Look at NASDAQ's main page and you see an intriguing little text link in the upper left.

"Buy stocks for $4"

Hmm, a new promotion? How can Nasdaq serve as market and seller? What's going on?

The link is an advertisement for Sharebuilder.com

Now don't get me wrong. Sharebuilder is an excellent site for someone who wants to dollar cost average their investing. I've written about and used it for almost two years now. Great site - prices are starting to climb - and fills a lovely niche.

What in blue blazes is it doing on Nasdaq's home page as a disguised link?

Not only that, but Nasdaq.com is using a pop-under ad. C'mon, how much revenue do you get for that relative to your cash flow?

I'm thoroughly disgusted at such an amateurish ploy, and I like advertising!