Submitters and Guidelines

I was curious to know how many submitters might read our submission guidelines at eWebPages.org since they're on a separate page and not part of our submission form.

I thought it would be a nice gesture to express our appreciation to those that did take the time to review the guidelines, so for 2 weeks we offered a coupon code for 40% off of Standard Listing as a way to say thanks.

Even though we received a number of submissions during this period, only 2 submitters took advantage (or found?) of this offer.

How do you try to get submitters to review your guidelines without complicating the submission process? Is it a good idea to list some basic guidelines on the submission form? Do you utilize a terms of service or guidelines acceptance checkbox on your form?

 

Most people wont read the guidlines even if it IS on the same page...

 

true pctec...

i read the guidelines of ewebpages becuz i wanted to see whether it is yearly or not and found the code ...

well creed thats what they say ...

person who follows the rule gets the advantage so if they read the guidelines they get the coupon

 

I would read the directory guide if they do have when I submit to a directory anyway.

But from the submissions I received, 70% would not read it, that's why most submissions can't get accepted. It is often happened to free web directory, as most submitters only care when they could get in.

 

It's true. Most people don't read submission rules because they assume they are the same for most directories, and after reading a few and being involved in the community, they think they pretty much know how it goes.

 

By the way, thanks for the 15 submissions at 40% off :evil grin:

 

BTW, what's the coupon, I feel I miss something

 

Lol --don't embarass me. Hope I am not the only fool

To be honest, I didn't read it few hrs back. So I should get my punishment by not getting the benefit.

I only read submissions on the Submision Page. For example I didn't dare to submit on worldsiteindex as they mentioned that they do not accept certain sites. I read most submission guidelines like uncoverthenet (their submission page is not working) --but only the the submission page.

 

I read the guidelines wanting to take advatage of the offer during last weekend. I had a question about the title, got an answer right away.
Unfortunately, I decided not to submit. Thanks for the quick answer, anyway!

 

@CReed - do you actually read the guidelines in full of every directory you submit sites too?

I know that I don't. I skim directory guidelines quickly to see if there is something that looks out of the ordinary. I doubt I ever click through to another page to read guidelines.

On my directories, the approach I take is to try to keep the guidelines as short as possible by only including essential points, and keeping the guidelines just above where people submit.

 

I actually read the submission guidelines couple minutes after I submitted 36towns, i was kinda disappointed not to get a 40% off

 

hehehe...I'm guilty just like the rest. Other than a few major directories I'll at best skim the guidelines like you mentioned (and I've had my share of rejections as a result).

I'm considering options that'll hopefully improve the submission process for our directories and I appreciate everyone's input.

 

i try and read all the guidlines for submissions,but i have to say if im on a roll doing submits,i tend to miss things..sorry all if i have done this to your site

 

I have tried to do both actually with my Best Internet Resource -- I made a somewhat brief guidelines on the submit page and tried to divert them to full guidelines on Review Policy page that has detailed guidelines. Hope my submitters have clear idea.

 

http://www.ewebpages.org/guidelines.php
Way too long!I guess it'll cost people more than 15 mins to read the whole guidelines.Better shorten your guidelines.JMHO.

 

exactly what we're looking to do

 

Just like the guidelines, you have failed to read the thread.

past tense, e.g. overwith.

hahahah

(not unless you mean you submitted 'while it was in effect, and didn't notice. (your only escape out of this one :evil grin)

 

I must hide ---somewhere - these guys would .......& .won't let me ..

 

I tend to read the guidelines - when I can find them.

I mainly look for 3 things - paid/free, homepage only/innerpages allowed, and if title must be "official site name".

I don't understand why every directory doesn't address those 3 things clearly and if not on a TOS page then on the submission page itself.

 

You can't force them to. But one thing you can do is use Javascript to check the form for obvious problems that would suggest the guidelines haven't been followed, and then alert the submitter to this. For instance, you could check the url field for deeplinks, and then say "sorry, we don't accept these" if you find them. Or you could check for words and phrases that are likely to be off-topic or banned in your directory.