Everyones favorite adsense unspoken tip. Place a image next to a half banner, and make all your content look exactly like the google ads. So is this still allowed in googles eyes or what?
Yes on the image next to the banner. They just require a little space (or visible bar) between the ad and the image.
AdSense was designed to "blend in" with the content of your website. You just want to make sure you don't do anything that's deceptive or a violation of the ToS. Sam
Blending SEEMS to be the better option but I always test blended ads with the total opposite i.e. loud colour ad similar to the ones used on DP. Sometimes the "garish" ones work better. It a matter of staying within TOS but trying different alternatives and keeping records - over time you will foind what works best for your particular site.