Text-image above adsense

What is allowed

[jozomannen]

I have a meny to the left on my site. In the top of the menu is an image with the text "Menu", then I have the links. Then I want to have an image with some text and the adsense below that.

But I can't really figure out what kind of text I'm allowed to have on that image.

1. Am I allowed to use the text "Sponsors"?
2. Am I allowed to use the text "Related sites"?
1. Am I allowed to use the text "Links"?

I know this is really bad for the CTR, but at the moment, I just want happy visitors, so I don't want the adsense to be mixed up with the menu.

[Heartlander]

It's a good question, if you simply want to put the ads under your existing links- but I'd throw it by G first.
As for your wordings- it's clearly stated in the TOS what is acceptable, and none of those qualify.

I'd tell ya what is, but then you wouldn't actually read the TOS, and it's more than just a good idea if you want to be a publisher in the program and actually get paid. ; )

[AdSenseAdvisor]

Hi jozomannen -

From the AdSense program policies (http://www.google.com/adsense/policies):

Publishers may not label the ads with text other than "sponsored links" or "advertisements." This includes any text directly above our ads that could be confused with, or attempt to be associated with Google ads.

I hope this clarifies. Thank you for asking!

-ASA

[Heartlander]

Thanks AA for clarifying the rule as it is written.
I've seen people put the ads down below their links, and always wondered myself how acceptable it could be- even with the word "Menu" used way at the top.
Reading it now though, it looks like the text should not be used "directly" above the ads, but it's obvious that drawing attention or being deceptive is NOT a good idea, period.

[jozomannen]

Thank you for the answer, I will use the text "Sponsored Links" then.