Googles new advertisment service Google AdSense was launched this week, and I have had the chance to test it for a couple of days, and I must say I am very impressed.

It seems natural to asume that this new service from Google is based on technology they aquired when buying Applied Semantics and their AdSense software (among other technologies).

The system promises to do for advertisment what Google has done for web search, that is - revolutionize it! The technology for placing appropriate ads on web pages based on the content on the pages is really good, the system really manages to do its job placing highly targeted ads based on content on the pages.

I have been testing Google AdSense at Flashmagazine.com for a few days now, and there we see a click-through rate of 4%, which is really impressive. The only other text ads system I know of with simular results is Googles own ads placements on their search results. Something tells me AdSense will become a block-buster advertisement channel. I would love to see the total statistics for ads served and click-through rate of the whole system.

What is even more impressive with Google AdSense is that they have opened the program to small sites. Almost any site can participate. But as always, there are limitations, so take a look at their program policies to see if your site will be approved into the program.

Among the limitations are that no personal pages are allowed into the program, which makes it hard for bloggers to know if they are allowed into the program. SearchEngineWatch writes:

"In general, we're looking for at this stage web sites with more standardized content," Wojcicki said. "Blogs are an example of a gray area, and we will review them on a case-by-case basis to see if they fit our network."

This will be a difficult area for Google, because blogging tools aren't just used by those wishing to express personal views. Some use them simply because they are an easier way to publish a web site focused on a particular topic.

Personally I see that my site is in that exact grey area. While my blog is listed as a Flash blog in many circumstances, and is heavy on technology it is also filled with my own personal perspective on other un-related areas.

More information about AdSense:
Google AdSense FAQ
SearchEngineWatch: Google Expands Contextual Ad Placement Program To Small Sites
Daypop: Adsense
GoogleGuy Says also has a lot of info on AdSense

MT just killed an entry I had been working on for 30 minutes. Will try to re-write. And at the same time see if Opera is as forgetful as Internet Explorer.

[Update] Yes, it seems like Opera is the better browser for blogging. It does NOT forget postings if something goes wrong. Opera is as always highly recommended, just have to start remembering my own recommendations ;-)

BTW: Even got to work a little on implementing a spell checker in Opera. Found a spell checker that uses Spellchecker.net, works great, and utilizes the power of Opera's highly extendible and accessible interface. (Its really amazing how easy it is to add stuff to Opera!).

Well, OK. Maybe the fact that Spellcheck.net chokes on URLs is a considerable minus. Hm, any good ideas on good spell checkers or services for Opera welcome!