The other day we reported that YPN allows relevant images near the ads, and we even showed you a script to auto generate relevant images to be placed next to these ads. The thing is, it now appears that Yahoo! may be more strict about image placement next to the ads, when compared to Google AdSense.
YahooSarah posted and official reply in the thread we originally covered. She said, and I quote;
All,After reading the discussion on this thread, I wanted to clear up the issues around images and Yahoo ads.
Bottom line: Images next to ads are not allowed in YPN unless there is a clear distinction between the images and ads.
Specifically from our guidelines: • The user must be able to tell the difference between the Ad Unit and other content on the publisher's page. • The Ad Unit cannot be obscured in any way • The Ad Unit must be clearly labeled as "Ads by Yahoo!" and this label should not be confused with other advertising or links on the publisher's page. • Images or other media cannot be associated with the Ad Unit. • The Ad Page must not actively encourage users to click on Ad Units.
Hope this clears up the confusion. Feel free to send me an email if you have questions. Thanks YahooSarah
From this response, I would not be as carefree, as one would be, when placing images near your YPN ads. It appears Yahoo! Publisher Network is more strict than Google AdSense on this method of increasing ad visibility and clicks.
Images next to ads are not allowed in YPN unless there is a clear distinction between the images and ads.
Forum discussion at DigitalPoint Forums.