Is This Too Close?

Hi,

I'd e-mail Google to ask about this, but thought I should also ask here as well.
As you can see from my sig the link:
http://www.moneycentrix.com/articles/site-promotion/basics-of-seo.htm

I'd like to know if the images are placed too close to the ads.
Also, if my page is in any way violating Google's TOS?

All help appreciated, thx.

 

IMO it is close. Should have a vertical line between images and ads maybe?

 

I think it's fine, I see it being done many times, I don't think it matters if it's not an arrow. It's just to attract the eye on the picture and then closer to the ad. If the ad is already in the center perhaps you don't really need the graphics. I don't know.

If you ask google please tell us here their answer so we know.

 

There should be a definite border between the images and the adsense ads.
This is per adsense TOS.

 

iowadawg, mind directing me to exact URL and section that describes this?
Sorry...

 

But run a search on this forum.
This very thing about images next to adsense ads has been discussed many times and it all boiled down to violation of TOS.

 

Ok thx alot.
But it's not stated anywhere in Google's TOS right?
Coz I just sent Google a mail to ask. I'm afraid I'm opening a can of worms...

 

No the only thing in the TOS is not to bring UNDUE attention to the ads. Are those graphics undue attention TO THE ADS ? I don't think so. An arrow pointing to the ads or a text saying "please clics on those ads" would be UNDUE attention. But integrating the ads in a nice way into the website in order to make the whole page looks good is not undue attention to the ads. It's due attention to esthetics.
But other people might have other opinion its their right, please post the answer from google, I hope they'll say that's fine because I see it being done so many times..

 

Take my word: don't worry. As long as you contact google for such matters with such honesty, they will *peacefully* reply and tell you what you should do. Even is there is a violation, they will just tell you that. This is based on personal experience with them.

 

This can of worms has been opened a long time ago.

Too close. BUt if you hadn't said anything, you'd got off with a warning. Now you know, you'd get a ban. Better change 'em!

Notting

 

Huh, now I really am getting mixed feelings! Some say yes some say no.
Thx wwwSENSERELYcom and Lordo though for the kind words.
Anyway, I already e-mailed Google. Hope they'll revert with some good feedback. I'll be posting soon...

 

Well just to update.
G said that it generally is acceptable. However, they have asked me to put a visible border between the images and ads.

And so I have...
Good stuff, thx G.

 

Thanks for the update

 

I might be answering the wrong question here, but IMO just as you open the site all you see is google ads. That might be nasty in itself, however as you scroll down, it's fine.

 

Google says you can do it, you just need some sort of seperation making it clear that the images aren't being served by google and arent part of the ad.