Is there a way to turn off Google AdWords?

Asked by Photosopher (1397

) June 24th, 2011

I frequent photography forums which run ads for various companies. I was tempted to click on a “lens rental” ad to see what they might have in stock compared to my personal collection.

Wish I’d never done that. Now virtually every web site I go to presents an ad from that company. I’ll never use their services because my personal collection is larger than theirs. But I’m freaking sick of seeing that damned ad again and again.

Is there any way to turn this off, or reset it?

Have you been haunted by Google AdWords?

Jeesh, I once searched consumer reviews for power drills. Based on the recommendations, I got my drill at the local wares. But damn if I didn’t get bombarded with power drill web ads for the next three months. So annoying, I’d already bought the drill.

Can this be modified in any way?

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7 Answers

Not really. That’s how Google pays for things, since it gives you searches, email, maps, calenders, tasks, notebooks, Earth, Desktop, a browser, photo sharing and storage, a word editor, an RSS reader, an instant message client, and other things all for free. It’s like how in order to watch tv, you have to watch commercials.

MyNewtBoobs (19069

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And what if I don’t use those things?

Photosopher (1397

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Well, if you’re seeing AdWords, you’re using some Google service.

MyNewtBoobs (19069

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Welcome to “FREE” internet.
I was looking for a vehicle in January and February. Bought the car in late February, still get ads for CARS.

Tropical_Willie (31488

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I think clearing your history and cookies will reset it.

dappled_leaves (15898

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Google, as in all cycles, is now a monopoly, hopefully they will become a memory to new technology. Unfortunately, either way the invasiveness will become more pervasive no matter where technology leads.
I’ve gone back to the originals now-Lycos, Alta Vista, Excite, etc. They are not as effective, but for me they usually get the intended results with a little extra work.

Garebo (3190

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