Where once Google proudly displayed its Adsense advertising, now there is nothing. The people who oversee Adsense advertising policies reckon I breached them, by encouraging excessive attention to the advertising itself, or displaying mature/adult content – I am not sure which.
A few weeks ago Google sent me a message warning me about this post, which it said breached its policies for display of Adsense advertising.
It gave me three days to fix the problem, or my account would be suspended, with the result that readers could no longer see my ads.
The warning notice, a standard one sent to all transgressors, said bloggers cannot encourage readers to click the ads, nor attract too much attention to them. It also contained the standard warning about offensive pictures/content, in charming Americanese:
'AdSense publishers are not permitted to place Google ads on pages with adult or mature content. This includes images or video content containing lewd or provocative poses, or close-ups of breasts, butts, or crotches.'
I removed three or four of the pictures on that post (readers will notice that only one remains). None looked particularly naughty to me, though in one picture, Nicky The Stick Sura Theerakol had his hand down his pants, as if he was feeling himself up.
The content was dull – the post is about the poor standard of Thai-made seating, for goodness sake – but the post did contain the standard sidebar reference to Google’s Adsense, which said:
‘Some readers visit day after day, but never seem to notice the Google Adsense advertising on this blog.
‘The ads help keep this blog in business. In fact, if I don't make enough from it, I don't blog.
‘However, for Google's sake I must ask readers: Please click the ads only if you find something of interest.’
I left that blurb in place, as I suspected Google’s objection was mainly to the pictures. Maybe I was wrong, for when the warning period expired, Google sent me another notice saying my Adsense account had been suspended, taking effect from this month.
The result? No Adsense advertising. The response? No more blogging, at least at this site.
I am not prepared to write for nothing. However, I do have a couple of options available to me. I would like readers’ help as to which one I should choose.
1 Resume blogging, but at sister blog Thaiboygay [deleted 20/2/11].
The advantage of this option is that the blog has a web presence, as it’s been going for some time, even if I rarely post to it any more. However, I dislike the name. I created it as a commercial vehicle for drawing readers to its bigger sister blog, Bangkok of the Mind.
The advertising is still going on this blog, even though there are many more guy pics over there than at BOTM. In fact, I transferred all the picture posts over there months ago, as I wanted BOTM to focus mainly on stories.
I could post at TBG temporarily, until Google restores advertising to BOTM.
2. Create a new blog – Bangkok of the Mind 2 – but without pics.
I like the choice of name, as it sounds rebellious – we will not be beaten, even by Google! The disadvantage is that BOTM 2 has no web presence. Even with links to BOTM 2 from this blog and TBG, readership might take some time to build up.
Any ideas?
17 comments:
ReplyDeleteMichael Lomker31 July 2010 at 18:20
At the risk of being too personal, how much was Google paying you? I think it is a fair question in light of your inquiry.
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Bkkdreamer31 July 2010 at 18:35
I have answered that question before, though I can't remember where. Why the interest?
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Anonymous31 July 2010 at 21:06
yea God forbid u write for nothing!
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samart31 July 2010 at 23:12
The question is not how much google pays for its advertisement (it's not that much, really), but for how long the ban will last?
Personally, I don't think the name Thaiboygay suits well for profound blog writing, and would prefer your present name BOTM. However, if it's only for a short period of time, Thaiboygay would certainly serve well for a temporary exile.
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Anonymous31 July 2010 at 23:49
You have the best gay/farang blog and I cannot see it gone. What you write in TBG is not nearly as interesting and months go by without a post. Your pictures of young Thais are remarkably good, very pretty, artistic and certainly not offensive or pornographic. Please get Google to restore your adds and keep your BOTM as you have it. I cannot image not to have the pleasure of your whit and fantastic stories of your Thai experience, for those of us that can only dream about them. Fran
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simonlover1 August 2010 at 00:03
I doubt Google will ever let u re-activate your account again. Like my blog..or even my BF's "normal" blog had been banned for more than a year. And the worst part is, the BF"s blog it's a reputable cuisine blog & has a very high Alexa ranking, as well as a high daily readership in Malaysia of cuz. After much appeal, they still refuse to budge from their stand. -- And i wonder how would they had treated us, if we are Americans...Just a thought =).
However, we are still actively blogging..well, just for the sake of our personal interest. Haha. And we'll hope you'll continue to do so too. Yes, the monetary benefits are difficult to let go, but in another way, you might get to enjoy some satisfactions in the sense of worldwide friendships?
Take care ya!
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Anonymous1 August 2010 at 01:42
Sign up with some other advertising provider. There are several of them that cater to a market like yours -- "adult," "mature," whatever.
The best way would be to check out other gay blogs on blogspot.com to see what ad networks they are using. After that you can spice up the content, and let the money roll in! ;-)
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Bkkdreamer1 August 2010 at 05:22
Thanks for the responses. I am willing to look into alternative advertising providers, though the last time I did it, I ended up with nothing suitable.
I am not keen on posting to TBG, as I dislike the name, and the advertising at that site is unreliable anyway...it drops off the front page often.
I might carry on posting here, and stuff Google!
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Yraen1 August 2010 at 05:37
ReplyDeleteUse TBG
Change the banner to BOTM or BKKdreamer, whatever.
Move all your regular readers across so they reside on both blogs.
Dispense with the public name TBG and use whatever most suits you.
Then post to both sites, gradually diminishing this site until it "deceases".
Just because your other site is registered as TBG doesn't mean the banner and the name have to reflect that. Perhaps "TBG aka" in 6 point and Bangkok Dreamer in 24 point - something along those lines.
