AOL integrates widget tech to boost social-net ads

By ANICK JESDANUN , AP Internet Writer, Technology / Internet (AP) -- Install a little photo program to show off pictures of your dog on Facebook, and you might find you're really spreading an ad. Time Warner Inc.'s AOL said Wednesday it was integrating technology from its newly acquired Goowy Media Inc. to help advertisers pitch their products and services at social-networking sites, which have struggled to generate revenue despite heavy traffic. Advertisers can buy ads for pet care and other services on AOL's Widgnet advertising network, and they will run on certain applications for the online hangouts Facebook and AOL's Bebo. Revenue would be shared between AOL and the application developer, but not the social-networking sites. In addition, advertisers can create programs known as widgets using Goowy's technology and wrap... [read full story]