Google Advertisers Get a Grammar Lesson

Advertisers trying to profit from Google's AdWords program have more than their Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) to consider; there's an editorial style guide that is being increasingly enforced, and non-compliant advertisers could see their ads pulled until they are reworded.

The issue at hand is not censorship of unpopular speech, but one of restricting "popular" speech in order to ensure more relevance in the displayed search results, and their associated AdWords listings.

The use of the word "bling" is an example of a "popular" word that was once frowned upon by AdWords staffers as being an arcane slang word inappropriate for use in their listings.

While proponents of Google's policy point out that particularly in a global medium like the Internet, using proper grammar and punctuation enhances an individual's ability to communicate, critics, on the other hand, see the all-encompassing nature of the Internet as the perfect medium to express new forms of language, such as the increasing number of acronyms like "LOL" (Internet shorthand for "Laughs Out Loud") commonly in use today.

A recent New York Times article quoted Google's director for AdWords, David Fischer, as saying "We really focus on creating ads that at the most basic level have proper spelling and grammar so that they're clear to users. We really encourage clear, effective, to-the-point communication to searchers."

AdWords submissions are automatically pre-screened for unacceptable content and style guide violations such as multiple exclamation points, before being posted online, with the editorial staff manually reviewing listings for offensive material, and contacting advertisers with suggestions on how any problem areas may be remedied.

Google is not alone in policing their context-sensitive advertising content; Overture and other Pay Per Click (PPC) search engines also implement style guide driven policies to limit gratuitous advertising liberties such as upper case text and multiple exclamation points.

While submitted AdWords listings are compelled to comply with the style guide, search results, which are generated through website spidering and complex algorithms, are based upon the actual content listed on any particular page.

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

'Sex Workers Are Part of the "Everyone" That Deserves Protections': Congressional Candidate Joe Cohn Reaches Out to Adult Community

Veteran civil rights attorney Joe Cohn, who is currently running in a New Jersey Democratic primary for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, says he is reaching out to the adult community to champion an inclusive approach to civil liberties that encompasses all sex workers and businesses.

Mile High Unveils New Unscripted Studio 'Sex on Sight'

Mile High Media has launched a new unscripted-content studio, Sex on Sight.

Belgian Producer Dennis Black Magic Sentenced to 7 Years for Rape, CSAM

Noted Belgian adult producer and director Dennis Black Magic has been sentenced to 7 years in prison and a $4,000 fine for the rape of eight models and distribution of CSAM.

Seoul Authorities Force Cancellation of Adult Expo for 'Distorting Perceptions of Sex'

After Seoul authorities repeatedly prevented 2024 KXF The Fashion from finding a suitable venue, event organizers have canceled the popular Korean adult industry expo, which was scheduled for this week.

FSC to Hold Discussion on Adult Industry Rights With Congressional Candidate Joe Cohn

Free Speech Coalition will hold a virtual discussion with Joe Cohn, a strong advocate for the adult industry’s rights who is running for Congress in November.

Sophie Dee, Ricky Johnson to Deliver 'XBIZ Talks' at Miami Conference

XBIZ is pleased to announce that Sophie Dee and Ricky Johnson will each deliver an “XBIZ Talk” at next month’s XBIZ Miami conference

FSC to Host Webinar on Derisking and the Adult Industry

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) is hosting a webinar on derisking, titled "Derisking: Examining Its Impact on the Adult Industry's Access to Banking," on April 24 at 11 a.m. (PDT).

Democratic Governor Fails to Veto Kansas Age Verification Bill

Kansas’ Democratic governor, Laura Kelly, expressed strong reservations about the state’s version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists, but ultimately decided not to veto it, allowing the legislation to become law by default without her signature.

FSC's Alison Boden Testifies Against California Age Verification Bill, Urges Action to Defeat It

Free Speech Coalition Executive Director Alison Boden testified Tuesday against AB 3080, California’s version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists.

Phoenix Marie Sues Aylo, Danny D Over Incident on Digital Playground Set

Phoenix Marie has filed a lawsuit against Aylo, performer/producer Danny D and other defendants, alleging she has suffered defamation and damage to her career over a 2023 incident on a Digital Playground set in Spain.

Show More