How does ODP handle this?

This is a general information request regarding the ODP verification process of website validity, ie: checking for false information, and / or how it will affect my request for a listing in the ODP.

In my line of business, success is predicated on the concessionaire contracts you hold. No contracts, no business. The issue I face now is that one of my competitors is listed in the ODP twice, advertising that he operates out of three of the locations I currently am contracted with. This competitor's corporation was dissolved in 1999, but still operates as if he they were a "legitimate" business (not at these locations). Yes, he maintains the website(s), presenting the possible problem I will have in being listed.

I know you are thorough in researching the websites suggested for inclusion. Will his (falsely) advertised locations preclude my inclusion, as I've secured the contracts for the same physical addresses? Will I be deemed to be an affiliate, or in fact the same company? How do you discern that we are in fact two separate businesses, with no affiliation, and that we are the holders of the contracts to operate at these locations?

Thank you for your time,

Blue

As always with this sort of hypothetical question, we can't give a definitive answer.

If you want one of those, we need to know the category and the URLs involved.

URL's

Hello Jim,

Thank you for your timely response.

ODP category is <removed>

My URL is <removed>

Competitors URL is {Removed to prevent public embarassment}

Upon further review, it appears he has recently removed one location from his site(s), leaving two in question. Perhaps he will remove these as well, rendering this question moot!

Thank you,

Blue

If you can show how we can check this information, and point us to what needs to be checked (that is, what listed URLs) we'll take it from there.

Thank you, Mr. Hutcheson

Hello Mr. Hutcheson,

I guess I'm a bit perplexed as to exactly what you require. Our URL, as well as the competitor's URL, are in the previous post. He is also listed at <removed>

Other than scanning the contracts, I'm not sure how else you can check the information I gave you. Scan and PM?

On second thought, I could forward the URL's of the establishments I'm contracted to- they both have links to me, rather prominently, on their websites as the concessionaire. Would this suffice?

A lot of trouble you've gone through for my simple concern- very much appreciated. Thank you!

Blue

If he says he has three locations on his web site, I think we have to assume he does. If in fact he moved or closed one of those locations, I would think it won't serve his business well to have customers arrive at a non-existent location - he would probably lose a few. Unless an editor happens to live across the street, I'm not sure it would be changed.

Should your web site list some of the same locations, then it might cause suspicion that you are one and the same company, and that would be checked out.

An editor in the area might make a few phone calls to verify. However, it's quite possible that both sites would end up being listed.

Thank you, Bobrat.

I'm not sure how you would check it out, other than perhaps visiting the websites of the locations he claims to be at. When (and if) you, do, you will find my information there, not his. I would imagine it would not be hard to check on, as "my" locations are also on my links page.

It should also be fairly easy to discover that were are indeed NOT one and the same.

The fact that he directs "walk-in" traffic to my location works well for me. He is welcome to send me as many customers as he wishes! My comcern with this whole issue is how it will affect my possible ODP listing. I've worked too hard on this to have it dismissed as being "one and the same". I respect your suspicion, and that is why I've brought it up here. I'd be suspicious too.

Again, thank you for your time!

Blue

I did a quick look to try and find the website for the duplicate location/hotel but kept running into travel agencies. If you have it either post it or send me a PM

PM sent to Bobrat. Please feel free to share with any other interested parties.

Blue

Without prejudging a proper review and based only on the sites with no background checking I can't see anything obvious that would prevent me from listing both sites and it would not occur to me personally that an establishment could not have multiple concessionaires. It seems clear you are competing with different manufacturers products and different prices so competing at the same locations would not preclude either listing. What you are saying is that you aren't competing, he is not there, but we would need proof that his locations are false before thinking about removing his site.

However, you say he still operates (presumably in the same area if not the same locations) and he says free delivery so if he removed all his locations, the deliver to the customer's location aspect would probably mean retention of his listing. In other words, if we disregard that aspect of the site which might be false would we list it and the answer is quite probably yes.

Many thanks to all

First, I'd like to thank all of you for taking time from your day to help me with this. One can see how busy you are, just by observing the forum.

To address the issue of whether he stays or goes from ODP, really not a concern of mine. I'd say, let them all in. The more options our little town gives to visitors, the more visitors will want to come here.

The core issue I had with all of this is whether these duplicate locations would pose a problem with my (possible) inclusion, that we would be presumed affiliates, if not "one and the same". I've PM'ed Bobrat with a little more information to confirm what I claim. No need to air dirty laundry here...

I've said all I can on the subject. I'm sure you will do what you think appropriate.

Thanks again,

Blue

Blue, you need to suggest the site, if you haven't already done so!

Site Submission

Oneeye,

I believe I have, on the 3rd. Perhaps it is not apparent in the pool of submissions yet. In any event, I'll be back in a month to find out!

Thanks,

Blue

That area of the Directory has very little wait time for submitters and as a consequence, if you take a look... Just shows that when we say 2 minutes to 2 years or more, there are plenty of sites close to the 2 minutes - it all depends on editor activity. Thanks for the suggestion.

Blown away!

Astounding! Thank you, ODP!

I shall refrain from applying to volunteer in this cat. Other suggestions may follow...

Blue

http://dmoz.org/Regional/North_America/United_States/Michigan/Localities/T/Traverse_City/ - select a sub-category that is not too large, find 2 or 3 sites that fit like a glove, and have a go! http://resource-zone.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=1289 might help. If it is a smallish sub-category with a named editor already then you could find yourself tripping over one another but there seem to be plenty of choices.