Ads in the iTunes and Podcasts?

i sure hope that this doesn't happen

This is a step in the wrong direction I think. The major problem I have with ads in "the iTunes" is not that they are too annoying or intrusive, but that they would cheapen the look. Apple places so much value on their user interfaces and yet they are willing to throw that all away for some bright yellow ad for Nextel or something. I can just imagine a revision to the HIG: ugly ads are okay as long as they make you an extra buck.

not really looking forward to seeing how this evolves...keep it in the podcasts, that's fine with me. but if advertising creeps into music or tv shows..or movies for that matter..i won't be too thrilled.

mr

The only way I'd like this is if was creator-driven, in order for podcasters to get some revenue for their work. Rather than product placement or audio ads tagged onto the front or end of an individual podcast, why not have it be like the 'chapter art' that is already available. Seems like this might be an unobtrusive way to incorporate ads into podcasts.

Is it just me or does the title of this story not sounds right - "the iTunes"? I can't tell whether they mean the program or the music store. Either way I hate ads being integrated into things.

"only in the lower-left corner"

Isn't that where album art and podcast images ALREADY appear? And can already be turned off?

So isn't this just (some) podcast creators putting an ad there instead of a more useful image?

How is this Apple doing anything? How is this a change to iTunes at all? What am I missing?

It just sounds like podcast creators trying to get some compensation, which seems like their choice.

Frankly, I'd rather have an image in the corner I can hide, than audio ads in the podcast--which I also think are fair enough if the podcast needs money. (Better an advertiser's money than mine.)

Maybe there's something horrible in the works, but nothing in the article tells me so.

... why not have it be like the 'chapter art' that is already available. Seems like this might be an unobtrusive way to incorporate ads into podcasts.

I assume this IS the chapter art, nothing more. Nothing in the article suggests otherwise to me.

As long as these are only Apple related ads I am fine with it. It would be silly if Microsoft had an ad for XP or something of the sort located on this section. Regardless, I will be installing iTunes updates so long as they stay off the main program, and only in the Music store content.

:EDIT:

I didn't read close enough. This goes in the Album Art section of your screen and only displays if podcasts have ads within them. Well I guess this is ok, and from what I understand is already done on some podcasts when they change their picture (mid cast) to show a logo or shot of a sponsor related picture.

No! No! No! No! No! No! No!

The last thing i need is ad's in iTunes, it will really cause me to download my podcasts from the respective sites themselves, then simply pop it into itunes without using the music store for podcasts...

...to me, the great thing about the music store is its completely ad-free...no obtrusive content like that...only a matter of time from "ads in lower left corner" becomes a banner in iTMS, or a pop up or something

iTunes, now bundled with spyware™:mad: