Does google adsense improve ranking?

Well, the difference is that Google may do whatever they want in their ads. If shakes wants to use images, each image must be bordered so as to not be confused with ads.

But don't just listen to me, of course. I just know it's a bad idea.

We've already covered the image issue on several other sites. Just so you have the border, you're fine.

Originally Posted by Keith Cohen

As long as you have a border (even the slightest of borders) separating the images and the ads, it's completely within their TOS.

Google has even started having their own images embedded in their Leaderboard ads beside text ads.

If you haven't seen them, here's a sample:

Forumtrends » New Adsense Ad Units with Images

so I should probably just put a border around my image like googles huh?

Since yours is on a black background, I would just put a dark gray vertical border between your images and your ads.

(Also, your style breaks at 1024 screen width. At 1280 it looks good though.)

Originally Posted by Keith Cohen

(Also, your style breaks at 1024 screen width. At 1280 it looks good though.)

Here's what I meant:

yea, thank Keith... I knew I had that problem.

I've got to design a adbar there that fits.

Originally Posted by Keith Cohen

As long as you have a border (even the slightest of borders) separating the images and the ads, it's completely within their TOS.

Google has even started having their own images embedded in their Leaderboard ads beside text ads.

If you haven't seen them, here's a sample:

Forumtrends » New Adsense Ad Units with Images

Can you count this one as another sample?

Did You Know... - MsXLabs Organization

no, those images aren't served from google-- they are served by you.

Sorry, i'm referring this statement:

As long as you have a border (even the slightest of borders) separating the images and the ads, it's completely within their TOS.

I'll publish the ads that way for the next 24 hours to see the results.

oh, sorry.. i mis-read.

you do have a white border there, so i'd say its legal.

if in doubt, it can't hurt to ask google. they are kind when you ask first.