Visi - 12:40 pm on Aug 5, 2004 (gmt 0)

After reading this for a few days think it is time to comment on a few of the points discussed.

I think that Google already realizes they have a problem with the program and a lack of return to the advertisers and are struggling with solutions. They have made major pricing chamges effective in April in a so called attempt to match conversions to price. Apparently this still has not drawn back advertisers, as yesterday they started a rebate program to entice advertisers to use adsense.

From the publishers viewpoint the continuing errosion of epc has resulted in disatisfaction.

As others have noted in this thread the program is at a crossroads in my opinion. The economic forces of the IPO, Overtures lawsuit, revenue growth reductions will force Google to re-evaluate this program.

We can discuss what they will do in regards to certain types of sites, but realistically the economic situations for Google will drive the market. No matter what kind of site you have, if it converts they will keep it...if not then will not continue. They have passed the "lets get ads" out there stage and now must drive profitability for the program. Would expect them shortly to have a minimum click or return rate threshold to determine who stays in the program.

If "spammy" sites work then they will stay. The comments regarding that this will be the downfall of the program if Google does not maintain a certain "idealistic" content evaluation of sites ignores that this is nothing new to the publishing community, just a different program in adsense. The practice of sites developed to generate a monetary return only is not new or original.

Time to take off them rose colored glasses, realize that google needs to drive a return for the new stock holders and will loose some of their idealistic goals in the process. The market (advertisers) will drive Google's decision making now as their revenue stream is so tightly tied into the adsense/adwords program.