non-commercial or commercial?

submitting non-commercial sections of commercial sites

[sullen]

I run a commercial site that sells, um, lets say wombats.

We are thinking of rolling out a large non-commercial section which is not directly linked to the commercial section (i.e. it is not going to be information about wombats, but general news for wombat-keepers).

I still haven't decided whether or not it will be a directory within the site or a subdomain (news.wombats.com or something), but I'd like to keep the connecton with our site as a kind of brand-building exercise. Also obviously we'd have a couple of our own ads, but it will be useful and complete enough to stand as a site in its own right (and there is a bit of a gap for useful sites of this kind).

Anyway I'm just wondering how the directories would treat this. I would like separate listings for it where possible - like I say, it really is quite a different subject from the main site, though it is related). Dmoz, for example states that for deep linking, the subjects must be quite different. Can they be related? What about Zeal - will I be able to get a free (non-commercial) listing for this subsection? Will my life be easier if I use a subdomain?

[DaveAtIFG]

Consider building a totally separate site including domain name, acquire all of the free, non-commercial listings you can, THEN link the sites. You'll avoid the commercial/non-commercial issues at Zeal and ODP, and possibly the recurring $299 per year at Yahoo.

[sullen]

I did consider that, but it just seems dishonest.

Do you think I'd get away with using the same branding (design, "in association with" logo, etc.) or do you think it should have a branding all of its own?

[DaveAtIFG]

but it just seems dishonest

With the many directory editors interperting the commercial/noncommercial guidelines differently, it feels more like survival to me. Sites evolve and adapt to their visitors needs over time. If this one eventually links to a commercial site...

If you're providing and continue to provide free, useful, unique content, the only "dishonest" aspect is your reason for building the site.

I'd brand it as a unique site. It could evolve to a branded site over time although I tend to give more credibility to a "free info" site that's not "in my face" trying to sell me something, a personal bias.

[hutcheson]

Note that an informational site that adds "in-your-face" promotional material _after_ being listed is called "bait-and-switch" ... and the ODP will apply as close to a death penalty as can be contrived for that site AND all others associated with it.

[rfgdxm1]

>Consider building a totally separate site including domain name, acquire all of the free, non-commercial listings you can, THEN link the sites. You'll avoid the commercial/non-commercial issues at Zeal and ODP, and possibly the recurring $299 per year at Yahoo.

The ODP doesn't mind commercial sites. It seems that for Zeal and Yahoo the best way to go is with a different domain. So long as after it is added to Zeal and Yahoo the changes aren't blatantly commercial likely you'll keep those. And, as hutcheson pointed out if later you change that domain to being excessively promotional, ODP editors might see this as a bait and switch to get multiple listings and become displeased.