I was checking some URLs this morning and I happened across a rather interesting approach to earning Google Referral dollars. Apparently, the “folks” at Folk Nation have decided that they only want people who earn them money from Google to enter their site:

The Folk Nation Front Page (click to view full size)

So THATS how you make sure people click on your referral links!

For those who can’t see the images, the message reads:

In order to view Folks.org you must download Google Pack. Go to the Google banner link below and download Google Pack for free. Email us at firefox@folks.org when you have downloaded Google Pack. We will give you directions on how to enter Folks.org with your new Google Pack. Much respect.

Now I don’t know if this violates Google usage guidelines because you are permitted to encourage people to click on referral buttons. But is this really what Google had in mind? And even if it’s a legitimate use of Google Referrals, is it ethical?

I’d be curious to see what kind of content is waiting behind the Folk Nation front page. I have no idea what the site is about. And there’s no way I’d ever download the Google Pack from a place that holds their content hostage in exchange for referral dollars. Hopefully other people don’t either. But I’d be surprised if this tactic didn’t work out for them on occasion.

What would Google say about this usage of their referral program?