I really hope I’m reading this article wrong.

“Google has begun beta-testing “Gadget Ads”–interactive applications that advertisers can embed into Web pages, which will add a rich media solution to the search giant’s suite of products.”

The absolute best part about AdWords was that Google took a huge leap away from the obnoxious, disgusting, awesomeness-of-the-web-killing trend in ads. Visit myspace to see exactly what I’m talking about. Anyway, Google decided that in addition to completely changing how advertisers pay for ads, they’d also change how they are displayed and introduce a completely new (and I mean completely, not just online) paradigm - subtlety.

Unless I’m reading this entirely wrong I believe they are introducing a way to make it EASIER for advertisers to “add flash, video, real-time feed, and transaction functionality to typically static display ads.” Wait, what? In other words, advertisers will now be banging out “hit the conductor with a rusty trombone for a chance to win” ads with lightening fast ease?

Here’s the bit that is sad. Check this:

“As rich media technology becomes more readily available, advertisers are increasingly turning to widget-like applications for solutions that don’t require users to actively search for content or click through to a landing page.”

Awesome concept. Reminds me a little of the Snocap integration to sell songs on myspace, kill the landing page and allow for content and transaction to occur wherever you are - nifty. Except, Snocap is an extremely focused integration, they sell only one thing, individual songs. With Google they are assuming that advertisers are responsible, innovative professionals that will create these awesome applications.

Call me a cynic (go ahead, seriously), but dude, you KNOW that 99% of people using the Gadgets will be creating completely obnoxious craptastic ads, allowing you to “throw your empty Bud bottle at your trailer park wife” for a chance to win. Please let me be wrong, please!