This probably has been discussed many times in various discussion forums and each time the “answer” seems to vary depending on the forum it is posted in or by the replies it gets.

Being a owner of some directories, i get to “meet” many directories almost on a regular basis – whether through forums or via submissions to my directories. And i dont approve all directories and as a matter of fact, all submissions as well. I spend time reviewing each and every website based on certain guidelines which i have.

Here are some of the guidelines i follow for web directories.

This is not the complete list, Just the basic stuff which should help you.

• Whether the Template is a Free Template or a custom made – If the owner is not serious enough about his directory, then it will mostly be a free template. Not that i have an issue with it, but when someone creates something, he/she would like it to be unique. Its the same principle with the directory as well.
• Good design and easy submission process. – Unique Template = Good design(typically).
• Number and placement of Ads – Adsense/Banners. – Having a banner Ad in the header, Ads in the sidebar (sponsor text links) is a clear sign that the site’s only purpose is $$$.
• Number of Footer Links – Same as above.
• URL Relevance – less said is better for this.
• Whether the directory owner has submitted to my directories to the proper category.

Finally, the best and my most loved one is – When the owner says, that he has “Big Plans for this Directory” in his introductory forum thread

A good leader listens to other members of a team. A good leader encourages ideas from every member of a team and encourages everyone to debate ideas. But a good leader decides which ideas to pursue herself or himself – and makes clear to the team that this is what’s going to happen at the end of the discussion.

I have this habit of testing out a lot of affiliate programs, affiliate networks and text link brokers for my various sites. I dont stick with a lot of them simply because of “hard” control panel or because of “scraper” ads or just didnt like them at all.

I do have my Trusted networks and these are those with whom ihave been associated for a long time and from where i have received regular prompt payments and One of them is Text Link Ads

Instead of showing ads based on the content , Text Link Ads brokers text ads on your site for a flat monthly rate which is then split 50% with them. All the Ads are Direct and without any redirect so that you can receive SEO benefit from them and you can choose from a variety of Publishing options and you can customize the way the links look as well .

And if you are an advertiser, then you have a lot of quality websites in there to advertise on as well

So, what are you waiting for Check them out  Text Link Ads

Finally, some disclosure this is a sponsored post.

Viral Marketing is best defined as

Marketing phenomenon that facilitates and encourages people to pass along a marketing message.

Recently this strategy has been adopted by a varied number of corporate brands in their TV and Print Ads.

Rather than promoting the Brand upfront, these firms have taken this concept offline and have started to promote various social causes – charities, providing education, promoting small scale businesses, financial assistance for various causes. Whether the people use these products or not, these social causes have been noticed by all concerned, i.e. consumers in this case and have helped in promoting these brands.

This is fast picking up across various market segments but for now it is limited to only those products used by all people on a daily basis (washing powder, face creams, soaps etc.)

Only time will say how the other sectors react to these fast becoming brand awareness campaigns. As long as something beneficial is happening, no one is complaining

2006 was a fantastic year for me in all regards.

In Jan, I left England permanently to settle down in Chennai, India.

Feb saw the birth of a community forum which was conceived way back in 2004.

The early part of 2007 will mostly be a time of consolidation. I wouldnt be very active in the Marketplace buying websites like i did in 06 (unless something nice comes up). Rather than having a large number of sites, i will be looking at having a few sites and establishing them in their segments.

I had closed down couple of sites in Dec 06 and this might continue into 07 as well.
Mid 2007 will probably see me put some ideas into action and start some sites based on it. I already have the domains for these and lack of time was the reason for not doing so in 06.

And some sites which will be more of a personal project rather than a commercial one . Again i have almost everything in place except Time