NaDrew's Journal: [r] Google bans Gmail swaps and sales

"Google bans Gmail swaps and sales," reports CNET News.com rather breathlessly. In fact, as clarified later in the article and also in the revised Gmail Program Policies,

The changes are designed to deter people from creating multiple e-mail accounts with the purpose of reselling or trading them, according to a source at the company. The policy alterations do not target people trying to barter Gmail invitations, which allow people to sign up for a new membership.

(emphasis mine) So invitation-swapping or -donation sites like Gmail Swap and Gmail 4 Troops are still fully in the clear. By the way, I still have one Gmail invite left.