Hope you have better luck the second time around. I'm quite surprised that it wasn't accepted initially.
If you look on the list not even well know directories like Alive or Aviva are listed Freewebindex is listed lucky men Chris. Aviva even includes a 60 page blog with unique content. From the BOTW guidelines “The site must contain unique content, as determined by a BOTW editor;â€
I send an e-mail to BOTW asking about the strange directory listings they had. And it looks like the people at BOTW needed help on getting their directory clean, the wonderful “unique†and not working directories are no longer listed. I give then 5 stars because they reacted fast.
Unfortunately, it is rare that we are able to please everybody. There are lots of webmasters, and each of us has different perceptions. One thing that you can always rest assured on: we have the best interest of the user in mind. The quality and relevancy of the listing is always the deciding factor. However, this should not be interpreted to mean that we do not care about the site owners. We do care. Very much. As a result of this thread, we are currently in the process of adding a feedback button to each category, as well as to the search results. This should enable users, and webmasters alike, to let us know if they come across something that they feel isn't BOTW material. Running a comprehensive directory is tough - we appreciate it when people let us know if they come across something out of whack. With your help, we can provide a better experience for all. Thanks DP users!
Hi, tanks for replying the feedback button is really necessary, good that is being implemented. Could you please also inform us what is considered unique content for a directory on BOTW guidelines? Thanks
I do little editing, and have no involvement with the commercial queue. So take this for what it's worth. Additionally, my comments are not directed towards any site owner, or webmaster in particular. I am speaking in general terms, so hopefully nobody gets bent out of shape. I would consider a directory worthy of inclusion if it provided the user with a comprehensive collection of resources on the given topic. Directories should not contain a majority of empty categories, nor should they only contain a handful of categories with a few listings in each. A "directory" with a couple hundred listings isn't very special - nor is it very useful. When your directory is built out, and contains valuable information to a variety of users, then you should submit it. Additionally, directories should contain unique title and descriptions for their listings - not simply have scraped material from another source. Anybody can buy some script, create a taxonomy, and fill it with listings from a third party. That's not what we are looking to include. Neither will we include "directories" that are created simply to push contextual advertising. Sites with Adsense, YPN or others, that provide little value to the user, will not be included. Not to say that we are opposed to contextual advertising, or webmasters trying to make money via a directory model. But sites that contain little value to the user will not be included. Please take into consideration that we have dozens of editors that are currently working on the project. "Quality" and "useful" tend to be fairly subjective terms, so we tend to have some discrepancies now and again. As I stated in my previous post, the user experience is our primary concern, and we are always looking to improve on that experience. I hope that the soon-to-be-implemented Feedback link is a step in that direction.
Ok, Thanks for the detailed answer, I still se there listed directories using DMOZ data this I think wouldn’t be considered unique content.
These directories appear to pull data from DMOZ: http://www.categoryweb.com/ http://www.hexafind.com/ This one has only 33 categories and looks more like a made-for-adsense page than a directory: http://www.indexplex.com/ This one comes with Adsense ads and Adsense search, some Commision Junction link ads, and error messages in the listings pages: http://www.jumbix.com/ And just to throw out one more, I'm not sure how unique this one strikes you: http://www.msgdrop.com/
The fact that BOTW rejected paid applications increased their value in my eyes, not decreases it. I've submitted there in the past, this increases my chances of submitting in the future. Plus I've met the BOTW folks - a very nice bunch of fellows.
The problem is they are probably rejecting better sites than the ones that they have already listed…
One thing I find really bad about BOTW is that if you go for a sponsored listing they don’t have the same criteria for accepting as for the regular listing, so even if you have a site that is bellow BOTW standard if you pay enough you can get listed and on a high visibility place.
That is completely incorrect. You can't just pay your way into the directory, via a listing or a category sponsorship. All listings and sponsorships undergo editorial review to ensure that they meet the relevancy requirements. Sponsorships are given more leniency in their category placement - it is an ad, not a listing. Additionally, sponsors have more flexibility with the marketing message and anchor text. But each sponsor undergoes the review process.
Well I spoken to directory owners that have been refused listing in the directory and had no problem setting up a sponsored listing, I can give you details by PM if the owners don’t mind. Cheers --------------------- Added PM sent..
We now have the Category Feedback link live - you can find the link located at the bottom of each category. If you notice anything that you'd like to alert us about, please do so. We are constantly striving to make the directory a better place, and with your feedback, we can make it happen.
Dear Mr. Charlie, My Ask Directory is accepted as category sponsorship at http://botw.org/top/Reference/ , if I submit to regular listing will it be accepted? Cheers That is very nice feature, and I must say that the costumer support at BOTW is very fast and high quality so probably all messages will be quickly responded.