Beginning last week of August, Google will be retiring the AdSense Referrals program. If you are still running those ads on your website, you should start removing/replacing the ads code and download the report to your desktop.

By that time, the code will no longer work and leave a blank space in your website. Google is suggesting these alternatives, but the 2nd point makes more sense for current Adsense publisher.

• Google Adsense for content ad - This is the common Adsense ads. Do NOT put more ads, If you have reached the maximum numbers of ads allowed (3 ads per page).
• Google Referral Networks - This is the new ads network from Google and the obvious reason why Google is retiring Adsense Referral ads.

Google has acquired the DoubleClick Performics Affiliate operations in March 2008. Together, they’re creating new opportunities for monetization, expansion, and innovation in affiliate marketing.

Performics was founded as the first full-service affiliate network in 1998 and was acquired by DoubleClick in 2004. Today, Performics Affiliate operates as Google Affiliate Network and remains committed to delivering affiliate channel growth for advertisers and publishers.

Personally, Google’s decision is not really impacting me, since I only earn a few bucks ever since I put up their referral code. It’s there since I can’t put more Adsense’s content ads on the page.

I’m gonna register and play around with Google Affiliate Network to see what it is offering. The reminder shows up on the Adsense Setup page as well, to remind your for the same thing.