Hubpages Ad Program terminated

1. 76

   PNWtravelsposted 8 years ago

   I am a transplanted Squidoo writer who is still learning the ropes on Hubpages and still in the process of getting all of my pages rewritten to meet Hubpages standards.  Today I received a message that said "We regret to inform you that due to irregularities in your account's traffic, we have decided to terminated your participation in the HubPages Ad Program".
   
   Does anyone know what "irregularities" this would be referring to and what can I do to correct the problem to be eligible to participate in the ad program again?  (I don't use any traffic generation programs or anything like that - just an occasional link to my hubs on the usual social networking sites like facebook, pinterest or google+).
   
   I'd appreciate any help understanding and correcting the problem.
   
   Thank you
   Vicki Green

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   1. 72

      Elsie Hagleyposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I have no idea what "irregularities" it refers to.
      I'm adding this reply as I'm a ex Squidoo transfer, and will be interested myself.
      Wishing you a Happy New Year.

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   2. 73

      relacheposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      From the HubPages TOS,
      By electing to run the HubPages Earnings Program on Your Hubs, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
      
      Your approval and acceptance into the HubPages Earnings Program is in HubPages’ sole discretion
      HubPages may suspend or remove the HubPages Earnings Program or any part thereof (including Your participation in it) at any time, in HubPages’ sole discretion
      
      That is the part of the TOS that says you agreed that they can kick you out at any time without telling you why.  However, if you contact the admin team directly, maybe they will say something.
      
      Please note, they will never discuss any individual account issues like this in the public forums (meaning here).

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      1. 76

         PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you - I was posting here wondering if this had ever happened to anyone else and for advice about what might have caused it to happen and if it happened to anyone else, what can be done to fix it.  Other than replying to the email, I didn't know where to go for answers or help besides here.

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            colorfuloneposted 8 years agoin reply to this

            This thread would have gotten proper attention by now if it was in Ad Problems on HubPages Discussions.
            Here http://hubpages.com/forum/category/2997

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            1. 76

               PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

               Thank you - I didn't see that - not that familiar with the forums here yet.

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         2. 73

            relacheposted 8 years agoin reply to this

            See the tiny link in the uppermost, right-hand corner of the page which reads "help?"
            
            You go there for anything admin-related.

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            1. 76

               PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

               I tried that, but the tree just took me to applying for the HubPages Ad Program and when I tried to re-apply, I just got a message that I'd been terminated from the program.  A circle to nowhere!

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   3. 89

      Marisa Wrightposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I'm so sorry to hear that has happened.   The good news is that unlike Adsense, HubPages will usually give you an explanation if you ask.   It's the holidays so they may be short-staffed by now but I'd be hopeful they will give you a reply.   
      
      If you don't hear from them in a few days, send another email to team @ hubpages asking the question, as sometimes emails get lost in their system.   I do wish they'd set up a proper support ticket system!

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      1. 76

         PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks!

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   4. 49

      Doodleheadposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Be glad forum is not run by Google as you would have no chance of learning what caused the problem.   My guess is too many clicks happened and they are blaming you for this.

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      1. 76

         PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

         So true!  I have a heck of a time with anything Google - their instructions always confuse me.  I guess I'm not high-tech enough to understand their language!

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      peachpurpleposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Maybe your traffic is low, do you get at least a hundred view per day for all hubs

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   6. 0

      blake4dposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I received the same thing. The letter says:
      
      "We regret to inform you that due to irregularities in your account's traffic, we have decided to terminate your participation in the HubPages Ad Program. You will be paid your final Ad Program earnings within 60 days if your Earnings Program balance is at least $5.00.
      
      This does not affect your account status on HubPages, so your ability to publish and earn from your Hubs through other affiliate partners has not necessarily been impacted.
      
      We appreciate your understanding in this matter."
      
      It is weird because it hasn't impacted or changed my active status with Google. Not sure what to do about it.

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      1. 76

         PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

         So sorry to hear - I haven't got a clear answer on what "irregularities" means or what could be done to prevent them.  I've been madly trying to update my pages, and check for broken links and thin down the number of Amazon products, eBay items and affiliate links (like Zazzle and All Posters) that were allowed on Squidoo, but are not allowed on HubPages.  I have no time to try to engage in illicit activities even if I knew how!

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   7. 88

      Cardisaposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      "Irregularities" would most likely mean unusual traffic sources, clicks or traffic exchange websites. You can ask team HP exactly what it means and they will provide you the details.
      
      I hope that's not the case. You should check your account page to make sure this is the case. Go to your account page, click on the earnings tab. In the Ad program, look if it says active or inactive. If it says inactive then you know it's for real.

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   8. 96

      PegCole17posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      This is the first time I've heard of this happening. I hope when you find out the reason that you'll keep us informed. It would seem like they would send out a warning of "irregular" traffic activity or whatever before they cut your account off completely. How about a chance to fix what's gone wrong?
      Very strange...
      Have you checked under traffic sources to see if there is a surge in traffic from one place?

