What are some other good non contextual ad programs that can be used on the same page as adsense. I've heard of Chitika. But are there any other programs that people recommend? Thanks
My recomendation is: Instead of focusing on the pay per click try things like Commision Junction, Linkshare or Performics and work on a pay per sale/lead basis. You can target a specific niche by PICKING the company you want to advertise for. Each of these companies have banners or text link with a little tweaking you can get text links to look like they are parts of your website/article text.
I'm starting to add affiliate links like that and they are performing very well. Just make sure you market them well and they will do you good. I'm earning about the same through affiliate links as I am through AdSense right now, which means double the profits. I personally am using a custom store-front to do all my affiliate transactions, but we will be adding CJ links shortly to add to our affiliate network. So I agree, affiliate links is a good way to go as well compared to CPC.