Buzz Marketing with Blogs: The First Rule of AdSense?

The First Rule of AdSense?

I was all set to tell you about Fred Wilson, a venture capitalist in New York who just publicly posted his exact Google AdSense revenue figures for the year. He made $500, he says, and he’s got charts to back it up!

This is notable not because for the grand total, but rather because Google’s AdSense Terms of Service prohibit any discussion of click through rates or payments—a stance that has long aggravated many naturally chatty bloggers.

I was then going to point you to Brian Turner’s complaint about AdSense and Wilson’s disclosure. (in short: Turner said that this flouting of the rules might result on further restrictions by Google.)

But in fact, it looks like Google is opening up a bit and so I had to revise this post. It seems a new terms of service dated March 8 allows AdSense participants to talk at least about their gross payments.

7. Confidentiality. You agree not to disclose Google Confidential Information without Google’s prior written consent. “Google Confidential Information” includes without limitation: (a) all Google software, technology, programming, specifications, materials, guidelines and documentation relating to the Program; (b) click-through rates or other statistics relating to Site performance in the Program provided to You by Google; and (c) any other information designated in writing by Google as “Confidential” or an equivalent designation. However, You may accurately disclose the amount of Google’s gross payments to You pursuant to the Program.

Now, does this mean Wilson’s reveal was kosher? No, not entirely. But it does allow AdSense-rs (AdSensors?) to start a conversation about that revenue stream, which is going to become very important the moment Yahoo launches their contextual advertising program.

Posted by Travis Smith on 03/16 at 03:11 AM • Blogs and Business -- Law and Ethics