I guess I don't understand how this is cleaning up directories, it's up to the editors to make sure affiliate clouded sites are kept out. Google links to gambling sites, why can't I as long as they meet minimum criteria?
I think this might just be in the US, I am pretty sure that here in the UK this restriction doesnt apply. You may need to check Paypals detailed Terms depending on where in the world you are .
Yea, I was thinking the same thing. Maybe make some modifications to the submit page so that submissions to gambling categories are not processed via paypal, but rather 2CO , moneybookers, or whatever. Shouldn't be too difficult to do.
Thanks for the info, though there is no gambling category in any of my directories. I always try to keep my directories family friendly, and try to avoid listing the sites containing only affiliate links.
My PayPal account was just placed on permenant limited access today. No warning, no nothing, just immediate account permenantly limited. In addition, there was a message notifying me that I could not appeal the decision. I've been with them for years...and I refuse to go quietly. I'm awaiting back a response from them...
Here's my little story: About a year ago Paypal limited my account too & not for accepting payment for a gambling link or adult link but because i was using Paypal as a payment option on my directory that had gambling/Adult categories...
Originally all they did was link their terms of service agreement. Lotta freakin good that does me. After the first reply they informed me it was because I had accepted payments for adult related content. The only adult related content would have been links in my directory....that's it. So, I appealed the best I could, esplaining there was no product/service/anything exchanged only to be reviewed and link added to index. Hell, it's not an affiliate link or anything...we'll see what happens.
Just received this email to clarify and make me hate PayPal: Thank you for contacting PayPal. Accepting payment for listing website addresses that violate PayPal's Acceptable Use Policy is facilitating the activity and therefore in violation. You are responsible for the material that is posted in your website as well as ensuring that all transactions comply with the Acceptable Use Policy Each violating account is reviewed and actions are taken on a case by case basis. While some may be required to remove the violating activity, some accounts are closed. Again, the decision is made on a case by case basis and depends on the activity involved and its potential risks. Unfortunately, in your case the decision was made to part ways. This is not a decision we make lightly, and we regret any inconvenience or frustration this matter may cause you. We thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact the PayPal Acceptable Use Policy Department at . Sincerely, PayPal Acceptable Use Policy Department PayPal, an eBay Company
This particular policy is going to be very hard for the directory owners faced with bait-and-switch merchants. A small number of links that you add to your directory will inevitably be changed into different types of websites. So even if you don't have adult or gambling categories intentionally, sites that are initially clean could change hands and change purpose before you have time to check them. And for this sort of change you need to do a manual check, not just an automated 404 sweep.