Images Near Ads

[WestEagle]

This is something I have seen a lot of lately. Because we all know what AdSense text looks like, some people will try and disguise it as site content by formatting other parts of their site in a similar fashion and then putting a picture next to the google ads. One example which is particularly shady is here if you scroll to the bottom you will see there are the "forum thread" images next to each google ad. I almost clicked on one accidentally. I think Google should have a requirement that you can not put anything around their ads for x pixels unless you have a box around the ads. I don't like being tricked at all.

[Robert_Forrester]

I have seen that as well and feel like it is a little cheap.

[Kevin]

As far as i am aware that is not allowed anymore since everyone started putting pictures next to them if it makes the advert look part of the image or other way round.

There is full clarification here Inside AdSense: Ad and image placement: a policy clarification

[eziner]

I agree with kevin on that one. If that particular site was reported I dare say it would have consequences for the site owner - sooner rather than later as it is in breach of the TOS. It is mis-leading in every sense of the word - and that's putting it politely.

Anyone dare send a screen shot to google support? *lol*

[GregK]

Do you think google actually checks up on all the reported site violations. It would make sense because they need to preserve their name integrity, but at the same time... there are a lot of sites that use adsense, so they would need a lot of employees just to do that.

[eziner]

Originally Posted by GregK

Do you think google actually checks up on all the reported site violations. It would make sense because they need to preserve their name integrity, but at the same time... there are a lot of sites that use adsense, so they would need a lot of employees just to do that.

No - I can't say with 100% certainty. But I do know that they do react when violations are found and they do have a massive staff.

Google are on the ball in lots of areas where violations are concerned. From "invalid ad clicking", (or whatever the terminology is), to video flagging, etc. The list is long.

I agree the guys at google can't be every where at once, and the particular site in question is by a somewhat reknowned and respected marketer - some would call him a "guru". He knows the score as far as placing the images where he has - if it works - he's happy. If it doesn't, he hasn't lost anything.

However - if the google gang have it served on a plate, as it were, I doubt they will ignore it as it would open the gates for others to try the same thing. I know i wouldn't want to risk it.