On July 23, 2004, Google reversed course and restored Perrspectives' ads.  However, the Adwords Team only concluded that upon review Perrspectives does NOT in fact violate its "advocates against" editorial standard. Unfortunately, it would seem that Google has not actually revised the dangerously broad "advocates" standard itself.  For that reason, Perrspectives' ads are on hold, this time by choice.

• Google Confirms Perrspectives Does Not In Fact Violate "Advocacy" Policy, But Policy Itself Unchanged (NEW! July 28, 2004)
• Perrspectives Asks for Clarification as to the Basis for Reversal (NEW! July 26, 2004)
• Google Reverses Decision, Restores Perrspectives Ads (NEW! July 23, 2004)
• Google Response on the "Investigation" (July 2, 2004)
• Perrspectives Response to 6/30 Adwords Solicitation (July 1, 2004)
• 2nd Request by Perrspectives.com to Escalate Appeal (June 17, 2004)
• Request by Perrspectives.com to Escalate Appeal (June 16, 2004)
• Clarification, Appeal Rejection by Google Adwords Team (June 16, 2004)
• Request for More Information, Reconsideration by Perrspectives.com (June 15, 2004)
• Original Termination Notification by Google Adwords Team (June 15, 2004)

----- Original Message -----

From: "Policy Help" <policy-help@google.com>

To: Jon Perr

Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 2:51 PM

Subject: Re: [#XXXXXXX] Your Google AdWords Account: Approval Status

Hello Jon,

Thank your for your response and your patience on this issue. We did receive more than one email from you, but there was not a particular one that prompted the review. We try to review all responses when an advertiser believes their ads were rejected unfairly.

As to why your ad was approved after second review, you are correct that we determined that it did not violate our policy.

Thank you again.  We look forward to providing you with the most effective advertising available.

Sincerely,

Gina

The Google AdWords Team

-----Original Message-----

From: Jon Perr

Sent: Monday, July 26, 2004 10:33 AM

To: policy-help@google.com

Subject: RE: [#XXXXXXXX] Your Google AdWords Account: Approval Status

Gina and Adwords Team,

Thank you for the follow up regarding the status of my account. I am pleased to hear that my site apparently does not contain "unacceptable content" including "language that advocates against an individual, group or organization."

I do have some additional questions I was hoping you could help me with.

[SNIP]

- What Was the Basis for Reversing the Decision?

While I very much appreciate having my ads restored, I am trying to understand on what grounds the June 15 decision (to discontinue my ads) was reversed. Was the decision reversed because:

a) the Policy Team determined upon further review that my site in fact did NOT advocate against an individual, group, or organization?

b) Google has decided to make broader changes to its Adwords terms & conditions or editorial guidelines so as to drop the "advocates against" standard?

Any information you could provide on the above would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your assistance.

Regards,

Jon

----- Original Message -----

From: "Policy Help" <policy-help@google.com>

To: Jon Perr

Sent: Friday, July 23, 2004 6:42 PM

Subject: [#XXXXXXXX] Your Google AdWords Account: Approval Status

Hello Jon,

Your email was forwarded to the policy team for further review. I have reviewed your account per our policies and approved all of your ads to run on Google. I have confirmed that your ads are now active.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to respond to this email.

We look forward to providing you with the most effective advertising available.

Sincerely,

Gina

The Google AdWords Team

-----Original Message-----

Hello Jon,

Thank you for your email.

I have reviewed your account history, and see that our policy team is  currently investigating your situation. Someone from this team will respond to you as soon as the issue has been resolved.

Thank you for your patience.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to email  us at adwords-support@google.com.

We look forward to providing you with the most effective advertising available.

Sincerely,

Kim

The Google AdWords Team

-----Original Message-----

From: Jon Perr

Subject: Questions on Google AdWords ™: Improved Ad Relevancy

Date: Thu, 1 Jul 2004 12:37:24 -0600 (MDT)

Dear Google Adwords Team,

I'm afraid I must report that your June 30 email, "Google Adwords Improved Ad Relevancy" is the least relevant email I've received in a long time.

