Changing Adsense font

is it allowed?

[mixart]

I came across a site that changes the fonts in their adsense ads via a javascript file. It looks like the code searches for adsense tags and replaces them on the fly.

Is this allowed?

I am thinking of reporting them because this feels very unfair that they can blend their ads into their site so well if nobody else is allowed to.

[mixart]

I reported this to Google a few days ago and they responded saying they would look into it, but nothing has happened yet.

I guess if nothing happens then we're allowed to do this - seems an unfair advantage if someone can change the font and headlines/color/background of ads on their site.

I would post the URL but don't think I'm allowed in these forums.

[BigDave]

Just because someone else gets away with it doesn't mean that you will.

By the way, why would you call it an "unfair advantage"? You aren't competing against them? It *is* unfair to the advertisers and Google, but it isn't unfair to you or me.

[helleborine]

Some premium publishers are allowed shenanigans that us unimportant publishers aren't allowed.

[mixart]

"By the way, why would you call it an "unfair advantage"? You aren't competing against them? It *is* unfair to the advertisers and Google, but it isn't unfair to you or me. "

Of course it's unfair if as publishers they can get more users clicking than I can because their ads look more integrated and less like ads.

How do you know I'm not competing against them? They are actually a competitor of mine which is how I found this in the first place. They could be attracting advertisers away from my site if they can boast a higher CTR.

I'm was really just hoping someone might know an answer to my original question that's all. I can't find anything about changing fonts in the Adsense TOS, google themselves responded but didn't tell me if it was allowed or not - the adsense code is not actually adjusted in any way.

[koan]

There is no "fair" in the business world. Try it and you may get away with it, like your competitor (as of now), or you may get banned.

Is it worth it?

[mixart]

I'm not one to take risks - not worth getting banned for me :)

I found another thread suggesting it is not allowed which is what I was after thanks.

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