paybacksa - 11:58 pm on Mar 16, 2004 (gmt 0)

I got a call today from a client about this as well. Seems stats don't match traffic, and then get adjusted many hours later.

Based on my database/systems experience (with zero evidence to support it :-) I would venture they have a tiered approval process for clicks. That would allow an immediate pass-thru of activity that passes their basic click-fraud tests, but a delay for traffic that needs to be passed through a more detailed examination (second tier, etc) or perhaps patterns which were flagged for a quick human check.

Perhaps there is no requirement for them to disclose their process, but they should document it carefully. With a systematic process of pofit-sharing like that, if allowed to become biased towards Google's profit side (even if through overly cautious negligence), cmight be classifiable as racketeering.