HORRORPHILE VIOLATES GOOGLE CONTENT POLICY
May 24th 2010 01:24
As you can see above and below, I no longer have any advertising. It seems my appreciation of horror in art and popular culture, in particular movies, has got me into trouble with the big boys at Google and their Ad-Sense programme. According to their programme policy “publishers may not place AdSense code on pages with content that violates any of our content guidelines. Some examples include content that is adult, violent or advocating racial intolerance.
Sites with Google ads may not include or link to:
• Pornography, adult or mature content
• Violent content
• Content related to racial intolerance or advocacy against any individual, group or organisation
• Excessive profanity …”
Well, it seems I’ve breached their guidelines and violated their content policy. I received an email from Google late last week which informed me that upon reviewing my account they noticed I was displaying Google Ads in a manner that was not compliant with their policies. According to Google “As stated in our program policies, AdSense publishers are not permitted to place Google ads on pages with violent content. This includes sites with content related to breaking bones, getting hit by trains or cars, or people receiving serious injuries.”
Horrorphile – Pleasure of Nightmares primarily reviews and discusses horror movies, or as I call them “nightmare movies”. Of course the subject matter is going to be adult or mature, and will contain violent content; this is the very nature of horror, whether it is explicit or implicit. I’m not advocating using violence in real life, nor am I promoting pornography, but I’d be a hypocrite if I said the links between sex and death should not be inferred within the horror genre. I certainly don’t advocate racial intolerance, but I use the odd expletive, I take the Lord's name in vain from time to time, and I champion the drinking of beer when watching a movie, but I’m hardly excessively profane.
The programme content guidelines list numerous other restrictions, of which I can safely say I do not feature or provide links to any of it. I’ll admit that I never read in detail all of Ad-Sense’s content policy guidelines, an assumption on my behalf that has landed me in hot water. However it concerns me greatly that Google have taken these steps without actually looking at the bigger picture. My blog is not about reality, it’s about the fictional realm of movies. My site receives over 10,000 hits a day. I’m no Bloody Disgusting, I’ll admit, but I must be providing a few extra bucks in the pockets of the Google advertisers. Apparently not enough.
Google states their decision is final, however if I make appropriate changes to bring my site into compliance they may enable ad serving again, but this is not possible for all cases. I’m not about to censor myself, so instead I’ll retreat back inside the Darkness with my loyal True Believers, lick my wounds, and evaluate my advertising options.
Sites with Google ads may not include or link to:
• Pornography, adult or mature content
• Violent content
• Content related to racial intolerance or advocacy against any individual, group or organisation
• Excessive profanity …”
Well, it seems I’ve breached their guidelines and violated their content policy. I received an email from Google late last week which informed me that upon reviewing my account they noticed I was displaying Google Ads in a manner that was not compliant with their policies. According to Google “As stated in our program policies, AdSense publishers are not permitted to place Google ads on pages with violent content. This includes sites with content related to breaking bones, getting hit by trains or cars, or people receiving serious injuries.”
Horrorphile – Pleasure of Nightmares primarily reviews and discusses horror movies, or as I call them “nightmare movies”. Of course the subject matter is going to be adult or mature, and will contain violent content; this is the very nature of horror, whether it is explicit or implicit. I’m not advocating using violence in real life, nor am I promoting pornography, but I’d be a hypocrite if I said the links between sex and death should not be inferred within the horror genre. I certainly don’t advocate racial intolerance, but I use the odd expletive, I take the Lord's name in vain from time to time, and I champion the drinking of beer when watching a movie, but I’m hardly excessively profane.
The programme content guidelines list numerous other restrictions, of which I can safely say I do not feature or provide links to any of it. I’ll admit that I never read in detail all of Ad-Sense’s content policy guidelines, an assumption on my behalf that has landed me in hot water. However it concerns me greatly that Google have taken these steps without actually looking at the bigger picture. My blog is not about reality, it’s about the fictional realm of movies. My site receives over 10,000 hits a day. I’m no Bloody Disgusting, I’ll admit, but I must be providing a few extra bucks in the pockets of the Google advertisers. Apparently not enough.
Google states their decision is final, however if I make appropriate changes to bring my site into compliance they may enable ad serving again, but this is not possible for all cases. I’m not about to censor myself, so instead I’ll retreat back inside the Darkness with my loyal True Believers, lick my wounds, and evaluate my advertising options.
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Comment by Spring-Heeled Jack
Over.Exposure
All your content passes numerous international ratings committees, so it's not as if you're purveying illegal material. This really has me baffled, especially considering how many of the advertising links that appear in a google search appear to breach their own code of conduct...
