lexipixel - 9:18 pm on Aug 23, 2007 (gmt 0)

The average surfer is impatient and unlikely to completely distinguish between organic and sponsored links. -rohitj

I don't believe that's true unless they just got on the net yesterday.

When ads first started appearing, people developed a "blind spot" to the ads, (first mentally blocking out banner ads, then mentally blocking out the "skyscraper" "sponsored links" and contextual ads on the right).

I think people are aware of what they click -- but now it's instinctual to avoid clicking "ads" unless they want to buy something and the ad matches their search.

It only takes a few clicks searches ending up at eBay, Amazon, Alibaba, etc., for people to learn the difference.