shallow - 12:02 pm on May 1, 2011 (gmt 0)

Giving priority placement to ads over content.. This is a big one.

About two years ago, an AdSense Optimization team member reviewed my site, made suggestions as to ad placement and "approved" the layout. I also hired a consultant who suggested where I place ads.

The main AdSense ad (728 X 90) on every page, except the home page, is under the header area and above the article title and text. I usually have a photo at or near the beginning of an article.

Article text always shows above the fold (though a good part of the text is usually below the fold, depending on the size of the photo or illustration used). My site is an educational site about all aspects of a class of widgets: explaining features, how to use, etc.

Post-Panda: Is everyone now saying there should be no ads above the fold? Should I remove the leaderboard?

I have three AdSense ads on a page; top, right sidebar and at the end of the article.

Any advice would be much appreciated.