Goguides.org

not worth it

[Compworld]

I had tried to become an editor and submit sites twice within the last month, both were declined. Once was because a site was listed, and the other they just didn't like or something. I can't remember which ecommerce site I chose, but I was unable to find either of them within the directory for which they are listed within DMOZ or Yahoo. If they say they want to have new editors, but decline applications because they do not like the sites that a potential editor choses, what the point of having a "unbias" so called directory? I wonder how long a directory like Goguides.org will last?

CompWorld

[cornwall]

>> I wonder how long a directory like Goguides.org will last?

From memory, and I am nothing to do with GoGuides, they have been on the web for about 2.5 years, so I think you can assume that they are likely to be there a while yet ;)

[div01]

Hmmm...rejecting editors because the sites they submit aren't up to snuff...doesn't DMOZ follow a similar principle?

[choster]

Doesn't every reputable directory follow a similar principle?

[Compworld]

Doesn't mean that the company is reputable. Just means they think they are to good for a site's inclusion. BTW, it wasn't my site that I was trying to get in if that is what someone may be thinking. They had already indexed my site. There were just a couple of active sites that I visit, and I was unable to find them there.

Just because they have been in business for over two years, doesn't mean they are going to be here in the future. If you need some sites that had been around for years, and then were either acquired or gone out of business, here's a few:

1) Flooz
2) Boo
3) CDNOW (Now owned by amazon basically)
4) Babages
5) Funcoland

CompWorld

[choster]

Quality control of editors and listings isn't sufficient to make a directory reputable. But it is certainly necessary.

[Compworld]

Opinions vary.

CompWorld

[stoner3221]

I think you will find becoming an editor at GoGuides is fairly simple if the submission guidelines are read and followed. One of the biggest rejection causes is promotional titles and descriptions rather then objective. The second is affiliate and authorized distributor submissions. We hate turning down editor applications but you would not believe how poor many of the applicants submissions are. A certain degree of quality control is necessary in any business if you want to provide a good service. As for how long we will last; well we are growing daily with quality submissions and an exceptional and very devoted editing team. We have more high level editors now then we have ever had who are doing an incredible job. It’s their devotion and hard work that will keep GoGuides growing and around for a long time.

[cornwall]

>>but you would not believe how poor many of the applicants submissions are

Do not give up hope Stoner3221, I think a lot of the readers of this forum would believe it, and would go along with the efforts that Directories make to ensure (at least) a reasonable quality of editor.

I guess the problem arises when an prospective editor is turned down.....

[stoner3221]

It’s most unfortunate but applicants do sometimes get upset and take it personal. Many have very good websites but don’t read the editing guidelines and get rejected. They think we are rejecting their website, but that’s not the case at all. We encourage all applicants to read the submission guidelines a apply again.

[hbird64]

'Doesn't every reputable directory follow a similar principle?'

No, JoeAnt accepts all editors when they apply. This does not mean they accept all sites a new editor submits. All editors still need to read the guidelines before they start submitting. Every submission of editors below level 15 are checked by level 2+ editors. These level 2+ editors decide if a site can be listed or not, or that changed are needed. If so they will send the submission back to the submitter so he/she can do the requested changes.

[Compworld]

Believe me, I am not upset. I just think that the recomendations of the sites that I suggested were with out a doubt top quality. They were listed in DMOZ, JoeAnt, Hotrate, but not this one. So, if its good enough for these three, how come not for this one? Makes you wonder. In terms of quality, DMOZ never had a problem with me, nor has others. So again, it must be the site. I don't take it personal, I just think your are way to picky. And sometimes, this is not a good thing. I do not mind being in the minority on this. I stick firmly on the qualifications of myself and the sites that I recommend and appove.

So, take it for what it is worth.

CompWorld

[mrdch]

Hi,

As hbird64 rightly pointed out, each directory has its own working practices. Gimpsy, for example, treats the site submission only as a suggestion. If approved, the skilled editors will ensure that the published title and description will follow the editorial guidelines strictly.

So, I don't think a particular working practice makes a directory reputable - only the end result :)

MC

[johnnydequino]

goguides.org is not worth the time. Not only did my site get rejected because it was commerical (thought I had enough original content to get in), I got spammed by goguides to improve my listing on the site two weeks after rejection.

If you are going to reject me, fine. But don't spam me promoting your products please. Pass on goguides.

jd

[gnikiv]

I've always found Goguides.org very worth it. At least the Express Review. Time to edit has always been a problem for me.

Compworld, what was the rejection reason their email back to you stated?

One I got was because of grammar errors(Probably also have them in this post.), ,promotional copy I had written and one site was an affiliate based site that I didn't notice. Seemed like a fair reason to reject my application. Just because dmoz or other directories contain the sites you used doesn't mean they would fit goguides guidelines. I admit that I have several sites that in all honesty should not be in either Dmoz or Joeant, but are. I haven't tried Gimpsy much to be aware of how well the catch affiliates, a.k.a. spam, etc. I'm careful with GoGuides or I'd be out the $40.

[EliteWeb]

Support any project you wish that is up to you. I for one did apply to become an editor but I never heard anything back I finally got time to check my goguides email 3 months later and all I had was notices to log into my account so I guess I actually had an editor account but never knew it went through. :) Would I apply again, sure why not, a link is a link and its not too hard to edit a category. :D

[mrdch]

> I haven't tried Gimpsy much to be aware of how well the catch affiliates, a.k.a. spam

Gimpsy's acceptance criteria make it harder (although not impossible) for affiliate sites to get accepted. Essentialy, Gimpsy mandates that the activity associated with the site will take place on the site itself. Any redirection to anywhere else is suspected and may cause the site to be rejected.

We are yet to receive the first spam report/complaint.

MC

[gnikiv]

Hi mrdch,

Thanks for the reply. I took a look at gimpsy after my reply.
I think I found something you might want to address.

A friend is over and says he submitted a site Gimpsy, so we looked for it.
It is a search engine, but all the results are affiliate links that come from two different sites that are listed in the same topic as his. Don't feel bad because the same is true in both dmoz and joant too. He said it was listed in goguides.org for about two weeks, but has since been removed. Goguides url status thingy says that it won't be listed.

My friend made me promise not to reveal what site it is so your team will have to find it. I'll let my friend worry about his own ethics as well. ;)

[mrdch]

hi gnikiv,

Thanks for the feedback! The vague description of the problem doesn't allow us to actually find what you are referring to, but it's your friend's right to keep it to him/her self.

There is no 'bad feeling' anyway. As humans we can (and do) err. Gimpsy does not claim to be a spam free directory, but I believe that in reality it is very much so.

Should we get specific URLs to investigate - this will be done swiftly and decisevely.

MC