Rumors that Google will allow image ad units on its main search page have Google execs up in arms, according to MediaPost (via MediaBuyerPlanner). Marissa Mayer, VP of search products and user experience for Google, wrote on the Google Blog: "There will not be crazy, flashy, graphical doodads flying and popping up all over the Google site. Ever."
Her post was in response to recent speculations that the Google-AOL deal, which gives AOL $3 million in advertising on Google sites, might also mean that display ads might be allowed on Google search pages, as well.
Mayer also addressed concerns that the AOL deal would bias search results in favor of AOL content. She wrote, "No way. Providing great search is the core of what we do. Business partnerships will never compromise the integrity or objectivity of our search results. If a partner's page ranks high, it's because they have a good answer to your search, not because of their business relationship with us."
