JoeAnt Web Directory Review
by Paul Flyer
Web Directories emerged to counter the seemingly vast inaccuracies of search engines. However, web directories were soon full of irrelevant and spam websites. A new breed of web directory was then formed: human community edited web directories. This form is not perfect. It is subject to the failings and whimsy of human editors. However, several directories exist which are committed to quality. One of those I believe is JoeAnt.
Using JoeAnt
JoeAnt is arranged like any other directory. There is a main list of basic subjects which are then broken down into sub-categories. Users can browse through each category and find lists of websites. In fact, I am using JoeAnt to find quality websites to review.
Each listing includes the name of the website, a link to the web site and up to a 35 word description of the website. The nice thing about JoeAnt is that by and large the descriptions of the website are helpful and accurate. This reflects highly upon the editors.
Next to each listing is a chart which indicates whether the website provides audio, chat, downloads, is an editor site, games, membership, shopping and/or video. Each site is also given an editor ranking of 1,2 or 3 bars. The rankings are pretty subjective. It says more about a site that it has been included in the directory then that it has a certain ranking.
Submitting to JoeAnt
To submit a site to JoeAnt, one must either become an editor or pay a fee. The cost is $40 and that does not guarantee inclusion into the directory. The fee is nonrefundable. The nonrefundable fee makes webmasters think twice about submitting. The essential question to ask is: is a website of quality and value? If it is, chances are it wil be accepted.
Webmasters need to follow the guidelines and be willing to abide by the Terms of Service.
Editing for JoeAnt
Becoming an editor is simple. Name, email address, username, password and accepting the TOA are all that is required. However, editing takes a committment. I would not recommend becoming an editor if you are not willing to take a little time each week to submit and review sites. The editing itself is quite simple, however it is a thankless task of repititive activity.
Remember, submitting to JoeAnt and other web directories is an important part of your website’s link building campaign.
Be sure to review our list of recommended web tools.
