AdWords: What determines when they're shown?

My vanity purchases aren't showing up in searches

[ThatAdamGuy]

I'm so vain, I probably think this post is about me.

Well, it is, actually. You see, via AdWords I bid on my name (and variations thereof) and also in conjuction with certain identifiers (Adam Northwestern, Adam Indiana University) on the wild chance that someone might search for me in conjunction with one of my alma maters.

I figured, hey, that's worth 5 cents, and pretty fun writing up an AdWord (or three) about myself :D

But alas, whenever I google the terms I bought, NO adwords show up. Is it because not enough people (e.g., no folks other than wackly ol' me) have bid on the phrases?

Color me self-absorbed, but bummed ;)

[dmorison]

What do the stats say after a day?

[ThatAdamGuy]

Uh, I wasn't patient enough to wait that long.

I just typed in my name into Google, hit refresh repeatedly, and noticed that no Adwords came up :(

[onlineleben]

Hey, your ad is there.
Tried it with the first phrase you mentioned.

[ThatAdamGuy]

Very weird!

I know I tried that specific phrase before and no AdWords came up. Go figure! Anyway, thanks for letting me know :)

[hannamyluv]

They say they go up immediatly but I have noticed taht on occation, there can be a delay of up to a few hours before your ad appears.

[loanuniverse]

Hehehe, I just costed you 5 cents....

[ThatAdamGuy]

Hey everyone, thanks for the help. Well worth the 5 cents :D