YPN Targeting Algorithm Update?

[FTFlash]

It appears that Yahoo has updated (or at least changed) the way they target their ads. Pages that previously brought targeted, relevent ads are now showing completely off-topic ads.

One of my sites - in a relatively specific niche - is now showing ads about a completely different niche. These ads are indirectly related to the topic of my site, but because these off-topic ads are so specific, they are unappealing to my visitors.

In my opinion, Yahoo must have done something to their algorithm. These past few days people have been complaining about drops in EPC and CTR. It all makes sense.

Anyone else experiencing this?

[jimbeetle]

I'd first look to a much more simple reason: the holidays. Many advertisers slow or entirely pull their ads during these periods, so I'd assume that there's just not that much inventory available and a "close" match might not be close enough.

[yosaid]

Something is going on. I don't know what it is.

It looks like this miserable targeting and low EPC is a preview of what is to come on 2006.

Horrible targeting
3 cent clicks
low CTR
Ads not showing properly

Is this what is left of the great YPN?

[FTFlash]

Is this what is left of the great YPN?

YPN has barely been born and you are already seeling it's coffin?

I think that jimbeetle's reasoning is sound. Many ad campaigns must be running out of funds by now, so ad inventory is low.

We can only cross our fingers and hope for the best.

[jonknee]

I would wait for 2006 once everyone gets back to the office. January 2nd I believe.

[farmboy]

I'd first look to a much more simple reason: the holidays. Many advertisers slow or entirely pull their ads during these periods...

I've read that theory a number of times, but I always wonder if it's just that - a theory - or is it an established fact? Is there a credible reference?

What type of business would pull their ads during the holidays? For what type of business is the ROI lower for someone clicking on Sunday December 25 vs. Wednesday January 25? Are there enough of them to make a difference?

I can understand GM not advertising Cadillacs on television at 3AM when few people are watching (and thus leaving the space for Vege-A-Matics), but considering we're disccusing PPC advertising, I fail to understand the concept, except maybe for a very few unique advertisers.

And for an anecdote, my YPN ads are so off-targeted I can't determine anything, but my AdSense ad advertisers have remained constant over the holidays as before the holidays - and I have sites on a number of different topics.

FarmBoy

[jathos]

This morning (3am-12pm Yahoo/Pacific time) I was getting high-quality targeted ads, just like I have been getting the past few mornings. Then, all of a sudden, off-target low quality ads started to appear.

I made 90% of my income today between 3am and noon, and that has been constant over the past few days. Usually I make about 40% of my income during taht timespan...

It's just getting worse... over the last 3 hours I only made a few cents. Is anyone seeing the same behavior? Is Yahoo's daily ad inventory so low that I should consider switching to AS in the evenings?

[ogletree]

I just put adsense back on my site ypn stank. Did not make near the money adsense did. I got higher paying clicks but the ads were so far off that I hardly got any clicks.