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      1. 76

         PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

         It would be nice to have a warning and a chance to fix, if it is something I can fix.  Most of my traffic seems to be coming from Pinterest.

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2. 0

   Lorelei Cohenposted 8 years ago

   I am so sorry to hear this Vicki. That would be devastating news to receive. Have you noticed any irregularities in your traffic stats when you look into them? Maybe that will give you a clue as to what is going on and where to go to from this point forward.

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   1. 76

      PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      As I have been steadily (but slowly) updating my former Squidoo lenses I usually notice a little increase in traffic, but have no idea what would be considered "irregularities".

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   paradigmsearchposted 8 years ago

   That is scary!!! Does WMT have any notes about manual actions by Google?

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   1. 76

      PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Sorry I don't know what WMT is - I'm still such a newbie.

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         paradigmsearchposted 8 years agoin reply to this

         Are there any suspicious website names or activity at http://hubpages.com/my/hubs/traffic-sources

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         1. 76

            PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

            The majority are from Pinterest, but most of these would be forwarded from my old Squidoo links on Pinterest since I haven't added any since my content was moved to HubPages.  Unless they've been pinned recently by other people.   There are a couple of odd webpages here and there, but they are only generating a very small amount of traffic - a handful of views over the course of the last 30 days..

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         TIMETRAVELER2posted 8 years agoin reply to this

         WMT stands for Google Web Master Tools.  If I were you I would email the team and ask them what it is you need to correct...this sounds too vague to me.  If you don't know what it is, how are you supposed to fix it??

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         1. 76

            PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

            Thank you!

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4. 81

   2besureposted 8 years ago

   This is very frustrating.  I hope you can get things straightened out.

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   1. 76

      PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Me too!  So far I've really appreciated the very helpful information provided by Hubpages about lenses that have been copied, are considered overly promotional by Hubpages standards, have too many affiliate links, broken links, etc, but this email stunned me since I have no idea what these "irregularities" might be or how to correct the problem.

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5. 76

   PNWtravelsposted 8 years ago

   Thanks Elsie - happy new year to you, too!

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6. 93

   Phyllis Doyleposted 8 years ago

   It could be that HubPages detected clicks on ads in your hubs that may seem like someone (or more people) are clicking on your ads only to help your earnings go up. That is the only thing I can think of that would be defined as "irregularities".

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   1. 76

      PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I certainly haven't clicked on any of my own ads and have never suggested to anyone else to do so either.  Most of the traffic on my most heavily visited hubs comes from Pinterest.  I haven't pinned anything myself on Pinterest  since my Squidoo pages were moved to Hubpages.

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      1. 76

         PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

         I checked my dashboard and it also indicates that I have been terminated from the HP Ad program.

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            rebekahELLEposted 8 years agoin reply to this

            I would send an email to team@hubpages.com and put Terminated From Ad Program Inquiry in the subject heading.  If you have no idea what they're referring to, I'm sure they can clarify it for you and possibly give recourse.  If you add a link to your thread, it may help also. I hope you get it worked out.
            
            EDIT: I didn't see your reply above that you responded to their message.  I would still send a separate message.

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         2. 93

            Phyllis Doyleposted 8 years agoin reply to this

            I am sure you have not clicked on your own ads PMW. - it is most likely a quirk in the system.  It is sad this has happened. I hope this issue gets resolved in a positive way for you and soon.

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            1. 76

               PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

               I'm having enough trouble finding time to update all of my Squidoo pages  and send DMCA notices for the ones that have been copied  (They seem to multiply like rabbits!)  I certainly don't have time to waste clicking on ads. Thank you for your reply!

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7. 86

   rebekahELLEposted 8 years ago

   How did you receive the message?  Are you sure it's from HP Headquarters?

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8. 80

   colorfuloneposted 8 years ago

   hope there is away for you to correct this.
   
   Are you able to reply to that email?

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   1. 76

      PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I did reply to the email, but haven't heard anything back.
      Thank you for the comment.

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         colorfuloneposted 8 years agoin reply to this

         Sorry you haven't gotten a response yet from someone at HP HQ.
         It sure would be good to know what exactly is the problem here.

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         1. 76

            PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

            I have gotten a response, but it is very vague and doesn't really explain what the "irregularities" are and no answer to the question of whether or not there is anything I can do to be reinstated in the program.

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               Marisa Wrightposted 8 years agoin reply to this

               Can you quote the reply so we can try to interpret it for you?

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               1. 76

                  PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

                  It was just basically a restatement of the original email "you were banned from the ad program for irregular traffic".