Why? Because Google Adwords abruptly discontinued ALL OF MY ADS on June  15.

** I am still awaiting a response to my email inquiries of June 16 and June 17 regarding the reconsideration of your arbitrary decision. **

As I wrote your colleague "Sarah" then, I expect to be contacted by a  manager from Google regarding the issues.

For more background, the entire email thread follows below. Until this issue is resolved, I'm afraid I won't be able to read your email of 6/30, as it contains "unacceptable content" using "language that advocates against an individual, group or organization."

Do no evil!

Jon Perr

Editor, Perrspectives.com

-----Original Message-----

From: Jon Perr

Sent: Thursday, June 17, 2004 10:32 PM

To: adwords-support@google.com

Subject: RE: [#] Imediate Response Needed to Ad Rejection

Google Adwords Team,

I am awaiting a response to the email below I sent to Google Adwords Support team on Wednesday, June 16. I expect a response on Friday, June 18.

As you'll see below, I am a loyal, long-time Google supporter and have been an advertiser since March. However, I must insist that you reinstate my ads on two simple grounds:

a) Your disapproval is based on an inappropriate application of your "language that advocates against" standard

b) The rejection of my ads using that standard cannot be justified or sustained unless Google Adwords were to IMMEDIATELY drop hundreds of comparable advertisers, including major newspapers, opinion journals, political campaigns, religious organizations and many more.

Again, I want to work with you to resolve this matter to our mutual satisfaction.

Jon Perr

-----Original Message-----

From: Jon Perr

Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2004 4:51 PM

To: AdWords Support

Subject: RE: [#] Your Google AdWords Approval Status

Sarah,

Thank you for getting back to me regarding my concerns about Google Adwords rejection of my advertising campaigns based on "Unacceptable Content" on my site.

** While I appreciate your quick response, I must insist on speaking personally with the appropriate Google decisionmaker as soon as possible.**

As I will describe below, as a loyal and long-time Google user and advertiser, I am more than disappointed; I am convinced that the current Google Adwords editotial guidelines constitute selective censorship that cannot be justified or sustained. By these standards, virtually EVERY newspaper, opinion journal, political party/campaign and religious organization MUST be barred from advertising on Google.

Once again, I must insist that you reconsider your decision. Your use of the standard "language that advocates against an individual, group, or organization" would remove hundreds of advertisers. It is de facto censorship that will have a chilling effect on thousands of web sites. Publicity of this fact will not be helpful to Google.

The reinstatement of Perrspectives.com ads is justified by the following:

1. PERRSPECTIVES.COM: NON-PARTISAN, "EQUAL OPPORTUNITY" CRITIQUES

My commentary, analysis and satire does not solely target one individual, group or political party. It is proudly non-partisan in that Perrspectives.com provides criticism of and alternative recommendations for both Republicans and Democats.

For example, in your response, you mention the text "secretive, paranoid and vengeance-filled" as being inappropriate. This is excerpted from an essay highly critical of President Bush and his administration:

- "The Smallness of King George"

http://www.perrspectives.com/articles/art_smking01.htm

However, in other pieces, I criticize:

- Ralph Nader ("Unsafe at Any Speed")

http://www.perrspectives.com/articles/art_nader01.htm

- John Kerry and John Edwards ("States' Blights")

http://www.perrspectives.com/articles/art_states01.htm

- Democratic Party and the Left ("Identity Politics and the Threat from the Left")

http://www.perrspectives.com/articles/art_optout04.htm

By definition, my site advocates for (in some cases) and against (in other cases) certain individuals, groups and organizations. This, of course, is probably also true for a majority of your current advertisers.

