They are voluntary, so usage is optional, and they are guidelines, so publishers may choose to alter them slightly to best fit their needs. I think it is helpful, albeit unintentionally so, that AdRelevance has published what is in effect, a benchmark study, and I know that we in the industry who understand the process understand that it will take months for us to get a clear picture of the usage and effect of these units. Recognizing that the face of online advertising is changing, new formats and the evolution of existing formats will continue, the IAB Ad Unit Task Force will meet every six months to survey the landscape and make new recommendations, or change existing recommendations. About the IAB Founded in 1996, the IAB is the industry's leading online advertising association. Its activities include evaluating and recommending standards and practices, fielding research to document the effectiveness of the online medium and educating the advertising industry about the use of online advertising.
Membership includes companies that are actively engaged in the sale of Internet advertising.