Ads make CNN iPhone app hugely annoying

Yesterday I got excited when I heard about CNN's app for the iPhone and iPod Touch. I forked my $1.99 over and started playing around with it. At first I liked it.

Then the ads started popping up.

And popping up some more.

Hugely annoying. I didn't expect to get so many ads (or any ads) in a non-free iPhone app. Especially in the middle of reading something.

CNN has updated its own story about the app with a lame acknowledgment of all the criticism it's been getting about the ads. Thanks for the feedback; we're not changing a thing.

Usually people upgrade to a paid app so they can get rid of ads. With the CNN app, you pay for the "privilege" of seeing ads. Ridiculous.

The iTunes store reviews have been decidedly mixed. Many people love the app. Lots hate it -- largely, but not only, because of the ads.

I'm with them. The more I use the CNN app, the less I like it.

The white type on a dark background is difficult to read. Major design error.

Then, I figured that "live video" meant live video. Silly me. I didn't see anything of the sort (like live coverage of the Senate Finance committee hearing that was streaming on MSNBC).

All I found was links to previously aired stories on CNN. Those already are available on the mobile version of the CNN website. And you don't have to pay to see the ads.

I'm sure CNN is thrilled that Lexus and Chevron have bought all the ad space on the app. This likely means that ads are going to stay.

Well, it doesn't mean that I have to keep on watching them.

Lexus and Chevron, you might want to rethink your commitment to this app. When I think of your products now, "annoying" is going to jump right to the front of my mind.