AdNonSense

A while ago, I made the decision. I was going to monetize this blog. I figured, hey, since I have been griping about my frustrations and tiny heartaches, bleeding my heart as it were, I might as well get something for my troubles. So I filled out the online registration form and submitted it. Forty-eight hours, they tell me before ads will appear on my page.

A few hours later, I received an email from Google AdSense, they’ve rejected my application on the basis of unsuitable content. I stared at those two inconspicuous, albeit, loaded words—unsuitable content. What do they mean about unsuitable? Clicking on the link, these are what Google considers unsuitable:

1. Pornography, adult or mature content
2. Violent content
3. Content related to racial intolerance or advocacy against any individual, group or organisation
4. Excessive profanity
5. Hacking/cracking content
6. Gambling or casino-related content
7. Illicit drugs and drug paraphernalia content
8. Sales of beer or hard alcohol
9. Sales of tobacco or tobacco-related products
10. Sales of prescription drugs
11. Sales of weapons or ammunition (e.g. firearms, firearm components, fighting knives, stun guns)
12. Sales of products that are replicas or imitations of designer goods
13. Sales or distribution of coursework or student essays
14. Content regarding programs which compensate users for clicking ads or offers, performing searches, surfing websites or reading emails
15. Any other content that is illegal, promotes illegal activity or infringes on the legal rights of others

I’m certain this blog does not in any way advocate or practice items number 2, 3, 5-15. As for items 1 and 4, well they are contestable. Yes, I have used an occasional cuss word here and there, in fact, I’ve used swear words for a total of three times, four times if you count that instance when I substituted an asterisk for the “U” in f*cker. But I hardly consider three times (or four) as excessive.

With regards to the first item, see, I don’t think my entries qualify as pornographic at all. An entry on kissing, does not, make a site pornographic. They are intended for a mature audience, because, obviously people of a certain maturity would only be able to appreciate and understand the things a grown up person such as I am is going through.

In fact, if I am to be allowed to blow my own horn, I think these entries make for good writing and entertainment. Not to mention a fine example of a neurotic mind. My family and friends concur.

So it bothers and annoys me that Google AdSense should reject my application, and on what basis? And with not much of an explanation that could truly suffice at that. As far as my content goes, they are assured of originality.

Sure, they talk about sensitive matters, i.e. human relationships, and can be indelicate at times, but hardly anything that warrants a thumbs down from AdSense. Are we suddenly living in the Dark Ages where a mere slip of propriety can be considered no less than scandalous? This simply begs the question: is Google AdSense the new morality police?