MARKETING: The debate over the effectiveness (or otherwise) of online display marketing has rumbled along for many years. Whether they are simply cluttering the user experience or could be a secondary argument if the likes of Google proceed with their current pilot scheme to give users the chance to opt out (for a fee). Read more on Marketing.
Google has challenged its own ad-funded business model by launching Contributor.
It's a US service (for now) that asks users for a monthly subscription in return for ad-free access to the web.
Those who pay between $1 and $3 a month will be able to read some websites that have a thank you message instead of ads.
They also won’t be tracked by Google.
Read more on Marketing
NB:Online advertising image via Shutterstock.