Hi, Took over a new directory yesterday, its got over 3200 links to approve. OMG. What woud you do/recommend? I have not the time to hand check them, they are free links. Ive had 38 more link requests since 1am!! I need to change the directory to paid pronto!? Cheers all, Steve
Not being a directory owner im not sure what to advise but it seems the directory is getting a good amount of visits and submissions at least, hopefully their not mostly junk submissions. There was a group of directories where they, for some reason had decided to dump something like 2000 submissions, like they couldn't be bothered, well recently they announced that they are open to new submissions again but i was already put off by the fact that they trashed so much in the past.
I'd make it paid right-a-away (atleast for a short time). Then start going through the submissions at a rate of maybe 50 a day. I'm not a directory owner, but I think 3200 sites will take you a while to go through. if you make it paid, you can look right-away at paid submission, and then look over 50 or so of the others a day, until you catch up.
Guys, No way I can go through 3400 links, not worth my time sadly. I will think on solutions. Meanwhile, I have gone to paid only listings today but they are still flooding in (without paying). About 60 requests so far today, every few minutes another one. Is there a way in phpld to only make the listing request submission successful if payment is made? Thanks, Steve
it seems those submissions are automated, by bots or some scripts. You should enable the Verification Code on Submit A Site Page, it may prevent the automated submissions. Also, i would suggest you to make it paid directory, in this way you could generate some easy cash.
If you get a lot of automated submissions - that seems quite likely - you definitely need a CAPTCHA: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAPTCHA HTH, cheers!
I am having a similar probem, the majority of links being submitted get sent to paypal, but the submitter never pays. (BTW...The links get listed in pending, from a posting on the PHPld board, there doesn't seem to be a work around yet, other than the delete button.) I am using the captcha option, so I don't think it is bots, and the folks take the time to select which paid link type they want, and then fill out their info. So there has to be some intent to buy.... But for some reason when they get sent to the Paypal screen they disappear. Can't figure out why I am losing them. Any ideas? Morty PS. Have tested the Paypal payments and they work.
Sounds like your directory accepts everything and anything. Make sure the script has an easy ban feature. Start banning, so they can't ever spam your site again.
well in my opinion It is not worth your time to go threw 3200 links which will take a very long time, considering the facts that you won't be making any money i'd make it paid
I have made it paid already, I have added visual confirmation, that has cured it. Thanks for all the comments. Steve PS Site is undoing some improvements will post address later.
You can make it paid which will stop the influx of submissions, but that won't do anything about your backlog. In my opinion, you owe it to the people who submitted their sites to go through them and not just delete them. I get about 500+ subs a day to go through, so 3k doesn't seem too terribly bad.
For one you could outsource the work of approving links also make it paid people would rather searh quality than junk therfore people would rather pay for inclusion.