Serious Message From Google - Please Read

[Sage Tech]

It has been reported to me, that previously members were being requested to click adverts purely for the sake of aiding Host Matrix.

Google has informed us that this in fact does not aid Host Matrix in any way and is actually considered to be fraud. Please ignore any previous requests to click on Google ads as a matter of donation.

If you are interested in the product that is being advertised by all means follow an Ad but do NOT click for the sake of it. I know that previously you were asked to do this, I have been informed by Google that we were in breech of Terms and Conditions and must stop this activity with immediate affect.

Fortunately Google has not closed our account, though it could justifiably have done so. For the time being we have taken the precaution of removing all ads from the forums, they may return at some point in the future.

I sincerely apologise to the people who were requested to click adverts, I am sure that this was done out of misunderstanding rules rather than a blatant attempt to mislead advertisers.

If anybody requires clarification on this I will be open to question here in the forums or via PM.

Google have asked me to post a link that explains about invalid clicks (https://google.com/adsense/glossary#i)

[mck9235]

Well when exactly will the ads be back up? Hmm, well it's good we finally got this cleared up, I never realized it was so serious. (fraud).

EDIT: Well pity you don't know what I edited out. :P :P

[Sage Tech]

Originally posted by mck9235@Feb 15 2005, 10:28 PM
Well when exactly will the ads be back up, isn't this HM's only source of revenue? Hmm, well it's good we finally got this cleared up, I never realized it was so serious. (fraud).
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I hope we can put the ads up again soon, but need to be sure that everybody is aware that previous instructions were mislead.

Yes you are right about revenue, HM is now purely being run off funds put aside for future investment, though at present this is no course for concern.

[DOTL]

Originally posted by Sage Tech@Feb 15 2005, 11:38 PM
I hope we can put the ads up again soon, but need to be sure that everybody is aware that previous instructions were mislead.

Yes you are right about revenue, HM is now purely being run off funds put aside for future investment, though at present this is no course for concern.
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Thats good, Just keep us informed on how best to support HM. I know I benefit for this place alot so anything I can do I will sure try.

David B)

[Sage Tech]

Originally posted by LOGD@Feb 15 2005, 11:36 PM
Thats good, Just keep us informed on how best to support HM. I know I benefit for this place alot so anything I can do I will sure try.

David B)
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Thanks, LOGD. Keep as you are, being an active and helpful member of this community and we'll do just fine :D

[Youpo]

Yeah. As long as you don't force us too. That would be okay.

[Sage Tech]

Originally posted by Canada1824@Feb 15 2005, 11:13 PM
So let me clear this, People click on ads, ads are the fraud. They aren't the real google ads. Or is this totally differnet? I wonder
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The problem was people being asked to click on ads. It is fraudulent for a webmaster to influence the clicking of adverts, if people want to click that is fine but if they are doing it under instruction with no regard for the advertiser then problems do arise.

Try to think about it from the advertisers point of view whom are paying for the clicks and visitors

[Teelo]

How can I make it so admins can't send emails to me through the forums?

In phpBB there is an option called something like "Don't allow administrators to send emails to you".

[Tim]

Originally posted by Teelo@Feb 16 2005, 02:59 PM
How can I make it so admins can't send emails to me through the forums?

In phpBB there is an option called something like "Don't allow administrators to send emails to you".
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See here: http://www.hostmatrix.org/forum/index.php?act=UserCP&CODE=02

However, there are certain times when the admin can choose to bypass this setting (like he did this time), so that everyone will get the message, in case it's important.

[dumbass crew]

On Geeks topic about "spyware" I clicked on an ad because i want to and i was unaware that there were anything telling me, and i just downloaded some spyware protection because of it!