Skype introducing ads during audio calls

[GilliC]

I thought this might interest at least a few people on this board. Microsoft bought Skype a while ago, and they just announced that they're introducing "Conversation Ads" in the audio calls of non-paying users.

This isn't terribly surprising, since I don't think Skype ever turned a profit. And I'm mostly of the opinion that it could be worse, but as a popular tech site pointed out, this statement is pretty comical!

"So, you should think of Conversation Ads as a way for Skype to generate fun interactivity between your circle of friends and family and the brands you care about. Ultimately, we believe this will help make Skype a more engaging and useful place to have your conversations each and every day."

That's not from an Onion article. That's Skype's official announcement.

You can find more information about the advertising here:
arstechnica.com/information-technology/2012/06/skype-calls-to-feature-ads-big-enough-to-interrupt-any-conversation/

The ads will appear during Skype-to-Skype audio calls for users of the Skype for Windows client. It will only be targeted at non-paying users, those without Skype Credit or subscriptions, the company said.

It sounds like video calls are safe from advertising (for now), but I'm still tempted to add a few dollars of Skype credit to my account just to avoid future ads. (I have two Skype accounts, because the one with my Skype number is always logged in via the Skype phone, and that one has all of my calling credit.)

[potatopie]

At first I was imagining video ads popping up in the middle of a conversation. But I can understand how they need to find some ways to build revenue. It wouldn't annoy me that much. And I'm in the clear anyway since I have credit, a subscription, and an online number.

But it will be interesting to see if they leave video calls alone, like you mention. That could be really disruptive.

[crimsonandclover]

Oh, yay!! When skyping with my parents I kept thinking, "man, if only we could work in a Doritos commercial, this would be an awesome experience." Now it will be a possibility!

[mouseinlux]

Jun 14, 2012 13:12:36 GMT -5 crimsonandclover said:

Oh, yay!! When skyping with my parents I kept thinking, "man, if only we could work in a Doritos commercial, this would be an awesome experience." Now it will be a possibility!

I need the FB like!

[clogged]

Jun 14, 2012 13:46:49 GMT -5 mouseinlux said:

Jun 14, 2012 13:12:36 GMT -5 crimsonandclover said:

Oh, yay!! When skyping with my parents I kept thinking, "man, if only we could work in a Doritos commercial, this would be an awesome experience." Now it will be a possibility!

I need the FB like!

Ditto!

[allibally]

I'm not surprised.

But it's insane how ad orientated YouTube is now compared to when it first started.

[bugabean]

There are times when my mom is going on an on, and listening to a Doritos commercial might actually be a nice break.

[allibally]

Jun 15, 2012 2:42:54 GMT -5 bugabean said:

There are times when my mom is going on an on, and listening to a Doritos commercial might actually be a nice break.

Haha.

[clickerish]

I like how they refer to the brands we care about. Are there brands I care about? No.

Forget family dinners. We will all bond over brands and advertising. It makes me feel all glowy inside.

[elenetxu]

Am I the only one thinking targeted ads could get uncomfortable?

[bugabean]

Like when you're Skyping with your mom and it recommends the We-Vibe?

[elenetxu]

Exactly. With my luck, that would come up.