Hello Bing: Google AdWord policy changes

When introduced on June 3, 2009, Microsoft Bing was no competition for Google.  That was three years ago, now Bing returns search results on par with Google (or better).  Bing's policy reasonable prohibits only illegal items and can be viewed at http://advertising.microsoft.com/small-business/search-advertising/bing-shopping .


Today I am switching my browser's default search to Bing. I know this is not likely to change Google's policy, but maybe we can prevent other search engines from adopting Google's misguided policy.

I believe Google's policy decisions on AdWords for alcohol and tobacco products are reasonable, however firearms are a constitutionally protected category.  I am disappointed that Google has marginalized the recreational shooting and hunting community.

Below is a condensed version of the new policy available at http://support.google.com/adwordspolicy/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=176077 .

Google AdWords doesn't allow the promotion of weapons or devices designed to cause serious harm or injury. The promotion of weapons includes guns, gun parts or hardware, ammunition, [and] knives.  We've created this policy to comply with legal regulations.

Product	Allowed?	Details
Guns	Not allowed	Google doesn't allow the promotion of guns, such as pistols, rifles, BB guns, sporting guns, air guns, and blow guns.
Gun parts or hardware	Not allowed	Google doesn't allow the promotion of gun parts or hardware, such as clips, magazines, receivers, stocks, barrels, buttplates, grips, mount, forends, handguards, gun springs, and gun triggers.
Ammunition	Not allowed	Google doesn't allow the promotion of ammunition, such as blank ammunition, high capacity magazines (that can hold more than 10 rounds), silencers, and converters.
Knives	Not allowed	Google doesn't allow the promotion of knives, such as butterfly knives (balisongs) and switchblades, in addition to disguised knives, such as air gauge, belt buckle, lipstick case and writing pen knives.
Stun guns and tasers	Allowed*	Google allows the promotion of stun guns and tasers.
Holsters	Allowed	Google allows the promotion of this product.
Rifle/gun scopes, scope mounts, and laser sights	Allowed	Google allows the promotion of this product.
Kitchen knives	Allowed	Google allows the promotion of this product.
Non-weapon hunting accessories	Allowed	Google allows the promotion of this product.
Gun ranges	Allowed	Google allows the promotion of this service.