Will GMail Hurt Adsense Publishers?

Will the success of gmail be a blow to adsense ad publishers?

[seunosewa]

If gmail becomes so popular that, say, 50% of current google users also start to hold gmail accounts, then there will be an enormous amount of ad space. Could this somewhat deplete the ad inventory such that cost per click would be even lower and/or revenue available to adsense publishers as a group will be significantly reduced?

[annej]

I can't imagine an email service that appears to spy on you by reading your mail (even tho just electronically) would be much of a hit.

I am concerned if our content pay out and the ad words pricing is going to be put in the same pot. That could make advertisers hesitate even more about putting ads on content sites. To make money publishers need plenty of related advertisements. Otherwise the whole system won't work.

[JasonHamilton]

By the same logic, any mail server is spying on you since it all has to be read by software somewhere.

Just because the content is being matched up with an ad doesn't mean squat unless they're also doing something ELSE with your email.

[onlineshrine]

GMail _already has_ hurt AdSense publishers.

Do you think it is a coincidence that AdSense April Fool's Changes happened right as GMail was released? No way.

GMail represents a bigger supply of places to put AdSense, without increased demand in terms of advertisers inputting more money.

To off set this, Google reduces the money advertisers are spending on AdSense, but plans to recoup it and thensome through GMail (on which, nicely, they don't have to share revenues with publishers).

[Imaster]

It will definitely hurt the Adsense publishers once it becomes a big hit (which I am sure it will). Why share the revenue when they can put 100% in their pockets!

[ken_b]

I think it may partially depend on how the ads are presented in the Gmails.

No matter how effective email ads are, they have a negative image in the minds of many people. So do ads on websites of course, but I suspects email ads have a more negative image.

If the ads in Gmails include the "Ads By Google" tagline, then they may well negatively affect the image, acceptance, and response to Adsense ads on publishers sites.

[Mario]

They'll hardly have ads by google as these are only used for ads displayed outside google. It'll more likely say sponsored links.

[cagey1]

By the same logic, any mail server is spying on you since it all has to be read by software somewhere.

Don't forget the spam washers - they have the added duty to determine the content of your message.

[Fairla]

Personally I am not too keen on the idea of Adsense appearing in my personal emails. At first I liked the idea of Gmail, but I've seen on my site how poorly and/or inappropriately content is often matched by Adsense. If I am writing to my friend who has prostate cancer (let's say) and Google serves up prostate cancer cure ads -- it's just inappropriate and tasteless. The whole concept of ads matching the emails' content is wildly inappropriate. I won't be using this service.

[whizkiddo]

Fairla has a decent point, it just remains to be seen how far we allow companies to commercialise our lives

[Sharky]

I wrote to Google about this. They said ads would only be placed on incoming emails (as well as certain "approved" newsletters). The wording in their response lead me to believe that GMail won't be the only site on which email-related ads will be placed.

I also asked if advertisers could opt-out of placing ads on email sites. They said no, you can only opt out of all content ads.

I bet Google is in for a fight with privacy advocates.

[Roomy]

Here's a screen shot of what it might look like ..

[adwords.google.com...]

For my part I would find it quite eerie having read my mail to find contextual ads alongside. I'm sure to Joe public it would seem very big brotherish.

[Bdespain]

Actually I am pretty sure John Q Public won't care. People sign away privacy all the time here for a better deal (ala Club cards and deal cards). For a GiG of email space I will let them show ads. Keep in mind that at all free email providers there are a ton of ads. If it is something I am actually interested in that's much better from my perspectative.

[seunosewa]

I'd agree. I still feel that 1gb is too much too early.

[cicru]

I think Gmail is a threat to adsense publishers.

The wiser of us have opted out of depending on Adsense for 100% of there income. But adsense income is 'easy' and difficult to get anywhere else.

Joe and Jane will just read there email, reply and click on the ads. They will be happy they can see the photos (1 GB) of the girl friend, mom & pop, and the kids from Gmail.

So any adsense alternatives?

[anallawalla]

Here is a bigger image from this blog:

[fury.com...]

[ChrisKud5]

I really would not worry to much about GMAIL right now.

This is an idea that is perfect for civil liberties advocates to got full throtle on. I do not expect seeing this "product" out for some time, if ever.