Adsense Content Targeting Tags - Do They Affect SERPs?

I'm thinking of removing them. But I fear Google uses them for SERPs?

[maximillianos]

Anyone have an experience on removing the Adsense content tags:

<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->

Has anyone noticed a change in SERPs after removing them? I have always believed that Google used them to help understand a page for relevant ads, but also why not use the data to help with search relevancy as well?

I know, I know, it opens the door for spam, but surely they take into account, even if just a small percentage?

Thanks for any thoughts on the topic.

[signor_john]

I know, I know, it opens the door for spam, but surely they take into account, even if just a small percentage?

Unlikely. Why would they, if--as you say--it opens the door for spam?

[maximillianos]

I guess I answered my own question... =)

I've just been having some trouble lately with my ads not targeting very well. Part of me things some advertisers must be targeting my site, which is why I get stuck with these completely off-topic ads showing all over my site.

So I figured I would either remove the content targeting tags and see if that helps, or block those advertisers that are showing up on every page.