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9. 68

   Dressage Husbandposted 8 years ago

   The usual reason for irregularities is massive amounts of clicks from one source. In this case it could be whoever has been copying your Hubs/Lenses. They may be trying to get you banned so that they benefit from all your hard work and the articles they have stolen. This is known as click bombing, I would hope that HP are aware that this can happen and you should definitely get help from team@hubpages.com and if that fails try contacting Paul Edmonson direct using his Email from his profile. I have found he is approachable fair, and will listen before he reacts in any way. He is a kind man.

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10. 76

    PNWtravelsposted 8 years ago

    Thank you for the suggestions. 
    
    I've been getting the majority of high volume traffic from Pinterest - especially on a couple of my pages that get the most traffic.  These pages have always gotten a lot of traffic via Pinterest even when they were on Squidoo, so nothing has really changed.  However, both are somewhat seasonal, so this is the first year they've been Hubs.  They always have a lot of traffic at Christmas time and then it tapers off.
    
    It would seem to be really unfair to be removed from the HubPages Ad program for a lot of traffic from Pinterest that since HubPages has a "Pin it" button on each of our pages encouraging anyone to pin the page.  From there anyone can Re-pin so we really have no control over how much traffic is generated. 
    
    One of the two Hubs with the most Pinterest traffic has been copied.  I have submitted a DMCA request, but the copied material hasn't been removed yet.

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    1. 68

       Dressage Husbandposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       One thing I did was change all my Pinterest links to be direct to the Hubpages article. That caused both an increase in traffic and my Hubber rank to increase. It seems that a lot of redirects does hurt your rank in both Google's and HP's eyes for some reason. Doing that may help and it definitely will not hurt.

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       1. 76

          PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

          That's probably a good idea.  I'll start doing that as soon as I finish getting my old Squidoo lenses up to HubPages standards.  Of course it won't help the 1000s of repins I've gottten from all of my old pins. I haven't posted anything on Pinterest since August but average over 100 repins per day from my pins.  I have no idea how many re- repins from there, but according to the stats I get a huge amount of traffic to some of my HubPages from Pinterest.

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11. 86

    Shades-of-truthposted 8 years ago

    Oh, Vickie, that is awful. I cannot imagine how that email hit you.
    
    Question - did you copy and paste that message? If so, their email has a typo in it, which doesn't sound like an HP email. It says, in your original post - "We have decided to terminated your participation..." when it should say - "We have decided to terminate your participation..."
    
    If you copied and pasted it, it seems odd there would be such a glaring typo.

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    1. 76

       PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       That was my typo - not copied from the email.

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          Shades-of-truthposted 8 years agoin reply to this

          Rats! I was hoping it was indicative of a bogus email.
          
          Please do let us know what you find out. I hope it is simply another glitch!

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12. 0

    Lorelei Cohenposted 8 years ago

    I noticed in another forum thread that traffic numbers are crazy today and many people are seeing double traffic numbers. Cross fingers maybe this has something to do with it. http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/127646

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13. 73

    amazonrusposted 8 years ago

    Wow, that must really suck for you all.
    Sometimes, the hammer is hammered on the wrong person.
    This is life.
    Move on.
    Hubpages is not the only place to earn money.
    If you love writing, people are willing to pay $10 for an article.

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14. 93

    LongTimeMotherposted 8 years ago

    Hi Vicki. I just read your hub about what dogs do when they are home alone. Loved it ... so I voted appropriately, and shared it as well.
    
    If the rest of your 100 hubs are as interesting that one, I will have to read more. lol.
    
    I do wonder if perhaps your multiple photos (uninterrupted by text) might have set off some kind of trigger ... but I'm sure if any team member were to look at that hub, they'd see how engaging it actually is - and override any automatic alarm.
    
    Can't speak for the rest of your hubs, but I really enjoyed that one! Please write to the team again ... and perhaps copy and paste my positive feedback in your email. (Hopefully a few other hubbers might take a look at other hubs and tell you what they think as well.)
    
    I vote PNWTravels receive the support she needs to get reinstated to the HP Ad program! Anyone else care to join me?
    
    LTM

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    1. 76

       PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you so much for your kind comments and support.

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       aesta1posted 8 years agoin reply to this

       LTM, I definitely am with you. Sorry about what happened PNWTravels. I hope this get resolved soon or, at least, you get an explanation.

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          PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

          Thank you.  I've been communicating with the team at HubPages, but so far a very vague explanation.

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15. 72

    Elsie Hagleyposted 8 years ago

    Just had a look at your hub about "Winter flowers in my garden". Very nice.
    There was adds on the hub, so it hasn't been terminated yet.
    
    Hope all has been sorted out.

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       Marisa Wrightposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Elsie, ads show on Hubs even if the Hubber is enrolled in the program, because HubPages needs to make money too!

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          Elsie Hagleyposted 8 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks Marisa, I just learnt something new. I didn't know that.

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    2. 76

       PNWtravelsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you Elsie!

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