I have finally succumbed to using extensions in Chrome. Generally, I don't like Javascript add-ons but have just installed ADBLOCK to block those adverts everywhere - in GMail, on Youtube and even here! I must say I am quite impressed, especially with the claim that it will also block adverts in videos! Four million downloaders cannot be wrong! My Gmail is now completely ad-free, but I cannot be sure whether ADBLOCK blocks Google from reading my emails or if it just blocks the download of targeted adverts that Google wants to display after reading my emails. There is now just whitespace where Google once used to display ads on the right hand side. But there is another way to block Gmail adverts and that is by switching from STANDARD VIEW to HTML VIEW. Now, there is no longer an easily accessible option to switch between Standard and HTML views in Gmail but, by disabling Javascript on the Gmail site, Gmail then prompts you to select HTML view. Now, there are definite limitations to using HTML view; for instance, you no longer have access to contacts and emptying the spam box is a laborious process. You also cannot use custom 'from' addresses and there is no spell checker and you cannot manage filters. If you need these functions you can switch to standard view after re-enabling Javascript temporarily. Now, I am pretty sure that Google does not read your emails when in Basic HTML view as, with Javascript disabled, this has probably blocked the communication route back to Google's ad servers. Certainly, the space on the right hand side of your emails disappears and you have a much wider screen to display email content. The other way to block those pesky adverts in Gmail is to upgrade to Google Apps for Business (or Google Apps for Education, if you qualify) and switch off the adverts via your account.
