E-Media Tidbits

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.