netcommr - 4:59 pm on Dec 12, 2001 (gmt 0)

Hey Paynt, you luv this stuff don't ya?
I like where this thread is going... Maybe you'll actually 'define' what a hub is by the time your finished. ;) Here is a little more to think about to keep the thread rolling.

developed a page around a link

This I have seen work wonders when done properly. I know of some sites which get paid nicely for these pages. I think a good example would be an affiliate link you would want to promote. If you want to sell an affiliates product then pre-sell on a good page on your site, don't just put up a link somewhere...they don't work.(usually)

Same thing goes for full page links in a hub. If you want to impress upon the visitor the quality of a site, then this is the way to go. Something similar to a site review pointing out some strong points on the site your linking to.

if you use ODP data, make it your own

Very good point! I did not want to come across as anti-ODP, I have just seen way to many 'clones', especially for directory structure and category names. (too general for hubs)

Hubs are topic specific. A category structure designed for the entire web does not usually fit on a hub. This seems to be a hard thing to come up with for the average person starting a hub/portal.

When developing a category stucture naming strategy, take your time and think it through. This is not something you want to do over in the future. THINK KEYWORDS! Not only will this help your SE ranks, but your visitors will appreciate it as well. The words and phrases people use in a search engine are also the same words that 'key' into visitors when they see links on a page. Use common verbage and get specific. I would never use a 'General' or 'Other' category name. I would also not use something as general as 'Pets', but look for a better phrase, such as 'Your Household Pets'. But, always remember to stay on your 'theme' in the wording you use.

value of reciprocal links on vortals

Hi Tilt,
Just remember recip. links are a neccessity. You need it for ranking and for quality traffic. Don't be worried about loosing traffic, this is a mythe. Visitors are 'surfers' remember, they browse sites and compare. If your link is right next to a competitor, they will usually look at both. You need to have a better 'instant appeal' than your competitor and you will win. This comes into page copy and colors, study it! About the fact 'my link will be "diluted"' is not something to really be concerned with, though it does have a little affect. A page will many links does not have the same 'weight' as a page with few, but the 'association' you have to the theme of these other sites more than outweights the negative. Get the links...

being classified as a hub reflect in the PR

Good question Haakon. But to be honest with ya, I really don't care if my PR is 1 or 10, what I am concerned with is how the page actually ranks. If it takes a 3 to get the same spot as a competitor with a 7, then so be it. I just want the placement. I really don't know if achieving hub status will increase your PR, but why would it? These are two different things is Google's algo I believe. SO, what you'll probably see is just all of a sudden your #1 for some big terms.

**When you do achieve hub status, the sites you 'link to' will get a big help in the PR dept. Links from the home page can be 'awesome'...

A hub can also stand-alone

I am glad you posted that Paynt. I see many portals which do not have any content themselves, just affiliate links or plugin content, such as a news feed. I think for the success of any type of hub/portal needs to provide something to distinguish themselves from your competitor. Too many times we see just a link farm with no real content, but those sites which actually provide something usefull end up with visitors.

Think about this to tie it all together, do you want $100.00 per month from an advertiser for that full page ad you developed, or do you want to deposit that $5.00 affiliate check you get every 3 months...