Volunteers - The Dmoz Days
Having spent the better part of a decade working at what some of us exes refer to as “TOD” (The Other Directory)… I still have fond memories of the time there. Entered as a rookie webmaster that ran across it back in its early days (1999), and over the years there learned a ton about the internet, SEO, and of course the nature of volunteer work.

If ya can’t laugh at yourself…
As the directory there grew it managed to become a target of a lot of folks. Some of the criticism was valid, some not, but inside it was common practice of some of us to sorta make fun of ourselves based on the stereotypes. Sure, some of the stereotypes were spot on… but as is the case in many instances, a lot were just imagined. Either way, you can argue or you can laugh, and laughing is much better for the blood pressure.

BOTW Volunteers
We have a volunteer program at BOTW too, in our Blog Directory. Obviously not of the same scope as theirs, but then we have a core group of OCD types on staff here that edit like a few thousand volunteers each, which negates the need to rely heavily on our volunteers.

We keep the program available because it offers folks that’d like to add sites at their leisure in an area of their interest. Since we rely on the paid staff for the bulk of our input, the volunteers arent under pressure to produce. They are like guys collecting butterflies… they add the ones they like to the collection when they run across them.

Maintaining the Integrity of the Program
Having heard for a decade that the Dmoz volunteers only join to add their own sites (ok, that’s occasionally true, but more often not)… the policy we’ve adopted with our volunteers is pretty simple. If someone gets a volunteer login and vanishes after a couple of adds… those are removed. Our program will not be subject to criticism for that particular reason… better to have a few that enjoy it than many that abuse it.

How Does the BOTW Blog Vol Program Work?
Basically adding blog sites is pretty simple… you pick an area of interest, you add sites that fit the criteria. If you have a site in that field, start with the other related blogs in your own blog roll. Look at related sites on THEIR blog roll. Piece of cake.

Can we add our own?
Sure. Long as you aren’t here just for that purpose, no problem. Consider it a bonus for helping. Just be aware that if we do Quality Control checks and find someone added the same site 4 times in the same category, we execute the adds, their login, and if they’re nearby… the editor. [Dang, talk about “tough love”.]

Honestly, there isn’t generally a problem when we get volunteers, and as we did in my early days at Dmoz… we have a pretty good time in here. Much to be said just for the social interaction with some of the folks here, and if you enjoy what you’re doing it really isn’t “work”. [Don’t tell Greg or Rob I enjoy this, they still think I’m laboring away at this job.]

Bottom line, if assisting as a BOTW Blog Volunteer appeals to you, we’re always happy to look at new folks. Just fill out the app correctly and you’ve got a fair shot at getting in. Let me know if you have any questions.

Regards ~

Rob Jones
Proud Member of The Nerd Herd
Best of the Web

For affiliate marketers and merchants, this is the event of all events. Taking place from June 17th to the 20th at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver Colorado, this Affiliate Marketing Convention features Free admission and pulls together an outstanding lineup of session panelists, speakers, and super affiliates.

All attendees will have the opportunity to take away new information on how to optimize their marketing strategies through advanced SEO techniques, local marketing, video advertising, and email campaigns that actually work. Participants will also get the chance to network among a vast pool of affiliates where you can discuss specific marketing strategies, negotiate better commission percentages, explore new products to offer, and resolve any issues.

This inaugural event is expected to draw more than one thousand attendees. If you are an affiliate, DO NOT miss out on this awesome opportunity and Register for Free!

Just a quick reminder for all you savvy webmasters and site owners… Don’t miss out on this month’s discount promotion:

Save 15% on all BOTW products and services in the Web Directory, Blog Directory, UK Directory and BOTW Local.

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This offer will expire in less than one week! So if you haven’t already locked in your rates at a 15% discount - be sure to get on it before the end of the month!

OK, only the price is going down…
So in this case Mayday isn’t a distress call. Just a quick note to let you know Best of the Web (BOTW) has a 15% off coupon code for May 2009. The code is MAYDAY. If you’ve been looking for a good time to invest in your website, here you go.

That is all. Carry on.

Last week, at the IM Charity Party, certain colleagues of mine were convinced that I started speaking with an Irish, or perhaps a Scottish, accent.. Now I am not going to pretend that I can accurately inflect a Scottish accent or an Irish brogue… nor will I completely deny that it happened… but I *will* point out that there was an open bar and many, MANY pints of Kelly’s Irish Red Ale (and shots of Jameson for that matter) were consumed. And not just by me - but my accusers as well.

Yeah - I know that blaming the booze for shoddy impressions of Sean Connery is immature or irresponsible (or both)… It certainly wasn’t the proudest moment in my life but I stand by my defense in that if I don’t remember it happening - then it probably didn’t happen.

Thankfully - not all of us were as liquored up as your humbled reporter and there were more significant highlights than my transformation or the surprise guest appearance of pastrami boy (although that never ceases to entertain). It was exceptionally great to see upwards of one hundred and twenty smiling faces and as a member of the BOTW organization, I was especially proud to learn that collectively, the IM Charity Party raised over $11,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!!

