Ask Getting Into Contextual Ads

Ask.com is planning on launching a contextual advertising program (in the AdSense mold) late next month. Initially, the service will only run on IAC-owned websites (of which there are a ton), but it will be opened to independent publishers most likely in the fall, according to Barry, who also says:
The publishers will have two unique features that are not currently available in the Google AdSense and Yahoo Publisher Network. Publishers will be able to set “page yield thresholds” and set “relevancy thresholds.” There will be levers to allow publisher to determine if they want higher paying ads or if they want more relevant ads with these levers. In addition, the ads will be unique from that of Google and Yahoo ads. Ask told me that they will allow “very customized” interfaces for the contextual ads; such as customized backgrounds and graphics.

Expect to see it the week of May 21. […]

Original post by Nathan Weinberg