Test Your New Directory Before You Launch It! -Free Advice -Must Read

I believe this is the best section for this post because it is where people announce their directories. They need to read this before the big "launch."

Hey You,
The person with the new directory, here is a word of advice.

Test your freaking directory before you announce it here!

I viewed at least 5 threads just today, maybe more, and the freaking directory does not work due to captcha problems, 404 errors, 500 internal server errors, whatever, etc.

Are you freaking kidding me?

-Test your directory by submitting a site yourself, from start to finish.
-Click at least one link (that's one freaking link) on your homepage to make sure other pages work

If most new directory owners spent half the time it takes for them to find a category dump, or how to remove footer attribution links, as they did actually setting up their directory, we might see some decent directories.
(Note: -using category dumps or removing footer attribution links is NOT recommended)

I know that poop happens sometimes, but wow, can we get a little effort around here, Please.

PS from Mr. Obvious---> If your directory works you might actually get some website submissions, instead of refreshing your admin panel wondering what's going on. And asking yourself, "Dude it's freaking free, Why isn't anybody submitting?"

ALSO,
Free Advice for website submitters...
If a directory does not work, Please send a pm to the owner, instead of running back here to post that the directory does not work!

I try to believe that sometimes it is unintentional, and there are alot of factors involved, such as, problems with your browser, your internet connection, etc. Yes, I said it,...the problem may be on your end, and not the directory.

So have a little respect, and don't ruin the directory owners chances of "launching" a new directory by posting "Site Does Not Work" immediately below "New Directory Launch"

Edit: Forgot to add, Pretty Please with Sugar on Top!


Note: You could have just read the blue text.

 

One of the biggest mistakes directory owners make is not checking their mod_rewrite changes.

What happens is they make a mistake, and the URL rewriting creates 404 errors for all their category pages, BUT since the submit page doesn't require a URL rewrite it still appears. Since people can still submit, the directory still gets submissions, and the directory owner doesn't realise that there is a problem.

The worst part of the problem? It makes the directory 100% worthless because no human or search engine can view any of the listings. There are quite a lot of directories, particular new ones, that suffer from this easily diagnosed and easily fixed problem.

The solution? Do as the OP suggests and test your directory prior to launching it and also after making any changes

 

Very good list of suggestions there for newbies This thread should be a sticky.

 

It seems so obvious that someone would check to see it their directory works before they announce it. Yet you are right -- I see this all the time.

 

Hello...

I guess if they paid there hosting bill this would also be helpful ..

Or for that matter they dont announce it here then sell it hours later

laterz
malcolm