Every person who attended the party donated at least the minimum of $50. Additional funds were donated online and most of the 120 party attendees bought raffle tickets. Out of the 120 Internet Marketers, twenty-four walked away with a prize!

Many thanks go out to Greg Niland for organizing yet another successful charity party. And thanks also to We Build Pages and Clix Marketing for co-sponsoring the party with us. While we didn’t raise as much money as previous events, it was just as rewarding to be able to raise thousands of dollars and tilt a few back with some of the top internet marketers from all over the world. Thanks to everyone who attended the party and donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. As always, your contributions and participation are greatly appreciated.

Just a reminder that until the end of March, you too can get more than you deserve by using March Promo Code SAVE25. to save 25% on blog and directory submissions.

Also… don’t forget that if you sign on as a BOTW affiliate, you can earn recurring commisions while helping others save money. For banners and tiles to display on your website or blog, please visit http://botw.org/helpcenter/marchsavings.aspx.

And of course, hope everyone remembers to sign up for IM Spring Break. Sounds like some good speakers, and besides… how can visiting Florida right now be a bad thing?

For some of us, it has been way too long since we enjoyed an MTV style “Spring Break.” Gone are the days of the wet t-shirt contest and mechanical bull riding… or are they??

From April 2-4, there will be an extremely fun and (dare i say) educational Internet Marketing Event. IM Spring Break is open to only 200 attendees to ensure a comfy and cozy setting - perfect for establishing strong friendships and trusted business partnerships. And while I cannot promise that there will be any bawdy or risque activities, I can promise that the scene in sunny South Florida will be laid back and relaxed - with a notably fun and intelligent crew of speakers and attendees. Representatives from Yahoo, SEOmoz and Best of the Web will be in attendance. And you do not want to miss hearing from keynote speakers Rae Hoffman (SugarRae), Neil Patel, and Chris Winfield. Other key participants include Loren Baker, Frank Watson, Todd Malicoat, Li Evans, Carolyn Shelby, Brent Csutoras, Joost deValk and top Digg user ZAIBATSU.

The Hilton Resort in Deerfield Beach, Florida will act as the hub for all Search Marketing training sessions and workshops, as well as other conference events. So after you are finished learning from some of the brightest and most talented speakers in Search Marketing, you can take a 5 minute ride to the beach. If you aren’t much of a beach bum, feel free to sit down at the poker table with other attendees or enjoy an open bar - poolside at the hotel. Name of the game is to learn, network, and have fun…

So if you haven’t already booked your ticket to the “Sunshine State,” you better get on it Now! For more information and to reserve your spot at IM Spring Break - visit Events@IMBroadcast.

Great news everyone!! The next Internet Marketers Charity Party will be held on Monday, March 23rd at the Heartland Brewery in Union Square, New York City (map). The party starts at 8PM and is open to anyone looking to have a good time and donate some much needed funds to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Previous IM Charity Parties have raised over one hundred thousand dollars. This year, charities all around the world are really hurting. Demand for funds has increased and donations have been sub par, so we are trying extra hard to raise money. For those of you who cannot make the party, please consider showing your support by donating online.

The suggested donation is $50 and every dollar spent is greatly appreciated. All money raised online and at the party will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

So come on down Monday night, network with some high-level industry people or at least make friends with the bartender. After all, it is open bar until Midnight! Let the good times roll…

Hope to see you there!

PS - if you have a couple of minutes, check out this short clip about the IM Charity Party http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xl1agwbCTf0

So you’ve heard about BOTW’s “Economic Stimulus Package” proposed this March. Well I’m here to announce that not only can you Save 25% on all new directory submissions and sponsorship advertising, but as a BOTW Affiliate, you can promote the “SAVE25″ special to refer sales to Best of the Web, and earn recurring commissions.

Big discounts help drive sales. So share Promo Code SAVE25 with your clients and users. Let them know that they can save 25% on all new directory submissions and sponsorship advertising during the month of March. When a user clicks through from a link or banner and places an order, you will earn recurring commissions for the life of annual listings and/or monthly sponsorships!!

For additional banners and tiles to display on your website or blog, please visit http://botw.org/helpcenter/marchsavings.aspx.

Remember – this is a limited time offer. The “SAVE25″ Promo will end on March 31, 2009. Get started today! The more people you tell, the more money you will make.

Mr BOTW Goes to Washington
In keeping with the trend, the good folks at Best of the Web have decided it must be time for an economic stimulus package of our own.

The original plan was to publish Brian Prince’s ATM PIN and card number… but that’s still under discussion, as someone pointed out:
-1- This might not be entirely legal.
-2- Everyone involved would be fired.

Meanwhile, until we get that ironed out, we’re offering a nice discount on submissions to Best of the Web.

March Promo Code
Save 25% on all Web and Blog Directory Submissions during the month of March! Promo Code: SAVE25

Thank you for flying Best of the Web. ~ RobJ