"White slaves for sale on eBay?"
John Dvorak has an interesting -- and valid -- observation related to the continuing Google paid-search advertising bubble talk that is gaining momentum. In this MarketWatch column (registration required) he calls the rampant advertising on Google -- "junk advertising" -- thanks to the way Google allows customers to buy words that trigger their sponsored ad next to the search results:
Somewhere along the way, a few of the more aggressive advertisers, led by eBay, decided that it was open game and they'd buy any noun being searched. After all, they sold almost everything, didn't they? So now the game begins.
...Looking for lint? Of course eBay has got a large selection. And so does Alleon Pharmacy: "lint From Alleon -- Home, Health and Beauty Aids -- Great prices and fast shipping --www.alleonpharmacy.com." As if lint is a product sold there.
According to eBay's advertising, you can get locate goods and services related to mud, toenails, white slaves, a wife ("wife for sale!") ... you name it.