Google AdSense For Search Question

[fsa3]

If I have google adsense for search on my site is it against google policy to use javascript to prepopulate the google text box based on activity going on on the site? It would not submit the search just make it easier for the user to not have to retype information.

[The Contractor]

That question would be answered by their TOS...which is you are not allowed to change the code. Translated - if you cannot do what you want as far as layout, colors etc. by using their online tools within your account you probably shouldn't be doing it.

[fsa3]

Well I read the TOS, but it's not really covered. To do what I want I don't touch their code at all. I use javascript in my code to populate the google text box.

Any idea if Google will answer a question like that with a straight answer?

[Crickey]

I think that would be a no-no.

[celgins]

I'm pretty sure this is not allowed. I asked Google about pre-populating a search box and they told me that it was against the TOS. This was months ago and I don't have the original email.

Basically, the way the code is generated from within Adsense, is how you should use it.

Also, the only, "pre-populating" that is allowed during searchbox setup is when choosing whether to select the "Web" or "Yourdomain.com" as the default option for your radio box. (Which can only be done with the SiteSearch option.)

[jomaxx]

It's definitely not allowed, and although I'm not a JS guru, I don't think it can be accomplished without changing the code anyway.

[fsa3]

It can definetly be done without modifying their code. Their code just defines a form and a input element (named q), so some javascrit in my textbox that something to effect of "document.all.q.value = mytextbox.value;"

Either way my gut is that its not allowed. I can probably do a regular (non-adsense) search w/o any problems, right?