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by Matt Shea
20/20 Filmsight
Comment by David O'Connell
Screen Fanatic
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
I would expect that the Orble heirachy should at the very least back you up.
Comment by ShaunK
Screen Adventure
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
The sheer quality of content and obvious dedication to the genre itself featured on your site should hold sway on any draconian policy Google may have....I wonder if they even have visited the site and actually read the content itself or if they just browsed the images.
For what its worth you have my unwavering support. Start a petition and my signature will be at the top of the page.
Comment by Spring-Heeled Jack
Over.Exposure
Comment by Nonymous
Philosophy Blog
Consulted with Jon at the time of the barring. I think he said to take down any potentially offensive content or else protect children with the adults-only warning. Google then re-reviewed Philosophy Blog, but it still didn't pass muster.
I suppose the silver lining was that I could then lie to myself and pretend there was some nobler motive than money.
Hope you get this sorted, Bryn! It must be a blow to Orble as well as you. If Google doesn't relent, I'm sure there's hundreds of production companies who'd be delighted if you'd consider displaying their animated flash banner.
But whatever happens, don't stop writing.
Comment by Mountain Fog
Infognito
Screen Trek
QUOTE ME NO QUOTES!
it is ludicrous and illogical, for if it is taken to the extreme, then only G rated films could be reviewed.
it reminds me of the McCarthy era in its obtuse, generalised and arbitrary application of censorship and victimisation.
Orble should start looking at google's competition, Bing, or whatever.
screw google, it raised the payout bottom line by $50- without informing anyone, as it doesn't make enough bucks out of the planet apparently!
keep writing though Bryn, and, there is a silver lining to all this; now you can write NO HOLDS BARRED!!
cheers
fog
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...
As a fan of cinema, I have a fairly high tolerance level and have noticed that in the event that you link to something that may be objectionable you usually warn readers to the point of almost making an apology.
Even if I don't comment, I try and check out your blog at least once a week. However, if stupidity like this persists, I wouldn't blame you halting your efforts!!!!!
Good luck in whatever you decide!!!!!
Jim
Comment by Jason King
Sydney Table
Salty Popcorn
Total Randomness
I have a friend at Google Adsense - will pass on a request to check it out. I should also be banned for the Winnebago Man trailer and even the Love Ranch Trailer - I think a guy gets punched in the face a fair bit. If this is also the case perhaps YouTube and IMDB should not have advertisers, although I doubt they are getting adsense.
Bets of luck getting it sorted.
Comment by JMD
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by Matt Shea
20/20 Filmsight
And on a similar note, while this episode ultimately never affected his actual website, a US-based friend of mine has an interesting story on how one's content can be misinterpreted:
Really Long Link
Comment by Matt Shea
20/20 Filmsight
Comment by Steve Gann
Beyond This Horizon
Good and Bad News
Closer Look Sports
OhThePlacesWeWillGo
BackPageSports
KnoxVegasChronicles
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by Andrew Situ
A commoner's take on the crazy life
The Rise of Evil
It seems to me that censorship has gone over the top and the reasons behind it may be political.
Comment by Jake 5
Comment by sam sall
Speech Starter
Health Matters
Your blog rocks Bryn and you reviews are the best...
Lets start the petition David suggested
Comment by Purrot
I love what you do, although I don't say much. Keep on writing!
Comment by Cinema is Truth
Cinema is Truth
Cinema is Truth
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by Yank in Oz
Blogging American
ZENtertainment
Comment by Joshua_the_samurai
Bucket Movies
Weird, Rare, and Overlooked Film
Ultimate Battle
the samurai Has Spoken
Comment by Iriejones
chaos is not what we want, we need structure as a civilized people. regardlessw of what kids say... we all NEED structure.
rules make it safe for my children and your friends.
I commend you for doing what is right.
hey, I am sure you can get better ads anyways, if you try... more focused targeted ..
good luck, -iriejones@hotmail.com
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
I may be doing what is right in Google's rulebook, but I don't necessarily think their decision was the right one.
Comment by Iriejones
ellaboration:
deep in the seeds of chaos there is structure. without structure there is no chaos.
regardless of what your human brain tells you during the day, when you sleep and shit, your mind acts and reacts on a animal level that we cannot ever change.
You may fight the system but deep down inside you fear the systems absence.
If there were no "rules" to violate, there would be no "horror" in reality or imagination.
I respect your thoughts, but i also think they are irrelevant to the big picture.
we crave big brothers arms, no matter how much distress and anarchy we exude.
or maybe i just wanted argue about something today?
