Hateful Content & Politics

[richard60602]

So, I'm thinking of starting a political blog monetized through AdSense. There's only one thing holding me back, and that's Google's hateful content policy. With our current political climate, this feels like something that could potentially cause problems. With that in mind, I have a few questions:

1. Are there any resources which further clarify Google's policy? Something with example articles of what does and does not qualify would be great.
2. Will Google issue a warning giving me a chance to remove content beforehand?

Let's say I write an article with a title along the lines of: "Research Shows Liberals Are Better People Than Conservatives" -- would this violate the hateful policy rule? What about if I switched around Liberal and Conservative?

I really want to do this project, but at the same time I don't want to cross any lines and lose my financial incentive. At the same time, I don't want to self-censor and create mediocre, boring content because of it.

Thanks in advance for any further clarity.

[IanCP]

Let me put it this way...

Find a much easier theme/topic.

2. Will Google issue a warning giving me a chance to remove content beforehand?

Possibly, but I suspect not.

Perhaps 25 years ago you could do this, where largely common-sense prevailed. As for the modern era, the lunatics [on ALL sides] have taken over the asylum. In this modern environment even the sniff of hateful will quite properly cause the big names to close you down.

They themselves have zero to gain, and potentially a lot of bad, damaging PR to endure. To them you are not worth it - bang you are out the door.

[tangor]

Today's climate, and the growing disconnect between public, media, government, and tech, you might want to rethink IF YOU ARE DETERMINED to make this REVENUE SOURCE. If, on the other hand, you have beliefs and reporting that moves you and might move others, consider building a brand, getting the name out and hunting for your advertisers the old fashioned way: sell them on your product and your reach.

I could name some sites that do not NOT rely on g for income that are doing quite well. Always under attack by the "opposition" because they are successful, so one has to have not only a heart for the venture, but the backbone to undertake it.

Check both your heart and backbone before starting.

And do not rely on g's ads to fill the coffers because, as we all know, the wind changes day by minute with that company.

[tangor]

BTW ... WHERE would this hypothetical blog be hosted? If on your own dime with servers/hosts of your choice, you need to check out all the nuts and bolts before even embarking. adsense might not be your worst nightmare down the line. :)

[tangor]

@richard6060

If it has not been said, Welcome to Webmasterworld!

[tangor]

Final thought, assumption was made for USA centric political speak. Might be different in the EU arena, and certainly will be different if in Asian countries. Check your locality in addition to wondering about adsense.

[robzilla]

Let's say I write an article with a title along the lines of: "Research Shows Liberals Are Better People Than Conservatives" -- would this violate the hateful policy rule? What about if I switched around Liberal and Conservative?

If you have doubts about the hatefulness of your content, you're probably either already over the line or close to it.

One such article may not be one either, but if this is the general theme of the content, on the whole it may be considered inciteful.

If it's a single article, and not too overboard, you might get a warning. If it's the theme and/or purpose of the site, then probably not.

An added risk is that divisive content is more likely to trigger people to report your site.

[buckworks]

an article with a title along the lines of: "Research Shows Liberals Are Better People Than Conservatives" -- would this violate the hateful policy rule? What about if I switched around Liberal and Conservative?

This example makes me nervous. "Better" is a value judgement and an opinion, not a fact.

Presenting opinions as facts is a sign of sloppy thinking. So take care with the distinction.

The world needs writers (and readers) who are solidly committed to accuracy, balance, fairness and sound logic ... and who actually know what those are.

Recommended reading: George Orwell's essay on "Politics and the English Language".

[richard60602]

It's fine, fellas. I did some research and discovered that about 70% of the political blogs out there use AdSense, including those that fall on the extreme end of the spectrum, like Salon, Slate, Breitbart, and The Gateway Pundit. Nothing I planned on writing was half as bad as the content those sites publish daily, so I'm feeling more comfortable with things now. Worst-case scenario (highly unlikely), I'll just move on to a less-restrictive ad network. I can live with that.

Presenting opinions as facts is a sign of sloppy thinking. So take care with the distinction.

Right. The plan is to go beyond simply reporting facts and into editorializing, without drifting into fake news.

[tangor]

Good luck! g continues to change the goal posts. I hope you aren't caught up when they do that!

Meanwhile, write truth, choose words as necessary, and go for it!