I think your ads look fine. But I have a real problem with light grey text on a white background - it actually hurts my eyes to try and read it. BUT, if you want people to just click your ads, and ignore your text, you have done a great job! Others should try this technique, because it sure forces the reader away from the text, and toward the ads. You could even lighten up the text some more, so people won't try to read it at all! That leaves just ads.
Looks good, but you can make it better. Try place full banner text ads in between the text. So whenever you can a post, try to include 1-2 full banner text ads in it.
I think you have to make this thread here http://forums.digitalpoint.com/forumdisplay.php?f=72. Anyway, I have like this design on my site and the CTR is better .
I think you should put your ads horizontally where it says: "Tools required: 1. 14mm open end wrench" Then have page content above and below the ads.
From biozepox Sorry. I wasn't trying to be funny. I was trying to be honest. I wasn't trying to be witty - just factual. I actually believe that the technique could be useful, and I don't believe that it would be against the TOS, although some might consider it "grey hat", by making the ads stand out more prominently.