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01/23/2006: "Amusing"

Posted by Steve Outing 2:25:54 PM
Google: Financial Boon for Roof Painters
This is either funny or disturbing. My sharp-eyed Poynter colleague, Larry Larsen, spotted the new trend of rooftop advertising in response to Google Maps. Since Google uses satellite images as part of its Maps service, and detail is pretty sharp in metro areas, some people have figured out that that's an advertising opportunity.

The Inquirer reports, "Apparently street wise companies are hiring painters to paint their logos or advertising messages on the roof. The idea is that when the Google satellite passes overhead, users will be able to see company logos stand out in a sea of otherwise bare roofs."

(They shouldn't expect instant results; it can be many months before Google updates its satellite images for a specific neighborhood.)

Here's a Target store near Chicago that would appear to be taking advantage of some free satellite advertising.

So there you have it. Even looking out your window while flying over a city, you won't be free from corporate advertising.

Current mood: Lazy
Current music: Don't Leave Me This Way | The Communards

 

 
Replies: 3 shoutouts

 

Hm... seems to be a trend... :D

Posted by Huffy @ 01/30/2006 07:11 PM EST

 

You posted two 'Lazy' entries in a row ...

Posted by Wiph @ 01/30/2006 03:11 PM EST

 

Twenty years ago, the wolly-haired, deadpan comedian Stephen Wright had a one-liner that went, "Sometimes I stick my head out the window and smile for a satellite photo."

What a prophet!

Posted by UFscoops @ 01/25/2006 03:11 AM EST

 

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