I was thinking about that bid for position type directories. Looks like there is a lot of space to manipulate people this way. For example, I can start one right now and ask clients to pay for my services trough script. I have some high $$$ paid link on my homepage and that makes people think it might be worthed to pay more(or less for lower spots) if somebody already payed that much. Also clients sites look different in people's eyes because they see he is investing a lot so it is win-win situation for both. If there are ways to add points trough admin panel-everything is even easier. Now, I know nobody is that stupid to pay 1k$ for spot 1 on pr0 site, but I think some influence can still be done. Please don't get me wrong-I am not saying somebody does this.I am sure many of this type directories are worthed money that is payed. Just saying about possible scenario. Variations on this scenario are endless(links exchange etc.) What do you think?
there is 1 obvious flaw in your argument..... you are assuming that everyone who submits to these sites are blind and just flowing the crowd. I believe for any experienced marketer, they will do some research on the site, the marketing efforts, backlinks, strengths and potential for growth, before putting their money in. At least that is what i definitely do....
There is a market for these type of directories but like any other market the winners will be the ethical, transparent, professional sites The others will be just the QBC's which will just fade away
I agree and I didn't think otherwise, but can you be experienced enough to make difference in few $$ value of some link? For example, you have pr5 directory with 5k backlinks. Lets say bottom bid on homepage is 50$ and you pay 51$. Owner add more points to listing above you and your site is out. I agree with you 100%. I am only thinking about this because when I think about some system with rules that are new to me, my first ideas are how to avoid them(speaking generally). If I don't find gaps-I like it. If I do-I like it more
In any sytem there is some room for manipulation .. That is why the better known developers are commanding the highest bids right now, and there are so many others who can't even fill the front page. Most of the Bid for Position directories have not been around for a full PR cycle yet, and only one or two have any PR beyond the home page yet. So we will be able to see who is serious over time. For now there are plenty of clues available for those who can be bothered to look ... How well is the site being promoted and or indexed? More investment usually signals that the owner is serious. It helps to buy a few links but how many other directories are displaying links as well. How much has gone into the site? Some are little more than default scripts tossed into an expired domain. Then there are a few that have invested weeks of programming and customization to make their sites unique. What about other sites by the same person? Chris does very well because we all know he can hit a PR7 any time he wants. So look at the rank of other sites by the same person, I bet you can figure out where the directory will go next update too. Of course we have PS, Alexa, and other well known measures available as well. Taken all together you should be able to make an informed decision.