Hoosier-powered search engine Chacha is turning to an unlikely source to fund its already cozy deal with Indiana University. Chacha is introducing Google AdSense ads to the university's search results. ChaCha already features both Google and Yahoo ads as sponsored links, on its public search, but until recently IU had a strict policy against advertising:

In general, IU restricts the ability to place advertising on [university] websites. This policy allows IU to present a comprehensive and recognizable visual identity on the Internet without interference from external source providers.

A wise policy for a publicly funded institution. But IU's executive leadership, which includes former ChaCha leadership, has been all too happy to bend rules for ChaCha. Why should ads be any different?

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