Just In >>>> Matt Cutts answers my questions about bid directories

That comment was as clear an answer as we are likely to get, plus its entirely consistent with Google's Stance on the matter, IMHO.

Monies paid for advertising can not in themselves be representative of the quality of the site being advertised,

I do not believe that directories exist simply to be resources, not underpinned by a profit motive,
The profit motive is what drives business, if one can make a profit doing what one enjoy, thats happiness

Anyway, Methinks a reasonable half way house is

1, All links reviewed and properly categoriesed, for me a site passes muster if it does what its supposed to do and appears to be credible.

2, Feature links an standard links within the directory remain as is

3, Frontpage links to become strictly nofollow, this would also give folk not chasing traffic pause for thought, leaving the frontpage for advertisers who are primarily after traffic

 

I dont agree with that one, again while i say im all for complying, theres boundaries.

 

He is being vague on purpose, that way nothing can come back to bite him.

If I review a site and feel it is fine for listing then why should it not count as a vote via a backlink? Even the most lax directory owner is more strict on letting content in than Google is on letting them into the index, so I don't see the problem.

 

Interesting and good point.

Biggest mistake google made was trying to represent itself with a human, their apt to make mistakes, so as you say, say less, and less to come back and haunt you.

 

So Google will be checking all the links in your directory to make sure you reviewed it properly - cool.
They really have got that algo thing sorted

 

his answer is one that is diplomatic, he's basically saying "directories that don't accept everyone (eg are for quality rather then profit) are better then ones that accept everyone (profit ones basically - since they usually accept any one who pays)." But he never says that quality directories are exempt from being penalized.

IMO he's just trying to scare people implicitly without having to make any statements that he could be quoted or held upon. IMO Google doesn't know the difference between Yahoo Directory or any other directory - it's only when they receive complaints that they manually penalize sites.

He does add some common sense though, advertise in a directory that doesn't have too many links because otherwise you're paying money to split PR with a whole lot of sites - some of which could later become 'bad neighbourhoods' and affect your site.

 

To me he could not be clearer - why is this quote in anyway vague?

I often hear people saying a bidding directory is for advertising/traffic - great - so nothing to do with passing PR/anchor text then.

Sooooo - make the links "nofollow" and all will be well.

I am struggling to see what MC could have done to make the message less vague - I got it loud and clear

 

It's Google's attempt to herd cats, and like all attempts to get webmasters to conform to any kind of standard it will mostly fail.

However, I do think MC has been more than usually specific about bidding directories, and it's about time. I take his words as a pretty clear indication that it's a directory model to avoid. Whether they flag these things up with the algo, or do it manually, I don't think it makes a lot of difference: having a bidding directory is one factor that counts against you when it comes to trust.

Now, is anyone here with a bidding directory planning to move theirs to a conventional directory script?

 

Matt never answers the question correctly

He keep on beating about the bush

 

This is nothing new so it's hardly "Just In".

As Matt's reply states, he talked about this several months ago, and it has been repeated during various debates about the directory penalties.

And anyone who thinks they can possibly turn this into anything favorable for bidding directories is dreaming through the clouded mind of a drug user or has his head firmly embedded in the sand up to his waist, ostrich-style.

 

Wowzers.... I told ya so kind of thing ehhh

 

Alright, no need for that, you can make your point without being all funny about it.

And dont ask me if i have a problem or anything with your comments, i respect your comments but feel politeness is always important while making a point.

 

I don't think what I said was impolite, just realistic, but in any case I'm not going to change my writing style for the hypersensitive.

I did, however, add a phrase at the end, just for you.

 

Well its Friday evening, im in the UK, and by right, at my age i should be in a pub or club, but here i am still working, i thought it was going to be a dull night, but rest assured Minstrel is here the mind expert, us mere mortals dont stand a chance against your wonderous knowledge.

I admire your writing style, just every now and then it glitches and the monster shows.

So what are your predictions for the month ahead?

Im drug free dude, are you? is it mostly on weekends you come to see us? lol

 

Yes, I'm totally drug free, except for some medication for hypertension - thanks for asking.

However, you might want to research the distinction between an analogy and an accusation.

 

Im going to have to look up all your fancy words in a dictionary, so it may take me some time to reply, all of your effort is lost on me zooom, straight over the top of my head.

I prefer communicating in Laymans terms where possible and staying grounded, that way i can help any newcomers without patronising them or misinforming them, you know, leave them to make their own minds up.

Note: Check hypertension medication for side effects.

My predictions: Minstrel will return each weekend to do his thang.

 

I think his (MC) comments are just being used where possible to give credence to bidding directories
Theres nothing new in what he says just bidding directory owners trying to find something positive in it

 

Exactly. It's just an obvious desperate attempt to put a positive spin on what's happened and what's been said in hopes of keeping the money train rolling.

 

Minstrel - please stop dancing around and just come out and say what you think

BTW - I agree with you 100% - I don't think MC could have been much clearer about his view on bidding directories

Pipes - I'm in the UK as well - and I too should be up the pub having a few beers, instead of messing about on here!