myth of google punishment

I read somewhere that google doesn't allow other content generated ads like adsense on the same page, however, check out this link below for information contradicting that. This link is from a google page...

w.google.com/support/adsense/bin/answer.py?answer=10537&topic=153

here is the text from that page:

How do I implement an Alternate Ad?

You can specify an alternate ad URL from your Ad layout code page. Simply enter a fully qualified path to any image, HTML page, ad server, and that URL will be loaded in the event that we cannot serve targeted ads to your page. You can also enter an HTML color code to show a solid block of color when targeted ads are unavailable, or the collapsing ad unit script to minimize the ad unit.

For more information about alternate ads, we recommend reading the AdSense Getting Started Guide: Alternate Ads.

1. Log in to your AdSense account at https://www.google.com/adsense
2. Click Ad Settings
3. Click Ad layout code
4. After selecting a color palette and ad format, enter a fully qualified path (including the http://) to your image file, HTML page, collapsing ad unit script, or ad server in the Alternate Ad text box, or click Choose a color to select an HTML color code
5. Click Update code
6. Copy and paste the ad code into your site pages

Your alternate ad can point to any of the following formats:

*

Static Images
*

Clickable Images: To load a clickable image, specify an HTML page containing the link information for your ad. An example of code to include in your HTML page is below:

<a href="http://www.google.com" target="_top"><img src="http://www.mydomain/images/Picture1.jpg" border="0" /></a>
*

Ad Server: You can also enter the URL of your ad server. For more information on linking to a third-party ad server, please contact your ad network directly.
* HTML color code: Enter the hex code for any color to show a solid block of color as your alternate ad.
* Collapsing ad unit script: Enter the fully qualified path to the collapsing ad unit script on your domain.

Please note that the target image or ad will be cropped if it is larger than your selected AdSense ad format.

 

An alternative ad is different than having competing ads on the same page. An alternative ad only shows up when there are no google ads to display. It will display your alternative ad instead of showing a PSA.

You can't have Google Adsense AND a competitors ad on the same page. There is a difference.

 

What I want to know is if I can have a conditional that displays them or another, but never the two at the same time?

 

It really depends on the ads... I have Amazon and AdSense on the same pages. When I first "installed" AdSense, I emailed them to ask if the Amazon ads were a violation of their TOS and got a reply saying "no, your site is fine".

If in doubt, email AdSense support and ask them...

 

Yes, you can do that. As long as they don't show up at the same time.

 

The alternative ads aren't "content-based" ads. Google only proibits certain types of ads, here is the exact wording:

"We do not permit Google ads or search boxes accessing Google search services to be published on web pages that also contain what could be considered competing ads or services. This would include ads that mimic Google ads or otherwise appear to be associated with Google on your site. If you have elected to receive content-based Google ads, this would also include all other content-targeted ads. If you have elected to receive Google search services, this would include other search services on the same site and non-Google query-targeted ads. We do allow affiliate or limited-text links."

 

Definately agree with Minstrel there. I emailed Adsense Support a few times to ask them, is this okay, is that okay and I always get a swift reply. Once was negative - for a company that sells ad links - and once was positive about running adsense in my new directory. There were other times too. I´m sure I am a huge PITB for whichever poor sod handles my account but at least if it all goes pear-shaped I´ve got their emails to point to and say --- But you said I could do that!

If you get a positive reply here, for all it is well intended, it will be as much use to you as feathers on a donkey if Google decides otherwise. Just imagine yourself standing, lip atremble, pointing a quivering finger and saying, ¨But HE said it would be alright!¨

 

LMAO @ e10!

 

The TOS seems to indicate "same site", so they own us and our entire site if we show an ad on one page.

This is not competitive IMO and will only be changed if we complain. When suitable competition exists, that will have to be explored further.

 

Actually, the wording on competitive ads refers to "pages" - "We do not permit Google ads or search boxes accessing Google search services to be published on web pages that also contain what could be considered competing ads or services"

But I agree with the others who have said to check it with Google before you try it. I have emailed them and the response has been great.

 

thanks everybody for making the issue clearer to me