Text that Surrounds Ads: When do they Violate the TOS?

[saraah]

Hi Guys

I was reading the program policies and was confused about this particular one:

Labeling Ads
Publishers may not label the ads with text other than "sponsored links" or "advertisements." This includes any text directly above our ads that could be confused with, or attempt to be associated with Google ads.

I'm confused about the part that says
"Any text directly above our ads that could be confused..."

This is the place where I have placed the ad.

Product Title (it is a link to a detailed info page)
Product Image
Product Description
Google Ad

The text directly above the Google Ad is the product description. I've seen 100 sites that do that. So am I not supposed to place the ad there as ppl might get confused thinking that the ad is part of the product description.

I'm not very clear about that policy. I mean the way I interpret it might not be correct.

Also most importantly, if I am violating that policy because I interpreted it wrongly, will Google give me any warning asking me to remove the ads from that location OR will they directly terminate my adsense account for violating one of their Program Policies.

Thanks for your advices
--Sarah

[sailorjwd]

Obviously there has to be text on the page other than the ad. IMHO, what they are referring to is that you are not supposed to put any type of lead-in that refers to the ads above the ads (or on the sides either).

So, as long as your product description does not include the idea... 'and to find more information click on the ads below' then you should be ok..

Then again I may have no idea what I'm talking about.

[david_uk]

They are looking for direct incitement to click on the ads. Text such as "Click on the Google ads below" and suchlike are forbidden by the TOS - what you are proposing seems fair enough.

As to warnings - who knows. Don't count on it.

Having said that, it's fair to say that Google will try to work with genuine publishers to resolve any difficulties. If you are simply there to scam the system they will boot you out without blinking.

What you are doing sounds OK - if you are still uncertain drop adsense support an email for clarification.

[saraah]

Thanks guys. Appreciate your responses.

[AdSenseAdvisor]

saraah -

Feel free to sticky mail me your URL if you'd like me to check your specific case for policy compliance.

Just to clarify, the 'Inciting' policy also pertains to indirect encouragement to click on ads. Basically, if the text surrounding your ads could influence a user to click on them -- whether it says, "Click on these" or "Here are some other great resources" -- it is probably a violation of program policies.

The intent is that clicks provoked by natural user interest are more valuable to advertisers. Protecting advertiser interests is important to the long-term success of the AdSense program.

-ASA

[saraah]

Hey ASA

Thanks for offering to look into my site. Really appreciate it. I have sent you a sticky mail with my website URL.

Thanks
--Sarah

[finch2000]

I currently run AdSense text link ads on my site, and since we have a Google informer among us... Is something like "We are not responsible for what is automatically displayed above" fine to put below the ad?

I've always had one under mine simply because, at times, some of my users get confused with some of the image ads that are rotated in that area from other affiliates.

[digic]

How about text above such as "Related Links" "External Links" or "Useful Links" are those permitted?

[jomaxx]

Guys, it's not complicated. NO.

[farmboy]

I currently run AdSense text link ads on my site, and since we have a Google informer among us... Is something like "We are not responsible for what is automatically displayed above" fine to put below the ad?

I don't understand the point of placing that on your page.

First, since you willingly posted the AdSense code on your site and expected ads to appear, you are responsible.

Second, if I visited your site and saw that statement, I would be inclined to conclude the ads you are not responsible for are something I should avoid.

FarmBoy

[farmboy]

How about text above such as "Related Links" "External Links" or "Useful Links" are those permitted?

I think ASA clearly answered that when he/she wrote:

Basically, if the text surrounding your ads could influence a user to click on them -- whether it says, "Click on these" or "Here are some other great resources" -- it is probably a violation of program policies.

FarmBoy

[saraah]

Hey digic to answer your question - I'm quoting From Adsense Policies

Labeling Ads

Publishers may not label the ads with text other than "sponsored links" or "advertisements." This includes any text directly above our ads that could be confused with, or attempt to be associated with Google ads.

Hope it helps
--Sarah

[finch2000]

I don't understand the point of placing that on your page.

The thing is, my top banner is rotated with a few other different companies (FastClick, Casale). And every now and then something like one of those "You've Won Something!" ads will appear. Now, most of my website visitors aren't exactly the smartest bunch, and in the past some people have actually thought I was responsible for these "winnings".

I've had many emails in the past regarding the advertisements shown on my site simply because visitors couldn't distinguish them from content and advertisements. And this isn't because of my site design; it's basically because they, well, have insufficient common sense.

So, I placed that line of text below the ad space, and since then, CTR's haven't really dropped, but the ignorant emailings have.