THEIR FREE EMAIL SERVICE!!!! God, was that simple! I get so irritated when some company offers a freebie in exchange for ad space, then these punks bawl because they want the freebie with NO restrictions.

Friggin' Communists.

 

[Tonio]

Excellent point, Vrai.

While I don't think it's ethical for Google to scan for content, it's not some Orwellian plot to track down fellow-travelers and imperialist running sores via e-mail. Google does it only because they want to sell you stuff.

The whiners don't seem to understand that the targeted advertising is how Google expects to recoup its COST for providing free e-mail. What, do they think Santa Claus leaves free e-mail in everyone's stocking? Do they ever wonder why "Everybody Loves Raymond" is broadcast free to consumers, unlike "Sex and the City"?