Inside Google AdWords reports that there is new level of detail in its metrics reports, namely, a separation between the numbers for Google ad campaigns and campaigns run on Google’s search partners. This is good news.
I like this level of detail because now you can see what your ads on the Content Network, Ask.com, AOL, and other websites that Google partners with are doing versus those run on Google SERPs. This is the way it should be. The next step is the ability to opt out of the search partner side of advertising without opting out of the Content Network.
If you see that you are achieving greater conversions through Google SERPs than you are through the Content Network, but that AOL and Ask.com are a close second then you should be able to opt out of the Content Network without opting out of AOL or Ask.com. I do like that you can see your performance in the Content Network exclusive of Google’s search partners.
I haven’t seen anything that makes me believe you now have the ability to opt out of one aspect of advertising without affecting other placements, but I am keeping my eyes open. This is a good first step, however.
I think you might be mistaken. The Search Partners ARE Ask, AOL, etc. The content network is basically any site using Adsense.
http://adwords.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=6119
You can opt out of the search partners on the campaign level, just like you can opt out of content.
That’s what I said, though it might not have been made clear. Sorry for the confusion.