Some time back, in mid-2020, I wrote an article criticizing the sensationalism and fabricated controversy being employed by tech site journalists in an effort to attract more clicks. Sacrificing honesty and integrity for the almighty dollar.
I’m unhappy to report that things have not improved. The latest “controversy” doing the rounds of tech sites came about when an Insider user noticed an ad inserted into File Explorer in a Windows 11 preview build. Horror of horrors! Naturally, these sensationalist publications have elicited a storm of protest from the Microsoft bashers. One well-known tech site in particular, which seems to have permanently attracted the Microsoft bashing element, received derogatory comments in droves criticizing Microsoft in the harshest of terms. However, I would make the following observations:
- This was a Windows 11 Insider preview build, not a mainstream release
- Microsoft has already stated that it was an “experiment” inadvertently included by error
- Advertising is everywhere, it’s simply a part of a normal business model
Now, I certainly do not agree with many of Microsoft’s recent decisions and have made my position abundantly clear. In this case, however, while I would prefer the company did not use Windows as a medium for ads, I honestly cannot see what all the kerfuffle is about. Even if Microsoft does go ahead and starts including ads in File Explorer at some time down the track, which seems likely but certainly not set in concrete, so what? Just ignore it, it’s only an ad for goodness sake. Ads are everywhere — TV, newspapers, magazines, websites, etc. — whether we like it or not, ads have become a part of modern living.
Let’s be clear; what we are talking about here is a single text ad in a Windows 11 preview build. Yet another BS click-bait story about a very minor perceived infraction that might or might not even eventuate. The sad part of it all is that it seems to work, the conspiracy theorists and Microsoft bashers love this crap, and it shows in the numbers of comments.
I wish the only thing I had to complain about was a single ad included by Microsoft in a Windows 11 preview build. I’d be a very happy camper.
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I’m an insider and run a stable, beta and developer version and have not seen any ads as described.
I also haven’t experienced the “not compatible” desktop notification I’ve read about.
Exactly! This was all started by a single Insider user who reported the ad on Twitter. Next thing, tech sites are all over it with sensationalist headlines. Mountain out of a molehill.
That’s possibly wrong. File explorer is an essential organization tool. It’s not content. You should never be distracted while using file explorer.
That’s why a I’m sticking to windows 7. I am simply tired of these useless Microsoft updates of zero value.
I don’t disagree with your reasoning Panos. However, the point is that the reported ad in File Explorer is neither widespread nor proven. In other words; there is no ad to speak of.