Just wondering how other directory owners handle this. For the most part, the spammy SEO submission companies submit stuff that has absolutely nothing to do with my niches. But, every once in a while they latch onto a client who has something worthwhile to offer within my niches. The submissions often do not conform to my rules but they are for good sites. To keep the listing generally means rewriting the description. With Crafty Tips it also means coming up with a tip. In some ways it feels like shooting myself in the foot to simply delete the submission. I also wonder about victimizing the site owner twice - he's obviously being cheated by the "SEO pro" and then he is getting kicked by me too. On the other hand, why should I help the spammer cheat people? And finally, why shoot myself in the foot by deleting what would be a great listing simply because it was submitted by a paid cheat? What say you?
I usually BAN the IPs and domains dealing with SPAMMY submissions - and I don't feel SORRY for site-owners because they have made the mistake by hiring submission companies without proper research and studies on them. Thats the way I go - ban domains and IPs.
Depends on how spammy...alternatively you can personally go to the person's website where they have the offer and contact them and let them know that whomever is doing their SEO sucks, and then offer to keep the link up if they will resubmit it within the propery category
i will review and rewrite the website title and description individually for paid submission, you can't delete those spam submissions without refund even you have claim the rule on the submission guidelines.
I very rarely accept any spammy SEO submissions although an occasional one will catch the eye. For example a submission for St Marys Cathedral I accepted because of its nature. If it adds value to your directory from your viewpoint just think of the SEO dude as a "spotter". They found a website that enhances your website.
Informing the site owner about the 'spammy pro' is a good idea. it certainly will get rid of a few such 'pros'.
Thanks for the replies everyone. Generally, the folks who hire these idiots don't have sites of much value in the first place. The submission that spawed this thread was for a highly talented sculpter who is know for his bronzes - expensive art to make and expensive art to buy. I suspect he is like so many business owners - they know they need to "SEO" their sites and want to rank higher in Google. Problem is they have no true understanding of either of those things. Then they get an email from someone promising the moon and stars. The same people who wouldn't give a phone soliciter the time of day, hire people who spam their inbox with promises we know they can't keep. I like the idea of viewing them as "spotters". While I hate the idea of helping the cheats I think the value of including a quality site is more important. I have contacted a few of the site owners in the past. I never heard from them. Figured they just blew me off. Since so many of the SEO providers charge so little, the site owners probably figure even if they only get a small fraction of what they are paying for they are ahead anyway.
I moderate spammy descriptions if it is a paid submission. If it is a free submission I just remove the submission.