zlacker

So it's a conveniently self-imposed "problem", because websites could also just "sell adspace" like a billboard that anyone could confirm was displaying what was paid for. But instead of that, they created a problem of showing ads "dynamically" thereby necessitating the need to track users. Interesting.

>>zo1+(OP)
Partly true - but it might also have been seen as a better way to utilize the "random" ad spaces available.

I do recall it being common for internet ads to be sold directly like billboards back in the day, before the action model took over, especially for higher value sites that could be likened to the prime real estate of a billboard on a city square or key highway with their guaranteed literal traffic.

But such direct deals probably didn't scale well, and definitely left smaller sites wanting to earn some extra revenue in the dust. There was a time when ads weren't as shit as they are now - most wouldn't worry about a banner ad or two on their favorite forum.

>>zo1+(OP)
How would you, the ad buyer, confirm that the websites are really showing your ads to all, not just to you?

>>warkda+142
By verifying it using public resources?

I agree that it convenient to be able to see each ad information, but that doesn't mean that it should be this way.