Do Non-Textual Elements Next to Ads Break the TOS?

[Hugene]

Is it against the TOS to have elements next to the ads in order to attract attention to the ads? These elements are non textual.

[joelgreen]

Some images near the ads may be ok. But it depends. Would strongly recommend to contact AdSense support for the answer, providing them with mockup of the page (just place it online somewhere and give them url to see).

[Pengi]

You mean like big arrows point to the ads to draw attention to them - Not allowed.

Or images that may obscure some of the Ad - Not allowed.

Or anything than may cause someone to inadvertently click on an Ad - Not allowed.

As a general rule - the answer to most postings that ask the question "Is it against the TOS ..." is yes - if it misleads, hides or draws attention to Ads

[Hugene]

It does draw attention yes, but no pointing to or obscuring or anything like that.

But how do we draw the line between draw attention and not? Isn't putting an add in the middle of an article drawing attention? Yet everyone does it.

My idea is to have non-related (I re-iterate) non-related graphic material next to ads such that the ads stand out. Is that ok?

[swa66]

Make a mock up and ask google's adsense support if it is ok. But I'd agree if you have to ask, it's likely not OK.

[DoingItWell]

I've put images just above the adblock with pictures each the width of a single ad, and asked the Adsense reps whether they thought it was ok, which they did. They are very focused on that nothing around the adblocks can be misunderstood as an adblock or as a part of the adblock. When in doubt, contact google.

[RonS]

I saw a website that had the following format:

100x100 anime face image   Link to another page on their site 
100x100 anime face image   Adsense 
100x100 anime face image   Link to another page on their site 
100x100 anime face image   Link to another page on their site 
100x100 anime face image   Adsense 
100x100 anime face image   Link to another page on their site 

As the links to their site related to the image they were next to, it would lead a visitor to belive that the adsense ads were also links on their site that they related to the face on the image. They claimed it was legal, others agreed. I thought otherwise.

What do you think?

[RonS]

This forum has become so useful!

Time to start a thread for:

=> GoogleGift whine
=> PIP
=> I've been banned!

The question is: Where have all the AdSensers gone off to?

[edited by: RonS at 5:32 am (utc) on Nov. 15, 2006]