2. CHARGES DOCUMENTED AND SUPPORTED, FEEDBACK REQUESTED

No doubt, words like "secretive" and "paranoid" are strong terms. So are expressions like "politically expedient" and "dangerous to personal liberty." That said, these terms are extensively supported in the text. Additionally, links to supporting articles are provided throughout. Links to external news and opinion sources are provided. My assertions in web site content are thoroughly substantiated. Just as important, readers are encouraged to provide feedback, even if it is negative. That link is on EVERY page of the site:

http://www.perrspectives.com/aboutus/feedback.htm

3. CENSORSHIP AND SELECTIVITY

It is not sufficient that Google Adwords claims, as you say, to "diligently" review ad submissions after the fact looking for violations of its editorial guidelines or terms and conditions. By its "language that advocates against" standard, Google MUST remove legions of advertisers IMMEDIATELY. Among its current advertisers, for example, Google would have to drop major newspapers (New York Times, Washington Post), broadcast media (NPR), magazines (National Review, Christianity Today), opinion/issue advocacy sites (Values Watch, Right Review, Right Wing Conspiracy, etc,), both political parties, and even religious faiths (Catholic Church).

To cite just a few examples, Google would, as a result of its policies, have to drop:

a) The New York Times

In its June 15, 2004 issue, the Times published a column by Paul Krugman in which he called John Ashcroft "John Ashcroft is the worst attorney general in history." That certainly is "language that advocates against an individual." Will Google drop the NYT?

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/15/opinion/15KRUG.html

b) National Review

This magazine, which is advertised for sale, has a section ("Kerry Spot") dedicated to attacking John Kerry:

http://www.nationalreview.com/kerry/kerryspot.asp

c) Republican Party

The Republican Party advertises for donations using Google Adwords. GOP.com contains entire sections attacking John Kerry. No doubt the Democratic web site has mirror image content. Search for "republican national convention" and the following ad appears:

"Build a Stronger America"

Support the RNC and the President's

Compassionate Conservative agenda.

www.offeredby.net/hst/rnc

The page above is paid for by the Republican National Committee and linked to GOP.com.

d) American Catholic Church

Search for "catholic church" and you will see a host of Google ads from organizations that, like the Christianity Today" site below, have language that "advocates against" individuals or faiths.

e) Christianity Today

This magazine has articles that, for example, attack gay Americans and pro-choice advocates. For example, see "Sowing Confusion" by Charles Colson:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2003/010/32.156.html

f) Washington Post, National Public Radio

Do a search for "Ronald Reagan". You'll both The Post and NPR listed. Both contain content and commentary not particularly flattering to the late President Reagan.

g) The American Conservative

This magazine is one of your advertisers. At the link below, you will see a magazine cover depicting George Bush, Dick Cheney, Condi Rice, and Donald Rumsfeld as "pinocchios" with long noses. The cover article, "Pinocchio Presidency", uses the following language advocating against individuals and groups:

"The Bush administration lied America into war, and the damage to our credibility will be long-lasting and grave."

http://www.amconmag.com/2004_04_26/index1.html

h) Michael Moore Hates America

Sounds like a site that "advocates against an individual" to me.

http://www.michaelmoorehatesamerica.com/

Once again, I have enclosed several JPEG screen shots to thoroughly demonstrate the clear failure and uneven application of Google's "advocates against" standard.

Please understand that I am writing this email in such strong language precisely because I am a huge Google supporter. The Google Adwords policies by which my ads were rejected are more than disappointing to a long-time fan and supporter; they stifle free speech and inherently constitute censorship. By definition, they are unevenly and unequally applied, as ads are reviewed only after the fact and on an ad hoc basis. Google's is a progressive and friendly brand; these policies unfortunately jeopardize that well-earned reputation.

As a result, I see no alternatives for Google but to either (a) restore my advertisements now, or to (b) drop a host of other advertisers immediately. None of us want to see the latter happen. ertainly, none of us want to see publicity about these unfortunately and frankly unacceptable policies. I would ask that we work together to resolve this issue.