Best wishes, Yraen.
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Boonsong1 August 2010 at 07:42
I hope that you keep on blogging. I'd miss you if you go.
All the best, Boonsong
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Bkkdreamer1 August 2010 at 08:14
Yraen: Thank you. I hadn't thought of changing the name in the header.
Boonsong: Thank you to you, too. I will carry on writing, because I enjoy it. I am just not sure at the moment whether to do it here, or at TBG.
I will probably stay here, and hope that readers reward my efforts occasionally by visiting TBG as well.
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Anonymous1 August 2010 at 11:35
What a pain for you BD. :-(
l am no good at these things, so cannot advise sensibly, all l can say is l will follow you where ever you go. l'm also sure that your biggests followers will do the same. A change is as good as a rest and might affore bigger opportunities.
Please dont let them get the better of you and give up. You will be sorely missed.
love to you both
Your own Lady P. :-) xx
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Anonymous1 August 2010 at 13:21
What is google, the G rated Disney Channel? I would have thought this bog rates PG for content, which is why it never got a blogspot warning on the front. [BD you must try harder to offend. :)] What's wrong with drawing attention to the ads if just to make a few pennies to keep the blog going? Coming from google, the corporation that just recently spread its legs in order to keep doing business with China, that's a bit rich. - Loyal Reader Ian and Provider of Filthy Images for Easily Flustered Readers.
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Bkkdreamer1 August 2010 at 18:20
Lady P: Thank you, dearest. I wish I could call on your Parker at tims like this. With his armour-plated pink rolls, and machine gun hidden in the radiator grill, he could take on and beat the baddies from Google any day.
Ian: Thank you for sending me so many filthy G-rated pics. I will put up a few later today for the enjoyment of readers, and to stick it up Google at the same time.
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Anonymous1 August 2010 at 23:43
Did you notice the yank it after you have ad revenue in your account ..happened to me last year in May.
That is all we need a new "Nazi" to contend with.
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Bkkdreamer2 August 2010 at 00:24
My account has $30-40 in it. I won't let the buggers keep that...my earnings from the other blog will fill it up to $100. Then they will have to issue me with a cheque.
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Michael Lomker2 August 2010 at 19:10
>Why the interest?
I don't see a 'donate' button on your website. ;)
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Update: I'll probably stay here, rather than starting a new bog or moving to sister blog TBG.
ReplyDeleteThank you to those readers who showed their support after Google yanked its Adsense advertising from this site.
Boonsong1 August 2010 at 22:40
ReplyDeletePleased that you're sticking it out, so to speak.
Nothing wrong with your photos. They obviously appeal to a specific taste which is OK with me, even though it's not really mine. I just enjoy your blog.
All the best, Boonsong
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Anonymous2 August 2010 at 00:13
Oh no. A pretty Japanese boy lying on a bed with money scattered around. He looks unhappy. Obviously he wasn't paid enough. Quick, censor this objectionable call boy. - Ian
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Anonymous2 August 2010 at 00:52
You post in your blog some of the most beautiful Asian guys anywhere. Nothing objectable or in poor taste. They are simply wonderful. Please do not stop posting them in your blog.
Fran
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Bkkdreamer2 August 2010 at 00:59
Boonsong: Thank you. It would be a shame to stop writing here just because of Google.
Ian: Yes, isn't he awful. Quick, contact Google. Maybe they can get this site banned as well.
Fran: The guys will keep on coming, thank you.
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D2 August 2010 at 05:23
What! that's Google for you, those bastards! Anyways, good to know your still here, for now at least. I don't find anything offensive or too provocative at all on your blog. I mean sure there's the occasional hand in the pants shot from time to time but come on at least the guys you put up are drool worthy!
"Susu"
- D
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Anonymous2 August 2010 at 05:31
Well, as a Lady! l find the pics lovely, though perhaps a little less body, maybe just face shoots without the face would be a little more appropiate. ;-D
Glad to hear you're staying put. :)
Parker is on his way. Just text to say he's finding the sea bed a vexsation but he'll cope!!
Power to all things Pink.
Love to you both
Wilks xx
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Anonymous2 August 2010 at 12:20
Hi Bill in Reno Nv here glad you are hanging in there! I have been enjoing your blog and the very hot pics for some time now! Keep up the good work, Bill
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Yraen2 August 2010 at 16:23
BD, I would guess that you actually fell foul of some right-wing religious group.
They delight in writing to companies like Google and complaining about the inappropriateness of the blog's contents.
These pin-pricks (or just pricks if you like) goad Google into a reaction - result, they pull the Ads from your blog.
Hope you are coping well.
Yraen.
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Bkkdreamer2 August 2010 at 17:59
D: Thank you. This blog has always been timid where the pics are concerned, even before I started hosting Adsense ads.
There's too much of that explicit stuff on the net. It doesn't do much for me. I'd rather run pics which have some style or panache to them, and thankfully loyal reader Ian, who supplies them, knows just what I like.
Lady P: I'll have a glass of strong whisky waiting for Parker when he arrives.
Bill: Thank you for your kind words.
Yraen: I block all religious ads.
Maybe they wanted to 'get back' at me.
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Anonymous2 August 2010 at 20:44
That sucks that they pulled your advertising! I've been reading this blog for some time now and I enjoy what you write and the pictures. But face shots are still enjoyable if that's what you are going to do from now on!
- Bev
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Bkkdreamer3 August 2010 at 02:19
Bev: Thanks. The style of pictures won't change: face shots, bod shots, it's all the same to me, as long as they look good.
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