The big tech news last week was that Google will now be offering free web-based email.  The difference between Google’s service and similar ones from Yahoo and Hotmail is that Gmail will provide a generous amount of storage space: about 1GB.

However, there’s a catch: Google will use an automated scanning program to search emails for keywords, and then send targeted advertisements based on its findings.  For example, you might email someone about going to Hawaii for vacation, and then you’d receive ads about airfare and hotels.

Personally, I don’t think it’s a big deal.  I’d like to receive ads that are customized to my specific interests and needs--and if they use my email to do it, all the better.  For example, just take a look at some of the recent emails I’ve sent:

Dear Barbara,

Congratulations on achieving your life’s dream of being a high school cheerleader coach!  Be sure to tell them that easy cheerleaders are a thing of the past.  Whip them into the shape and ride them hard!

Love,
Greg

Dear Tom,

Don’t be so anal--go ahead and take your damn car to my mechanic. You need a lube job. My mechanic’s name is Bernice, but it’s a guy--it’s just one of those weird sex names.

Your Friend,
Greg

Dear Joe,

Thank you for inviting me to your vinyl furniture garage sale!  Too bad the weather was so warm. But I’m glad you finally sold that hot, sticky love seat!

Your pal,
Greg

Huh.  You know, on second thought, maybe I’ll just stick with Yahoo.