Adsense and affiliate programs

What does "we do not allow affiliate links" mean?

[freejung]

I have a very basic question about Adsense. Google's policy doc says you can't use Adsense on any page containing "competing ads", and they say, "we do not allow affiliate or limited-text links."

What exactly do they mean by this? Does this mean you cannot use Adsense on any site containing any affiliate links anywhere on the site? Does it just apply on a page-by-page basis? How is it enforced?

I have seen sites which are clearly using both. Are they violating Google's terms of use? What is the deal with this?

[Visi]

Interpetation has been "similiar" text ads. Affiliate ads have been okay as long as not structured to look like Google ads.

[freejung]

thanks visi, that's very helpful, and also what I wanted to hear. ;-)

PS: Maybe this question should be on the FAQ, eh? Seems like an obvious question which might come up a lot.

[jomaxx]

The program policies state "We DO allow affiliate or limited-text links." (Capitalization, boldface and italics mine)

[jonknee]

Some more sleazy networks make their ads look like Google's (though not targeted). Stick with the well known Co's and you'll be fine.

[freejung]

OOPS! ;-)

Sorry guys, maybe I need new glasses or something. "Think before you say these things, Mitch." --"Real Genius"

[annej]

I thought it just banned 'look alike' ads but now jomaxx
has me wondering. Hopefully the adsense rep that messages here can clear this up.

[freejung]

no, no, annej, that's his whole point. I was just misreading the program policies doc. Total false alarm. My apologies. Affiliate links are just fine.

[annej]

Thank goodness! I don't make much money on Amazon books but having them on the site adds value to my site as books on my topic are seldom found in local bookstores and have to be ordered anyway.

[europeforvisitors]

There's no way AdSense could forbid affiliate links, because--in some categories, including travel--sites that do well with AdSense make even more money from affiliate sales.

[pcgamez]

not to hijack or anything, but are you allowed to display AdSense ads on one page of your site, and competing ads on another (as long as they don't both show up on the same PAGE [not site])?