The unofficial Google Operating System blog reports Google is currently in the process of testing near half page ads on the Gmail sign in page. The charm of the normally inconspicuous ads we’re used to on Gmail is they are usually relevant to the content within our inbox. These new ads are far from unobtrusive and judging by the Vistaprint ad shown in the image, they dont appear to be relevant.
The report also notes Google has since removed mention of not displaying untargeted ads from their “Top 10 reasons to use Gmail” page. The page used to include the following:
“With Gmail, you’ll never see pop-ups or untargeted banner ads. Instead we display text ads and related links you might find useful and interesting.”
As of right now, those seeing the ad are reporting it only appears when logging out of Gmail. Google may have plans to make the experimental Gmail ad permanent, as a support document notes “occasionally we may show a banner ad on the Gmail logout page” similar to the ads appearing on the YouTube homepage. Let us know in the comments if you’re seeing the ad and how you feel about it.
I don't like this. The discreet text ads were what made Google big (as opposed to the gif animations on yahoo, altavista, … in the old days).
Don't mind them at all. It loads last of page so I don't have to wait for anything. And when did everyone started to hate adverts ? It pays for all of google(except apps).
Gmail are being complete idiots. Subtle advertising was their USP and they are throwing it away.
I would leave them immediately if I could. I find their logout banner advert nauseating. Classic monopolistic behaviour – what a shame.