I will expect a call from a Google Support or Public Relations representative no later than Thursday, June 17.

Sincerely,

Jon Perr

-----Original Message-----

From: AdWords Support [mailto:adwords-support@google.com]

Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2004 12:42 PM

To: Jon Perr

Subject: Re: [#] Your Google AdWords Approval Status

Hello Jon,

Thank you for your email. I understand your concern that your ads were disapproved for 'Unacceptable Content'.

At this time, Google policy does not permit the advertisement of websites  that contain "language that advocates against an individual, group, or  organization". As noted in our advertising terms and conditions, we  reserve the right to exercise editorial discretion when it comes to the advertising we accept on our site. I have reviewed your site and it contains language such as 'secretive, paranoid and vengeance-filled' which we will not allow to run on our site at this time.

I understand that you would like to promote specific political opinions on your site. We are happy to allow you to run so long as these opinions do not contain language that advocates against an individual, group, or organization. I suggest that you remove these references from your website in order to run on Google.

Regarding your complaint that other advertisers are running similar campaigns, our AdWords Specialists review all of the ads in our program. However, ads may run on Google before we check them. Therefore, you may see some ads appear for a short time on Google that do not comply with our guidelines. We assure you that we are working diligently to apply the same criteria to all of our ads.

Thank you for informing us of your concern, and we appreciate your patience and understanding. Please feel free to email us at adwords-support@google.com if you have additional questions or concerns.

We look forward to providing you with the most effective advertising available.

Sincerely,

Sarah P.

The Google AdWords Team

Original Message Follows:

------------------------

From: Jon Perr

Subject: Re: Your Google AdWords Approval Status

Date: Tue, 15 Jun 2004 14:33:08 -0400

To Google Adwords Support,

I am confused and troubled with the email below, informing me that all or most of my ads for Perrspectives.com have been stopped by Google Adwords.

As someone who has been advertising a range of campaigns with Google since March, I do not understand why my current ads have been rejected and stopped. I would like an explanation and as well as an opportunity to ask you to reconsider.

In your email, you state that my ads have been rejected for the reasons of "language that advocates against an individual, group, or organization":

> The Liberal Resource

> Analysis, commentary and satire.

> Complete liberal resource center.

> www.perrspectives.com

>

> Action taken: Suspended - Pending Revision

> Issue(s): Unacceptable Content

MY QUESTION

Are you saying that:

a) The content of THE AD advocates "against an individual, group, or organization?" OR

b) The content of MY SITE advocates "against an individual, group, or organization?"

Certainly it can't be the content of the ad itself (a), which has very neutral language, and if anything, advocates FOR a given viewpoint. It certainly can't be (b), either. My site provides independent political analysis, content, commentary, humor and links. While it is generally positive towards Democratic candidates and causes, it is also frequently critical. In some cases the language is hyperbole; but these are usually satires or parodies. That this is protected speech is well established in American law cannot be disputed.

By your standard, virtually NO web site providing political opinions, viewpoints and parody would be able to advertise with Google Adwords. Many respected newspapers and opinion journals (from left and right) would be barred from advertising on Google.

Note that Google Adwords CURRENTLY features advertisements from sites

like:

- ValueWatch US (http://www.valuewatch.us/individshame.htm)

This site advocates against Democrats, liberals and progressives. The link

shown advocates by individuals by name (Ted Kennedy, Michael Moore)

- Republican Gear (http://www.republicangear.com/APPAREL.htm)

This site not only sells Republican political items, it sells items that "advocate against" individuals and organizations. ("Friends Don't Let Friends Vote Democratic", "I [Bin Laden] Want You to Vote for John Kerry")

- The Right Review (http://www.therightreview.com/ )

This particular site also "advocates against" John Kerry, Democrats and the ACLU. Please contact me as soon as possible regarding the status of my account.

