Site Status http://www.cafeshops.com/rainbowsauce

Re: Site Status Rainbowsauce

Given that that link is buried at the end of 5 links to strictly affiliate pages (which aren't listable content), a link to your cafepress pages (which again isn't listable content), and a couple of informational pages, it's not hard to see how it could be missed. That's a very small amount of content (the actual store and perhaps the free graphics) weighed against an incredible amount of non-listable content.

RE: listability of eBay stores vs Cafe Press stores -- I would argue that the biggest difference between the two types of online stores is that most eBay sellers actually have the items they're selling on hand whereas a Cafe Press store is using Cafe Press as a dropshipper (and we don't list stores that are just using dropshippers). If eBay stores are generally considered unlistable by us and yet meet the requirements for listing better than a site using a dropshipper, then Cafe Press stores really don't stand a chance.

[personal note: I take it the b&w checkerboard background on your graphics pages is there to show which images are transparent but, boy, is that ever hard on the eyes. I'd urge you to reconsider using it.]

Re: Site Status Rainbowsauce

an incredible amount of non-listable content.

Click to expand...

It's funny, the authors in the community seem to disagree, I get countless emails asking me to include new publishings on Rainbowsauce.. they seem to see it as a useful resource, but that all depends on perspective I guess.

As for your comments on ebay vs cafepress, Ok, I'm looking at printing my own tees in the future - I'll submit my ebay store in the future and see what happens - fairly sure it won't get the same consideration as 'Donnies Pride Store' though.

re: checkerboard, you're the first to complain, most write to thank me for the graphics. It's useful to see whether the graphic should be used on black or white so.. *shrugs*.

Considering the class system I've seen here, it's a good thing google "thinks" differently when it comes to top five search results.

Re: Site Status Rainbowsauce

Google doesn't "think" at all.

I do however, and I think your site is kind of fun and interesting. It's obvious that a lot of work has gone into it. I'm not surprised it's a successful online store. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to a friend who was looking for the merchandise you sell.

That doesn't make it listable. The ODP community decided on the affiliate standard after a great deal of discussion and thought, and it's not likely to change any time soon.

Your best bet is to continue to pursue other marketing strategies for your site and stop worrying about the ODP. We simply don't list new submissions for this type of online store anymore, and as someone pointed out above, the bar keeps going up.

Re: Site Status Rainbowsauce

Thanks for your kind comments. I knew it was an uphill battle trying to get my store in in the first place, but I thought it was worth a shot. I've had both the store and the website online a long time and I've never worried about the ODP before - I don't really NEED the listing so it's ok.

I learnt a lot by visiting here, it's been interesting. I have other projects planned in the future, including a real online store with no affiliate links and just products shipped by myself - when that happens, I'll be back