We've long known that higher-income households are more likely to be avid Internet users and this week comScore provides more proof that online advertising may just be the best way to sell them your wares.

Just how much are consumers spending online? Billions. The third quarter of 2003 produced online retail sales of $12.43 billion, a 24% increase over the same period in 2002 when $10.02 billion was spent, according to shopping search and comparison site BizRate.com. For the first nine months of this year, online sales totaled $37.16 billion, up by 24% from last year's $29.90 billion for the same period.

Internet users are spending more time online but the higher-end DSL and cable connected population is spending less time there.