GoogleSystem was pointed to a new type feature in some AdSense ads - a little picture on top of the ads. Evidently, this is part of a test to draw eyeballs to the text ads. After first the picture (bigger here) didn’t make much sense (ok, it still doesn’t) but according to Google System, webmasters are allowed to put pictures above the text ads. Seems like AdSense is all about experimentation these days.

More on the music front - Tower Records kicks off Digital Download service (Engadget)

A peek at understanding Second Life’s potential (Neville Hobson)

Boing Boing annouced that MOG - a new social network revolving around music is launching tomorrow - but the beta version is already up. Looking at the beta version, it seems to be somewhat similiar to other music-based Social Networking type sites - like LastFM and Pandora (thought more similiar to the former than the latter). Like LastFM, MOG has a plugin that keeps track of the music you listen to on your computer, and allows for profiles, etc. Current users seem to be an eclectic assortment of music listeners that swing toward the indie end of the spectrum, with some higher profile users thrown in the mix (like Mike Watt and Michelle Shocked).

MySpace Seeks Search Partner (Business Week)

iTunes Movie Store: $9.99 per film? (MacRumors)

Neilsen Restyles TV Ratings (MarketingBlurb)

Netscape launched a beta version of the newly revamped site, an easily identifiable copy of Digg - but with more channels and a group of 8 “anchors” who will both monitor and create content. This comes right on the heels of Digg moving into new content channels as well.  I agree with Digg CEO that they should be “proud” of the Digg clones - the interesting thing happening with the beta right now (if you check it out) is that it seems Digg users are “fighting back” on the beta site by posting anti-Netscape news stories about Digg. Kudos to Netscape for leaving that type of content up vs. trying to cover up or control it - attempts to control or delete it would probably just instigate the community further. It’s also nice to see that there is the (somwhat) rational debate going on vs. random Netscape/Digg bashing.

eBay unviels more Skpye stuff (Reuters)

Clear Channel Talking One Second (yep…one second) spots (Marketing Blurb)

IGNtv takes ING TV content one small step further (Marketing Vox)

…Microsoft annouced that its adCenter will also cover offline media, in an effort to provide an alternative to Google. In the offline media world, it does appear that Microsoft has some things up on Google - whereas Google’s effort was targeted at print, Microsoft also has in-game advertising firm Massive Inc. to help pave the way offline.