By Annie Auch

 

 

Introduction: Best of the Web started in 1994 not as a web directory, but as a site that allowed web users to vote for the best websites on the Internet. Since then it has transformed into a web directory with content-rich sites.

 

 

▪ BOTW is human maintained. All sites included in the directory are not only relevant to the categories, but also can be ranked among the best sites on the Internet. Editors are very involved in the selection of sites to the directory. All sites included also undergo periodical checks by editors to ensure that they are still meeting the minimum guidelines.

 

▪ Has a variety of subcategories

 

▪ BOTW is up-to-date, with minimal dead links, if any.

 

▪ Quality of sites is consistent. No category has poor quality sites simply because it receives the least amount of hits. Content and layout is consistent, which helps with its readability.

 

▪ The searches are not case sensitive and there are no limits to the amount of links one person can submit for consideration.

 

▪ Available to users for free.

 

▪ User-friendly. Easy to navigate.

 

▪ Great quality control. Editors set strict criteria that each site featured in the directory must adhere to. If a site does not follow their criteria, it can’t be included. All accepted sites undergo an annual check by the editors to make sure that they are following the minimum criteria:

            ▪ Must contain substantive unique content

            ▪ Navigates in a user-friendly manner

            ▪ Contains no broken links or pictures

            ▪ Up and running 24/7

            ▪ Conforms to universally accepted web standards

 

▪ Well organized

▪ All information is relevant. No junk.

 

 

 

▪ Not many links to choose from in the categories. Low variety.

▪ May take a while for webmasters to hear if their site is going to be included or not.

 

Display: Lists four related directory categories with a “more” link below them so the user can see more options. Displays ten matching directory listings first. Each matching listing starts with its title which is hyperlinked to the URL, the categories the listing can be found in, a description, and then the URL.

 

Sorting: Relevant categories are sorted first, than sites.

 

 

Link to Website:           Best of the Web