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I noticed today that some of my sites, which were once indexed are no longer showing in their SERPs? After doing some quick research I noticed an older thread (*listed below) where one individual stated he had gotten a reply from Yahoo saying the reason his site had been removed was that he had traded links with other affiliate webmasters and that his site included affiliate links … WOW!
I don’t see how this could be true – as it wouldn’t seem fair to include a few and exclude others – IE if they are going to exclude 1 for that reason they should exclude ALL!
Is this actually an affiliate link issue? Is this related to PFI in some way? Why am I not indexed anymore?
I have just wrote yahoo inquiring about not being listed – Ill let you know if I get a response
Sure would be nice to be playing on the same level field as my competitors.
Brian
* [webmasterworld.com...]
the reason his site had been removed was that he had traded links with other affiliate webmastersI suspect this is key issue for Yahoo. He probably did something Yahoo considers "artificial linking."
I thought obtaining links was a good thing - ie providing related resources for your sites visitors that might permit them to do additional targetted exploration.
However if that were the reason why wouldn’t ALL sites that exchange links be excluded? What’s fair or unfair for one should have the same consequences for everyone across the board … I also read in that particular thread that a “Yahoo Tim” had mentioned a review process.
Also read this could be related to a previous PFI problem - having paid for inclusion into inktomi and not renewing your listings ...
Cant wait to get a reply from yahoo - sure hope I get one ;)
It's got a directory structure, shop in a subdomain, a portal with affiliate links in categories, articles and much more. Grown over 8 years now.
Y! hates it and I did get an answer from them once when complaining about not being indexed at all.
They exclaimed that they try to keep directory and affiliate listings type sites out in order to serve more relevant on-topic sites up to the users. They didn't want the users to find yet another link list when they look for something. Instead they always try to serve up more original sites.
Your site (just like mine) might be too generic looking for them.
I dont think this is about links - nothing wrong with providing your websites users additional research resources.
In my case at least I believe my sites have been blacklisted for not buying into "site match" - about a year ago I screwed up and did PFI into inktomi - well since I didnt transfer over to site match when Y! purchased inktomi - I think I was put on a do not index list.
I have dozens of sites included in Y! and other Y! sites like altavista, all the web, overture, hotbot etc etc, BUT every site that I had done PFI for are GONE from every one of the Y! sites!
If a blacklist doesnt exist how can you explain it? I wont fall for their canned responses - if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, its a duck!
I have seen post after post of people all over the Internet complaining about this. Seems a fair share of these complaints are directed at Positiontech PFI with Inktomi. The complaints are to numerous to say its pure chance. I doubt seriously any of these companies are going to admit to collusion in the matter though. They'll BS you that something legitimate caused the disappearances.
Back in March there were some interesting posts about the Inktomi banned sites suddenly surfacing for three days in Yahoo and then disappearing. It was accurate. To me it looked like there was a database of banned sites from some of these former PFI programs that could be turned on and off. In hindsight I wish I had never dealt with any of those programs. It's not what you get but when you stop paying.
What's funny is that they approved the site for the Yahoo! directory and it's listed as "most popular" in its category...
I simply think that they were afraid of websites that look "optimized" because their "algorithm" is too easy to manipulate. Being included in Sitematch would make it even easier.
I simply think that they were afraid of websites that look "optimized" because their "algorithm" is too easy to manipulate
i think you got it.... for post INK bans anyway...
In hindsight I wish I had never dealt with any of those programs. It's not what you get but when you stop paying.
I was so leery going into the PFI - I only wish I had went with my gut feeling at the time!
simply think that they were afraid of websites that look "optimized" because their "algorithm" is too easy to manipulate
So they dont like websites that are well designed? Hmmm that makes NO sense!
