Google Change of TOS, Disclose Gross Payments

Ben42 · 04-26-2005, 08:28 AM

Looks like you can now

Quote:

"disclose the amount of Google’s gross payments to You pursuant to the Program".

So it seems you can say how much your making per month with adsense when selling a site. This should help a lot for the buyer AND seller! Click thru rates and other stats are still on the down low though...

Quote:

7. Confidentiality. You agree not to disclose Google Confidential Information without Google's prior written consent. "Google Confidential Information" includes without limitation: (a) all Google software, technology, programming, specifications, materials, guidelines and documentation relating to the Program; (b) click-through rates or other statistics relating to Site performance in the Program provided to You by Google; and (c) any other information designated in writing by Google as "Confidential" or an equivalent designation. However, You may accurately disclose the amount of Google’s gross payments to You pursuant to the Program. Google Confidential Information does not include information that has become publicly known through no breach by You or Google, or information that has been (i) independently developed without access to Google Confidential Information, as evidenced in writing; (ii) rightfully received by You from a third party; or (iii) required to be disclosed by law or by a governmental authority.

https://www.google.com/adsense/localized-terms

IAmAllanShore · 04-26-2005, 08:39 AM

The past discussions we've had on this topic here and elsewhere have led me to believe otherwise, actually. Gross as per the program would be the total amount they've paid you for your account. Not per site/ per month/ or any other info. So for instance, I've made $xx total (obviously not, just making the math easy), if $y of that was from site 1 and $z of that was from site 2, I can't disclose that info. Only that I have made $xx total. Can't disclose how much per month per site, unless you see a solid way to read the above TOS that would allow it. But scroll through the past threads and you'll see some other discussions on this topic.
-Allan

Ben42 · 04-26-2005, 08:53 AM

Ah, guess I didn't read around enough. I'll take a look around.

I see what your saying about gross payments, but the wording here is very vague. If it had said Total Gross Payments, I'd say I agree.

Perhaps they just said this though so you could tell your tax preparer how much in total you made? If this was the case they opened up a big can of worms and a lot of users are breaking the TOS due to poor wording.

IAmAllanShore · 04-26-2005, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by Ben42

I see what your saying about gross payments, but the wording here is very vague. If it had said Total Gross Payments, I'd say I agree.

That would be them saying "Total Total Payments", redundant...
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/google-adsense/85425-google-change-tos-disclose-gross-payments.html
While it's not quite that simple I guess, "gross" without qualifier (none in this case) simply means "before any deductions". So, your "total" in this case.
Poorly worded might not be right, but "poorly explained" would be a somewhat valid criticism, IMHO. But then again, I'd say well over 95% of folks that sign things or agree to TOS's don't understand what it is they are agreeing to.
-Allan

jeter4982 · 04-26-2005, 01:09 PM

Ya, I am going to have to agree with Allan. The clause that is really open ended for Google is:

Quote:

or other statistics relating to Site performance in the Program provided to You by Google;

Basically that means that you can't disclose anything, but it is up to Google. Just don't say anything, and you can ensure that your account won't be terminated, IMHO.
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=85425

Tom

IAmAllanShore · 04-26-2005, 01:15 PM

I think Google meant for the change to be a publicity kick. IOW: Since folks would be able to say how much they had made from Adsense, others might jump on board. They still want all details to be held close to the vest, but the total amount paid can stir up some interest with those that didn't think such a system was possible.
Just my guess, of course.
-Allan

LeeRyder · 04-26-2005, 02:33 PM

you could easily get around that by saying "My GROSS profit on adsense this month is.."

no liability in that.

IAmAllanShore · 04-26-2005, 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by LeeRyder

you could easily get around that by saying "My GROSS profit on adsense this month is.."
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=85425

no liability in that.

No, unfortunately playing semantics games does not change anything.
My gross profits today are...
My gross profits for this site are...
My gross profit for this click is...

You see?

It's fairly straight-forward. Only your gross, nothing else.

-Allan

04-26-2005, 08:39 AM	#2 (permalink)
IAmAllanShore NamePros Expert Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Esse quam videri Posts: 8,316	The past discussions we've had on this topic here and elsewhere have led me to believe otherwise, actually. Gross as per the program would be the total amount they've paid you for your account. Not per site/ per month/ or any other info. So for instance, I've made $xx total (obviously not, just making the math easy), if $y of that was from site 1 and $z of that was from site 2, I can't disclose that info. Only that I have made $xx total. Can't disclose how much per month per site, unless you see a solid way to read the above TOS that would allow it. But scroll through the past threads and you'll see some other discussions on this topic. -Allan __________________ Something Witty This Way Comes...

04-26-2005, 08:53 AM	THREAD STARTER #3 (permalink)
Ben42 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Chi-Town Posts: 2,115	Ah, guess I didn't read around enough. I'll take a look around. I see what your saying about gross payments, but the wording here is very vague. If it had said Total Gross Payments, I'd say I agree. Perhaps they just said this though so you could tell your tax preparer how much in total you made? If this was the case they opened up a big can of worms and a lot of users are breaking the TOS due to poor wording. __________________ KG to Pounds Conversion Calculator

04-26-2005, 01:15 PM	#6 (permalink)
IAmAllanShore NamePros Expert Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Esse quam videri Posts: 8,316	I think Google meant for the change to be a publicity kick. IOW: Since folks would be able to say how much they had made from Adsense, others might jump on board. They still want all details to be held close to the vest, but the total amount paid can stir up some interest with those that didn't think such a system was possible. Just my guess, of course. -Allan __________________ Something Witty This Way Comes...

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04-26-2005, 02:33 PM	#7 (permalink)
LeeRyder Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Left Coast Posts: 3,503	you could easily get around that by saying "My GROSS profit on adsense this month is.." no liability in that.

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