Is it ok to mail users to click ads that are of interest to them?

I mean, that's ok?

[UKFord]

I know posting on your site is going to be caught by the google bot police, but if you mailed some users to click ads IF THEY ARE OF INTEREST TO YOU, is that ok?

[Macro]

Just because Google can't detect the cheating if it's done via email doesn't make it alright.

Encouraging users to click ads in NOT allowed. It's not fair to Adwords advertisers who pay for those ads. If users are interested in the ad enough to click on it then they don't need you to "encourage" them.

<sigh> why is it a matter of "what can I get away with" rather than a matter of "doing what I agreed to do"? :-(

[ap_Rhys]

Don't push your luck - just let the punters come to the ads of their own accord.

[UKFord]

It's why I ask the questions. Thanks for the advice. I won't do it.

[Jenstar]

From the policies:

Web pages may not include incentives of any kind for users to click on ads. This includes labeling the ads as sponsors as well as asking users to click on the ads or to please visit the sites.

So asking users to click on ads, even to click only if they are of interest, is not permitted.

You might want to take a good read through the FAQ, policies and terms - it covers just about all the thinks you can and can't do with your AdSense account:

[google.com...]
[google.com...]
[google.com...]

When you opened your account, you agreed to follow everything included in all three.

[Blue_Fin]

UKFord, your postings really bother me. How would you feel if you were the advertiser whose link was clicked upon for the sole purpose of lining your pocket? It's because of things like this that Google is so hard and fast on their rules and what has likely gotten some accounts terminated without just cause.

[Brett_Tabke]

Well, there is nothing against a big flashing yellow and red finger pointing at the adbox.

There are all kinds of subtle things you can do to increase your ROI. Play around with your presentation and template. It is amazing that even little changes can double your returns.

Do some side-by-side tests.

[the_nerd]

Has anything been said about telling people NOT TO CLICK on the ads IF NOT REALLY INTERESTED, because the advertisers out there have to pay for every click?

[ct2000]

lol @Brett

[401khelp]

there is nothing against a big flashing yellow and red finger pointing at the adbox.

I bet Google would have a different opinion. The TOS clearly state:

Web pages may not include incentives of any kind for users to click on ads.

(my emphasis)