I have been very pleased with the Google Adwords service to date and want to continue it. I do feel, though, that your editorial decisions are incorrect and inappropriately selective, and need to be reconsidered. It would seem that you must either restore my ads or remove perhaps hundreds of other comparable advertisers. In an election year, that can't be good PR for

Google.

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Jon Perr

----- Original Message -----

From: <adwords-support@google.com>

To: Jon Perr

Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2004 12:34 PM

Subject: Your Google AdWords Approval Status

Hello Jonathan,

Thank you for advertising with Google AdWords. After reviewing your account, I have found that one or more of your ads or keywords does not meet our guidelines. The results are outlined in the report below.

----------------------------------------------

Campaign: 'Liberal Progressive,' Ad Group: 'Liberal Resources'

----------------------------------------------

AD TEXT:

> The Liberal Resource

> Analysis, commentary and satire.

> Complete liberal resource center.

> www.perrspectives.com

>

> Action taken: Suspended - Pending Revision

> Issue(s): Unacceptable Content

> ~~~~~~~~~

>

> AD TEXT:

> The Progressive Resource

> Analysis, commentary and satire.

> Complete liberal resource center.

> www.perrspectives.com

>

> Action taken: Suspended - Pending Revision

> Issue(s): Unacceptable Content

> ~~~~~~~~~

>

> SUGGESTIONS:

-> Content: At this time, Google policy does not permit the advertisement of websites that contain "language that advocates against an individual, group, or organization", "language that advocates against an individual, group, or organization". As noted in our advertising terms and conditions, we reserve the right to exercise editorial discretion when it comes to the advertising we accept on our site.

----------------------------------------------

Campaign: 'Clinton Enron Tenet,' Ad Group: 'Enron'

----------------------------------------------

> AD TEXT:

> The Real Enron Scandal

> Liberal politics. Unique analysis.

> Caustic commentary. Stinging satire

> www.perrspectives.com

>

> Action taken: Suspended - Pending Revision

> Issue(s): Unacceptable Content

> ~~~~~~~~~

>

SUGGESTIONS:

-> Content: At this time, Google policy does not permit the advertisement of websites that contain "language that advocates against an individual, group, or organization". As noted in our advertising terms and conditions, we reserve the right to exercise editorial discretion when it comes to the advertising we accept on our site.

----------------------------------------------

> Campaign: 'Clinton Enron Tenet,' Ad Group: 'Clinton'

----------------------------------------------

>

> AD TEXT:

> Bill Clinton & More

> Liberal politics. Unique analysis.

> Caustic commentary. Stinging satire

> www.perrspectives.com

>

> Action taken: Suspended - Pending Revision

> Issue(s): Unacceptable Content

> ~~~~~~~~~

>

SUGGESTIONS:

-> Content: At this time, Google policy does not permit the advertisement of websites that contain "language that advocates against an individual, group, or organization". As noted in our advertising terms and conditions, we reserve the right to exercise editorial discretion when it comes to the advertising we accept on our site.

> ---------------------

Please read below for definitions of the issues I found:

Unacceptable Content: Google believes strongly in freedom of expression and therefore offers broad access to content across the web without censoring search results. Please note that the decisions we make concerning advertising in no way affect the search results we deliver.

---------------------

If a keyword has been disapproved, your ad(s) will no longer be displayed for searches on this keyword.

If an ad has been suspended, please edit it based on our suggestions, and then save your changes to automatically resubmit the ad for review.

We're confident that these changes will improve your ad performance and increase your return on investment.

Our goal is to help you reach your target audience and maximize your investment. All ads are reviewed by AdWords Specialists to ensure that our advertisers create successful, high-impact advertising in keeping with our program's Editorial Guidelines.

For more information about our ad requirements, please read the AdWords Editorial Guidelines at:

https://adwords.google.com/select/guidelines.html

Please feel free to email us at adwords-support@google.com if you have any further questions or concerns. We look forward to providing you with the most effective advertising available.

Sincerely,

The Google AdWords Team