I shop almost exclusively online, and I don’t mind the targeted ads and emails the stores I frequent send me. But I’ve run into a problem I don’t know how to fix. I shop for tall clothing in small sizes, but I’m suddenly getting ads exclusively from plus sized petite marketers. Not a big deal, but I’m not interested in seeing ads, emails, or coupons for clothing that doesn’t fit me.
The reason I’m getting these ads is because my best friend is short and plus-sized, and she frequently sends me links to clothing she is considering or has purchased. We have fashion chats pretty often in IM, Gmail, Yahoo mail, and also share a Pinterest page. Is there a setting I can change that will eliminate the ads for manufacturers and sizes I can’t wear? I know, I know, 1st world problem, but since I prefer to shop online, I’d like some help with this.
I’m sorry, I don’t know how to help – but if you do figure it out, let me know. -Signed, a childless white woman who speaks only English yet gets ads in Spanish for mom-type products
Usually, I recommend that folks do away with ads entirely:
Switch to either Chrome or Firefox as your browser.
Install either Adblock Plus (for both) or Adblock for Chrome (works a wee bit better, IMO. With this combination, I don’t even see ads on my GMail without the whitelist.).
No profit! (For them!)
I whitelist sites I like so that they get some revenue.
I know this doesn’t answer your question and I apologize for that, but I thought it might be of some help to someone.
Hah! Google thinks I’m a male, aged 55-64, who likes boxing, vehicle shopping, and pork. Also fiber and textile arts, which is actually true. Always sweeten the lies with a little truth.
My subversive plan to confuse the crap out of targeted ad servers appears to be working. Sorry Troppus.
Wow, that’s enlightening, thank you Jragon. Very interesting to learn that I’m an unmarried crazy cat lady ten years younger with no kids who likes rap and Taco Bell. The rest of the info was spot on, though. That’s not creepy at all, Google!