A few interesting stories make the presses today...

1. Google funds terrorism!

Or so you'd think from the headlines. A story about clickbot networks in PPC fraud that mentioned illicit groups profiting from it - got mixed in as a terrorism story.

According to Jerry Schoemaker (Shoemoney) [blog post now removed?], reporters have been fielding questions all day about the terrorism aspect - as the PPC fraud/clickbot story just isn't sexy enough to sell. Apparently.


2. Google does Arbitrage

Speaking of which, Google's recent changes to PPC quality scoring sees Shoemoney and Michael Gray (Graywolf) interviewed in Forbes.

Interesting to read where it states this is a:

"new Google policy to wipe out questionable advertisers who are raking in millions while sending users to worthless Web sites".

No prizes for guessing which advertiser is profiting from these "worthless websites". Does this mean Google are cleaning up Adsense algorithmically?


3. And now the Adsense tips

Barry Schwatrz does his usual job of doodling words during SES conferences - this time during a session where Jen Slegg (Jensense) and Shoemoney (again!) give out some pretty neat tips on maximising revenue from Adsense.


4. Oh, Danny boy what a show

Speaking of SES, Danny Sullivan is launching a rival search engine conference circuit - and it looks like the SEO old-guard are following him into it.

If you need a partner to go with, feel free to contact Google...


5. Safety first

Bad news now - seriously. CNET editor James Kim has been found dead, but his family is safe. He went to get help after the car got stuck in a snowstorm.

RC Jordan reminds us of safety procedures.


6. Yahoo! touched down

And Yahoo!'s woes continue - NFL star Tom Brady says Yahoo! used his image without permission to endorse their slice of the $4 billion fantasy football market.

Not many "search engine sued" stories have merit, but this could be one of the damaging ones...


7. London touch down

Speaking of damage, London see's a rare touchdown - a small tornado running through the UK capital, damaging more than 150 houses.

That's the news today. :)