Putting "How Do We Make Money?" close to Adsense

is it fair? is it allowed?

[Sobriquet]

I was visiting a Huge site in a niche area, which is heavily popular and has millions of visitors. People visit it directly by its name .

This site has Adsense block, and just next to it, a bold link : How Do We Make Money?. Clicking to the article explans why they are FREE and how advertising helps them and clicking also. It nowhere asks people to click on the ads but tells them that clicks are the source of revenue thus keeping the site free.

Now this site ( i am sure there would be many more ) is flouting the TOS ( i guess ).

I think it is not fair but the practice seems increasing. What do you all think, and can something like this be stopped?

[hunderdown]

Seems to me that they are sailing pretty close to a danger zone--but it's entirely possible that they are a premium publisher, who operate under different rules, or that they have advance permission from Google. If it bothers you, then the quickest way to complain to Google is to click the Ads by Google link and let them know.

[benevolent001]

first thing you can do is write to webmaster.

Then after few days of watching write to G

[endomorph1]

Being the "good boy" I am, I wrote to Google asking about this before I put it onto a site.

I explained that I wanted to put a message on the welcome email stating that the site is free, no membership fees ...etc and that the only way we survive is from members clicking on any advert that they are interested in.

Google said a big fat NO - so Sobriquet yes it is in fact against TOS although I don't agree with it.

In my opinion it is not asking people to click on adverts, but making them aware how you operate.

But, we have to abide, otherwise we get that dreaded email ....

[Nathan]

Google can kick you out for any reason. It's not like you can tell them "Well TECHNICALLY I didn't break the TOS..."

Moral of the story: Play it safe

[foxtunes]

"....Moral of the story: Play it safe...."

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[tomkee]

Doing this could be risky for another reason.
A user may be encouraged to 'help' you by clicking on the ads several times. When it comes to adsense, its best that nobody knows how you make your money.

However, it should be OK to say that you make money through 'advertising' and leave it at that. No need to go into the details.