After posting the last blog entry, a Google advertisement stuck out at me. It said that I can make revenue from my blog by using AdSense. Free revenue from my blog ? This sounds too good to be true. Although I've heard of AdSense before, and have seen its use on other pages, I thought I would give it a try to see if it works as advertised.
Signing Up
The only information required to sign up for Google AdSense is a valid Google email address, and select a default language.
AdSense API Account
I wait a few seconds for the confirmation email message. After clicking on the confirmation email link, I am sent to an "AdSense" API account page to set up my API profile. There is nothing on this page to help me determine what an API is. However, I can quickly deduce that this looks like the place I would enter my billing information.
After selecting my country, I then fill in my full name, my home address, complete with postal code (or zip code), and a phone number where they can have their goons contact me if there is a problem.
There exists an interesting feature where I can configure my AdSense account from within Blogger. I click on the check mark to grant them the right to do so, only to find out that some blog sites will actually keep a percentage of the revenues associated to your AdSense account. Luckily, for Blogger, that percentage is 0.0%.
Policy Acceptance
Wow - I must now agree to five distinct terms and conditions separately for my account to be validated.
1. I agree that I will not click on the Google ads I'm serving through AdSense.Terms and Conditions
Makes sense for them - after all, I could make tons of money if I clicked on every ad hosted on my own site.
2. I will not place ads on sites that include incentives to click on ads.
Hmmm - not sure how Google can enforce this one. After all, there should be some expectation of privacy when posting public blogs. But I do want to know what the hubbub is about AdSense, so I accept this condition as well.
3. I agree that I can receive checks made out to the payee name I have listed above.
This one covers their liabilities in regards to banks arguing whether the cheques sent to one of their customers are considered legal tender.
4. I will not place ads on sites that include pornographic content.
Darn - there goes my plans to have ads hosted by www.hornyllamas.com! Oh well, I guess I'll to do without.
5. I certify that I have read the AdSense Program Policies.
Even more legal jargon to leaf through. I click on the Policies link, and find myself reading a standard Google help page with 8 section headers, each describing the policies and standards in regards to AdSense. The section headers are: Invalid Clicks and Impressions, Encouraging clicks, Site Content, Copyrighted Material, Webmaster Guidelines, Site and Ad Behavior, Ad Placement, and Competitive Ads and Services.
Where is my lawyer when I need him ?! I have 17 points to cover on this page, each with at least 10 lines of text to read. I take the time to read each one, and wonder in amazement how Google can get away with a lot of this stuff!
Tentatively, I accept the terms and conditions, and click on the "I Accept" button.
And now....the waiting game!
Now I'm really disappointed - looks like after I have gone through this effort, I must wait for Google to get back to me, no doubt to validate the information I have provided them.
They say: "Thank you for verifying your information. Your application has now been submitted for review and we will follow up with you by email in 1-2 days."
I will post further updates here when I get a response from Google. In the meantime, I will have to satisfy myself with reading the FAQ and the demos that are provided. I have listed them below for your convenience.
Flash Demonstrations
Getting started with AdSense
Introduction to payments
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will I earn through this program?
The Google ads you are able to display on your content pages can be either cost-per-click (CPC) or cost-per-1000-impressions (CPM) ads, while AdSense for search results pages show exclusively CPC ads. This means that advertisers pay either when users click on ads, or when the advertiser's ad is shown on your site. You'll receive a portion of the amount paid for either activity on your website. Although we don't disclose the exact revenue share, our goal is to enable publishers to make as much or more than they could with other advertising networks.
When do I get paid?
We'll send your check or EFT payment within approximately 30 days of the end of the month in which your account balance reaches US$100, unless a payment hold exists or unless otherwise agreed to in writing (including electronic mail).
(Stay tuned for more as I wait to hear back from Google!)
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