Forum Moderators: martinibuster
For example, what if phpBB forum had pre-installed adsense,, which you can change via admin panel to your own adsense code? That would make extra money for phpBB team, but is it legit?
The only problem I can see is if you are proposing to do a swicth which may end up deceiving someone as to whose Adsense code was being displayed.
That would almost certainly break the TOS (and the fraud laws!). Else I see no issues.
One potential problem -for them - I installed the script on an adult themed site. But I turned off adsense the first day - as soon as I figured out how.
Bottom line - I wouldn't want my adsense code appearing anywhere I didn't specifically put it.
There are already so many crooks out there; please don't be one of them.
Again, you just have to make sure your users know about it. It is up to your users to decide if they want to use your software or not.
1. On software installation we will clearly state that our Adsense code will be running on their site and we will explain how they can change that setting (put thier own adsense code) in admin panel.
2. We will suggest removing our AdSense should they want to run adult or any AdSense-illegal content off their site.
3. On our site, at download area we will state that since the software is free we run our AdSense by default but they are free to change it and the change can be doe easily by simple copy-pase in admin panel.
Hope this won't cause any problems with Google. We have an adsense account for years (opened it one week after the adsense program introduction, used to be in DHL club and always receive fancy Google presents for Christmas) and would hate loosing it.
What I would suggest is a checkbox in the setup process:
[ ] Show Adsense adverts for NazaretH's account
If ticked then you will show the adverts, if not, then you won't.
I'm not sure this is specifically against the AdSense rules, but it sounds like a potential nightmare, especially since you'll be relying for your income on newbies who don't grok things too fully in the first place. Well, you can't say you didn't go into it with your eyes open.
But the initial idea is still oh-so-tempting.
5, (v) : Prohibited uses (emphasis mine):
(vi) directly or indirectly access, launch, and/or activate Ads, Links, Search Results, or Referral Buttons through or from, or otherwise incorporate the Ads, Links, Search Results, or Referral Buttons in, any software application, Web site, or other means other than Your Site(s), and then only to the extent expressly permitted by this Agreement...
It seems very clear to me. If it's not your site then you can't run the ads there.
No AdSense code may be integrated into a software application
No AdSense code may be integrated into a software application
Thanks for that information. I have always thought you can do that. I have seen some web application software that do that as well, and one of which is a really popular ASP forum software too.
It seems very clear to me. If it's not your site then you can't run the ads there.
It does seem clear but then I wonder why Google supposedly allows "revenue sharing" sites.
It does seem clear but then I wonder why Google supposedly allows "revenue sharing" sites.
From further on in the same document:
The payments made under this Agreement are for use by You only and may not be transferred or in any manner passed on to any third party (i.e., distributed to Sites managed by You that require separate payments) unless expressly authorized in writing by Google (including by electronic mail).
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Seems pretty darn clear to me that it means what it says.
If your business model involves sharing adsense income, you are never going to get rich anyway, so why risk what you have?
You've got your answer - don't do it. Let your partners apply for adsense themselves, if they wish, then you don't need to sahre anything, or have their errors on your plate.
You are on your own if you persist - and you may be sure that if Google don't find you, one of your 'partners' will drop you in it.
Drop it, leave it, move on ....
NazaretH, if you had already made up your mind about this, why did you ask the question in the first place? You've been clearly told that it's not permitted but that doesn't seem to matter to you...
Reread all the good advice you've been given and think about it.
We are considering AdSense as a way to monetize traffic/software for a reason. Taking payments, per se, is a major hassle, which we try to avoid whenever possible. Refunds, charge-backs, failed orders, problems with payment processors and post-payment servicing - all that becomes a nightmare if you're not based in US and rely on worldwide operation. AdSense is so much more simple, stable and rewarding.
To sum up, I think I will craft a short plan of the upcoming project and send to Google Adsense team to see if they would approve it or not. I will post about the outcome here. IMO the topic is still not clear and pretty controversial, especially when it comes to definitions and IFs.
