Yay! Adsense now has ad blocking by category!

Block ads related to a sensitive topicYou can block ads from categories related to sensitive topics such as Religion, Politics, and References to Sex and Sexuality. Sensitive category blocking is available for ads in a limited set of languages, regardless of the language of the site.Block a general group of adsYou can block ads from general categories such as Apparel, Internet, Real Estate, and Vehicles. General category blocking is available for ads in a limited set of languages, regardless of the language of the site.

Source: AdSense guide to allowing and blocking ads on your site – Google AdSense Help

I remember when I first started with Adsense. I was so happy. That happiness was shattered when I started seeing ads for skin lighteners and cults. When I told them a long time ago that I was taking down their ads and why, they weren’t listening. Now they’ve improved.

I don’t know. I’m debating with myself. On the one hand, this seems like a move in the right direction, but on the other, they’re coddling fascists again on YouTube. I understand YouTube management specifically might be the problem, but Google owns them, so they’re ultimately responsible for YouTube turning into a hub of fascists where the only content from marginalized communities that is allowed are things that entertain or confirm the stereotypes held by them.

I have noticed that Africans and diasporans who talk seriously about racism but don’t cater to the “conservative” American crowd with enough misogynoir and strife to make them comfortable, get very little promotion through the algorithm, but have a Black woman cooking in the village and it’s millions of views. Kinda disturbing. Granted, I do enjoy the village cooking videos. I learn a lot. I’m not saying they’re bad. It’s just that when this is getting more play and promotion than a hot, curvy Jamaican woman snorkeling in short shorts, something is weird. You know it’s that the Jamaican snorkeler is traveling and living her best life, and therefore intimidating and triggering for certain people.

So I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’m doing fine without Adsense, not that small sites ever made or make much from them. It might be a nice passive income to put some change in the bank (I think folks are averaging maybe $500 per month or less if you get around 5-10K views or something). I just don’t know if having automated ads is worth it. There was a time when it was useful, but now it seems more stable to get sponsorships from businesses you trust.

I’ll do some more digging. I’m thinking it’s still a no, but we’ll see.

IronWynch

My pronouns are whatever you're comfortable with as long as you speak to me with respect. I'm an Afruikan and Iswa refugee living in Canaan. That's African American expat in Israel in Normalian. I build websites, make art, and assist people in exercising their spirituality. I'm also the king of an ile, Baalat Teva, a group of African spirituality adherents here. Feel free to contact me if you are in need of my services or just want to chat.

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