Definition of "content-targeted"

[dwhite]

From Google's policy page, I quote:

We do not permit AdWords ads to be published on web pages that also contain what could be considered competing ads. This would include all content-targeted ads as well as text-based ads. Text-based ads, for this situation, can be loosely defined as ads that mimic AdWords ads or appear to be associated with AdWords ads on your site. We do allow affiliate or limited-text links.

But what is exactly defined as a 'content-targeted' ad? And where do you draw the line between that, and a typical affiliate ad? For example, would it be okay to have an advert from something like Commission Junction on the same page as an Adsense ad?

[jomaxx]

Affiliate ads are explicitly permitted by Google. Text ads are also OK. Here's what I interpret that passage to mean:

1. No using competing contextual ad networks on the same page or as your alternate ad.

2. No mimicking of the "look and feel" of AdSense ads on the same page or as your alternate ad. (Some may disagree about the alternate ad part, but that's my interpretation).

[jonknee]

You can manually target ads (who doesn't?). You just can't have another service that works like AdSense (auto target).

[dwhite]

Okay, thanks jonknee! (and jomaxx). I must admit, I thought 'content-targeted' had a more general meaning, but you're absolutely right; it refers to Google's special way of automatically matching the ad to the content on the page. Obvious now I think about it :)

[Auction_Mum]

Does that mean that findit-quick "quick links" are a no no?

I was going to use the one that you put your own keyword into rather than let them try and match the page content from a preselected category. They look a lot like the static links and content I have been adding to my pages so I thought they may be a good match but not sure if the adsnense TOS allow it.

I'm also a bit confused about what content targeted means but you've made it a bit clearer.
Thanks
Caz

[jonknee]

Content-targeted in the sense that Google is talking about means having a computer program read your page and decide what it's about, and then show ads that are about the same thing.

Having sponsored links that pertain to your topic isn't the same, as long as you pick them.