ahhh yes, the ads are based on keywords but the content isnt scanned or saved by google in anyway.. unless you ask them too...
Well, I don't fully believe it but really dont care too much about it. I guess I have just seen too many "privacy policies" get used and abused to fully trust anyone now.
That said, I do think Google is a pretty upstanding company... and it is my SE of choice. And, if I didnt have my own mail server (s) I probably would use gmail since 1gb of storage isnt too shabby
And honestly, I really wouldnt give two rats asses if someone read my email. It's all pretty boring and non incriminating anyways... and hey, when I do get a naughty joke, is Gmail gonna tell my mother? hehe.
Oh and my fiancee has a gmail account... she seems to like it, it's her storage area/dumping ground for jokes and such.