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by Iriejones
are you referring to accuatnaces?
p.s you have an awesome site dude, i came across it by accident while snooping in my girlfriends email.
kick ass site. i am a regular visitor, first time i posted a comment tghough
cheers, regards, irre
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
I'm curious of your age, if you don't mind me asking, and country of origin, as I'm trying to get more of an idea of my demographic. Cheers!
Comment by Iriejones
you drive inside the lines to protect your fellow humans.
if you knew that when you visited www.camilonevarez.com you would be immediately killed by an electric surge projected through your computer, would you not warn your friends? or would you just sit back and let them figure it out?
so, anyways. you said yourself unless they are physically threatned.
Well, in a way google thinks that by allowing borderline adult content to be a part of thier adsense program it may put some people (who knows, kids, retards and guys who like skinny jeans) who are dumb enough to think immagination is real can take this the wrong way and physically threaten someones healthy well being.
that being said. who cares. ..
demographic?
Male/35yrs/90242/hetero/Nativ e/children/No formal school/ 38-40 HHI / im bored
Comment by Chris Chadwick
Primitive Poly Pontifications
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen
Comment by Anonymous
From what I gather, adsense is a ponzi scheme; I haven't been able to verify that yet though.
As far as decision-making goes, and fairness, and comparable websites--well, if you go to youtube and type in This Film is Not Yet Rated, or if you've seen the film, you will also get some insight on just how far a corporation goes to protect its own bottom line. I think the revelations in that film are probably very much the same as what you would experience, trying to fight google.
Maybe you should make a doco of your own..
..great "seeing" you again, Bryn! I miss you and JohnDoe. I'll have to have a lurk now and then, keep up with my two favorite movie reviewers. Good luck, and if there's a petition to sign count me in. I'll track this post.
D. Armenta
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by Kelly Wand
Sprocket Holed
Comment by Iriejones
oh fuck me!
ponzi scheme? are you for real?that makes absolutely no sense at all. you obviously werent doing research for college.LOL ha... a ponzi scheme.
police state, kelly wand? really? like tibet? like china? really?
fucktards. grow up and be honest with yourselves, the only REAL MOTHER here is the dude horrorphile.
he knows what the real deal is... you should take notes.
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by Kelly Wand
Sprocket Holed
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by Iriejones
"if I wrote like you, I wouldn't exactly be bragging about my fullness of years, dude"
First of all, your grammar is elementary. Your use of form is abnormal, even for Kings English.
But most notable is your need to address me as if we were old buds.
More on a valid point:
Riddle me this;
if this action is comparable to a police state, please educate me fellow politicaly savvy dude. Please, tell me more-iriejones@hotmail.com - Out of respect for horrorphile, this will be my last fucktard post. I dont want to litter this page with savant ramblings.
but i will respond to all emails.
Ok, HPhile. I will censor my attitude for the sake of "the comfort of other 35-ry olds you know" ok?
anyone wanna engage in a REAL CONVO anytime. im here. even in real life. 90242.
but lastly know this :
This site rocks. Even more without ads.
The internet is chunk full of idiots like myself who will litter your mind and tresspass on your soul until we have developed communitie4s within your ouwn self.
THATS RIGHT, I RENT SPACE IN YOUR HEAD.
Comment by Kelly Wand
Sprocket Holed
You lost me after "mind."
"THATS RIGHT, I RENT SPACE IN YOUR HEAD."
A worthy goal, but hardly.
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Dianna G
I Wish This Was 42
Fictional Worlds
How does it feel to be banned from Adsense? The giant that is Google has taken enough notice of you to remove your ads... don't you feel special?
I hope you can eventually get your ads back; if not, I hope it doesn't deter you from reviewing movies how you want to review them. Horrorphile is a great blog and I can't quite imagine Orble without it.
~Dianna
P.S. As someone who recently was fifteen, I take offense to you guys assuming that Irie is fifteen.
Comment by Anonymous
Horrorphile
Cheers. Yeah, actually I do feel special, thanks for reminding me that my blog is actually exceptional in their eyes ...
The jury is still out on the future of ads on my blog ...
The Darkness is still here though.
Thanks for peering in.
Comment by nighly-dvd-review
Nightly DVD Review
Cinema Voyage
Green and Healthy
The Writer's Nook
There is more violence on American television than on your website.
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by anish
FILMENATOR
Write a Review
Glitterati
Virtual Informer
On an average I earn $1.50 a month from Filmenator.com And I have started wondering if that is the price of freedom of expression.
Appreciate your spirit Bryn!
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile