Apparently some "sponsored matches" are bought on a parameterized basis. When a user searches for $something, the ad code constructs an ad based on a template that replaces $something where appropriate.

Sometimes, however, that can lead to unfortunate messages. Take, for example, the image on the right. (Click for a large version.) By searching Yahoo for "shit", you get a mySimon Sponsored Match that begins with "Shit on mySimon." It then goes on to extol the values of comparison shopping.

Heh.

No, I wasn't searching for shit. I'm often looking for shit on-line, but rarely am I literally looking for shit. Someone noticed this at work and simply had to tell the rest of us about it (as you can imagine).

Update: Kalyan notes that "pee" and "puke" also provide some entertaining matches.

Posted by jzawodn at March 26, 2003 05:54 PM

Reader Comments
# kalyan said:

you made my evening :)

on March 26, 2003 06:03 PM
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