Is this design a violation?

Just bought a site and am adding pages, reformating etc. Was adding a section on a "web wizard" where visitors get tips etc. Found a "wizard" image I like, then place adsense in the most opportune location given the image. Would like your opinions on whether this goes "too far" and likely violates TOS. My guess is that it probably does, or at least is in a pretty grey area.

Saw a post on an arrangement like this with a pick of a little kid on this board a bit back, and if I recall the site owner said google had approved it. Would like your thoughts on this. The page is heavily under construction and is switching hosts today, so access it through one of the following below:

http://autosinfo.com/wizard/car-insurance-quote.php

or

http://sportsbloards.com/autosinfo/wizard/car-insurance-quote.php

Thanks

 

i think it's fine.. the background color of your ad is different and creates a border which is what google wants when you use an image beside ads. They are really quick to respond at google, so feel free to send them a quick email and ask. They will let you know. But it looks good to me!

 

That's a cute innovative approach to displaying Google AdSense ads. Congrats. It really lyes in that 'grey' area of legality and ethicality. It's neither prohibited nor clean. It's open for debate. I am not sure whether such approach is a right approach, but it looks fresh.

 

it's ok, other reputable sites do it, just don't make it look too bad, like make sure the wizard is somehow related to the content, and you should be fine

 

I think everything is OK with that but just to be safe I would email google and ask.

 

My only concern about emailing them and asking is that I assume that they are very conservative when you bring it to their attention and would be quick to say "change it", whereas if its in a grey area, they might be more likely to pass on it if they find it themselves. But let me know if they are less conservative than I imagine.

Take another look at the page with what I added in the right column. I assume this is fine, even though the "ads by google" is below another ad?

Thanks

 

if you ask them it's clear that you do it to attract more clicks which is of course against the tos.. well now after you've asked you'd probably have to remove it..

 

That was kind of my thought as well, but would like the thoughts of some others who have contacted them before about their general attitude about this.

 

Dude they are conservative even if they find it
If someone reports it, they'll most likely be more conservative ...and mess up your account.
So I'd suggest, you mail them and as far as i am concerned it'll be fine, since you are juss using an image thats it ..
Abhishek

 

That is SUCH an Adsense TOS it's not even funny. The wand is pointing right at the Google ads. We've established here over and over again that any kind of drawing of undue attention to your ads is prohibited. We've emailed Google over such a tactic at least a dozen times (one guy used a animated gif, another a single finger pointing to the ads), and always it's the same -- remove it or else.

 

Well, I was working from the conclusion of the webmaster on this thread:
http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=76658&highlight=boy

as it relates to this site: http://www.searchenginecollege.com/articles/article-library.htm

However, I will break down and email them and see what they say. My money is on "no". BTW, how long does it take for a reply usually?

 

I have to say, it seems like such an obvious TOS violation to me, but maybe I'm wrong. Please keep us informed of what Googs has to say.

 

I will let you all know the results. I move the add to the right a little more before submitting.

 

Oops, I just realized. Your sites aren't finished. You're not supposed to put ads on unfinished sites. Hope you don't get into trouble for that...

 

thanks for letting me know. In an hour or two I will replace it with "google ad goes here". Thanks.

 

I am seeing more and more people try this technique with adding pictures that point to the ads... it's a total violation because anything that draws undue attention to the ads is against the TOS.

I also find it funny that the wizard has only one eye, but two lenses on his glasses... lol.

 

Word back from google... It does violate TOS by drawing undue attention to the ad. I suspected as much, but it was worth a try.

 

Thanks for keeping us updated, bloard.