Hi, I'm reviewing a lot of web directories daily. And I see many directories that requires register to submit, but the submission types accepted remain hidden until log in. It's clearly a mistake. I already read the sticky The "YOU should NOT start a web directory" List, but nobody mention it. So, if your directory requires register to submit, please have the kindness to display available submission types before ask for register.
Hey, what site do you review directories on? I also think forcing someone to register is uncalled for. You can ask for someones email when they submit the link, and thats all the personal info you should need. Also as you said hiding the submission types is annoying.
Personally I don't especially like having to register when submitting for a listing. However saying it is uncalled for might be going a bit too far. A directory owner can place whatever requirements they deem necessary for a listing on their directory. If submitters don't like having to register then they don't have to, but the directory owner on the other hand does not need to list them either.
I'm reviewing directories on linksadmin.net I think that require register can be an effective method to avoid spam (in certain instances), but directories should openly display the available submission types (before ask for login or register). If submission types are only displayed in the submission form, and this form is only accessible after log in... How can I know if I want to register? Often, I assume that free submissions are available, but after login, I find only paid options. (and it is uncalled for) If I'm informed before register, I can decide if I want to pay(or not) to submit there, and save time if not.
R u serious about this?Have you got any directory that was really popular?I review listing in a very popular directory and the way to avoid spammers and cheap directory submissions from only one guy that charge 5$-10$ for a thousand submissions with automated or semi-automated software who can submit a 1000 links in one day is to have them register first.Anyway if you dont spend 3-5 minutes in order to list your site to my directory why i have to spent 5-10 minutes to review it,especialy if it is free.So think about those matters i have point you above and tell me now what you think.
Ok, submissions must be done carefully, it's a fact and I agree. I also think that require register is an effective method to avoid spam. BUT, reliable directories should show what are the options to submit, before ask for any personal info (first, show me what you offer and prices, and then ask for info), like any other serious website. If the available submission types are only displayed above the submission form, and visitors must register to see it, the directory isn't altogether reliable.
ok then here is a trick if the directory is at phpld script that is the most popular,you can acces this page even if u r not register http://www.directoryname.com/rules.php (ofcourse replace directoryname with the actual directory name
Registration cuts down on spam. It filters out the kids that can't be bothered following the rules too, so I can appreciate why a dir owner may want to use it
@ gray929 I openly state the submit options clearly, including free and paid ones. I prefer people to register/sign up, as it really does stop the spam. It helps with the vetting process a bit too. Real, proper companies won't mind filling out a short form to add their company details, I've never had a reduction in submissions due to a form, and businesses are still adding sites. It doesn't seem to bother them - infact these days it's expected to give full company details. Google and Yahoo do it after all and advertisers don't have a problem with that do they. What about the form you fill out to get a free Yahoo or Google email account...... How is that any different to a directory form, unless the fear of spam by directories is an issue, but if that's so, then perhaps businesses shouldn't be submitting to directories anyway. People fill out forms every day, and probably don't even think about it. At the end of the day If you want the listing/advertisement, you have to fill out the form. You could be a spammer, a freebie hunter or a pain in the behind - you never know.................. and it's my website, adspace that you're after, so I'll decide what's appropriate, especially if you get something for free - they have NO automatic rights, people seems to forget that these days
Mikey190 That's ok, but it isn't the thread topic really; You can agree or not with registration to submit (I do), but, as in any serious website that offers something to visitors, directories should show us what they offer and prices before ask for fill any form. It's basic. Check well-known and major directories, all of them show to visitors the submission types and prices before ask for registration. Thanks for the useful trick , but link to rules containing submission types and prices should be linked from the general navigation, isn't serious that we have to type the URL.