Author Topic: How does Advertising Work? (Read 4420 times)

Pixart · « **on:** November 07, 2011, 12:01 »

My homepage is my local newspaper, and something catches my eye this morning - a small thumb of my baskeball photo, then I see it's an Istock ad.

I'm not surprized to see an Istock ad - I see a lot of micro ads and these ads must be somehow tied to my personal browsing history?

But, why is my own photo in the ad? I notice that none of the 3 are very compelling photos. I have a new processor, and I don't think I've ever browsed to this photo in my port either so it's not in my browsing history. (Just noticed the flame! Flames used to be so exciting too). And I don't think it was hand selected by them either. Maybe because I am a prairie photog it finds "our" photos for local ads?

a1bercik · « **Reply #1 on:** November 07, 2011, 12:16 »

Wow, week ago I found my shot in the advert. I don't think it was an accidental thing. But my parents were very very excited :-)

traveler1116 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 07, 2011, 12:24 »

I think it just shows files you have clicked on or searched for.

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #3 on:** November 07, 2011, 12:44 »

Yes, you can search the IS forum for the other multiple threads on the subject. It's just a tracking cookie that knows where you've been and uses that to choose content.

Pixart · « **Reply #4 on:** November 07, 2011, 12:49 »

Now that's funny - it just sold since I posted this. Anyone messin with me?

Yeah, I have barely had this processor and I can't remember clicking into it at IS but I guess I must have - or it is smart enough to know that I visit this portfolio often.

What other dark secrets does Google know about me?

Microbius · « **Reply #5 on:** November 08, 2011, 06:11 »

There's a click through somewhere on the ad that explains it and gives you the option of not receiving personalized ads from that ad company.
Can't remember exactly how I got to the info but last time I had an IStock ad come up with my previously searched images on it I tracked the info down.

michealo · « **Reply #6 on:** November 08, 2011, 06:20 »

Quote from: Pixart on November 07, 2011, 12:49

Now that's funny - it just sold since I posted this. Anyone messin with me?

Yeah, I have barely had this processor and I can't remember clicking into it at IS but I guess I must have - or it is smart enough to know that I visit this portfolio often.

What other dark secrets does Google know about me?

This gives a good summary >>> https://www.google.com/dashboard