Review – Chiff.com and BlackRefer.com
November 9, 2007 – 7:48 amChiff.com
www.Chiff.com is a search portal that directs web surfers to websites based on content and design. Unlike spiders that look at web sites based on keywords, Chiff.com looks at websites and are handpicked by their staff.
Chiff’s goal: they want to replace dead links with links that are meaningful. They want to eliminate sites that have popup ads. They scour the internet for sites that still have those qualities. Chiff.com is looking to create a directory that is not too long to find what you are looking for, or too short to be of any value. They are trying to find something in between.
There are 12 categories and the links in each particular category are selected by experts in that field. The categories include art and culture, education, fashion, health, party ideas, shopping, society, sports, technology, virtual tourist, wine guide, your money. Once you click on a link you are redirected to sub categories on a variety of topics and subject matter.
Some perks
There are no popups in any of the sites listed. You won’t get bombarded with a variety of “ see me..click me..buy me” ads. The sites deliver content. Do they have adds? Yes, but they are pushed to the side, and are not intrusive on the content.
Searching is done by human kind…not bots. They prefer quality to quantity.
Sites are picked for two basic features: content and design. Keyword optimization is not considered necessary.
Other features
Besides the 12 categories listed, Chiff.com also provides other features. They have special content, like recipes, wine, travel, and vacation guides. They have money guides which include tax tips, credit card tips and financial aid. There are many “How to” articles that will provide step by step operations.
Overall, Chiff.com is a well designed and organized web site.
BlackRefer.com
Another site that does not use bots to get listings is www.BlackRefer.com. This site caters to Blacks and looks to identify websites that are created by Blacks, or African Americans.
Web Link placement and Business opportunities
Link placement is free; with a reciprocal link back to BlackRefer is the normal business method. Beyond that there are several business structures that they offer to sites that link to Black refer.
Slideshows
The slideshow is a heading which displays the website name and three rotating thumbnail pictures. Each has a brief text message which identifies the content of your site for potential customers. There is a “click here” link that will redirect the viewers to your site. If you don’t have a banner, the slideshow may be a good alternative.
Pricing for the Slideshow is 60.00 per month, 290.00 for six months, and 440.00 for one year.
Banner Ads
The third plan is banner advertising. They offer horizontal banners and they will be placed on available web pages above the fold. There is a choice of five types of web pages created by BlackRefer for you to use. The ad types include skyscraper, square, and rectangle banners. They are located under the word “Advertisement” to the right of the webpage. The price is 100.00 per month, 500.00 for six months and 750.00 for a year.
Sponsored Link
The fourth and final plan is sponsored link. There are three prices as well, $90.00 per month, 450.00 for six months, and 680.00 per year. Like most sponsored links, they are displayed prominently on the BlackRefer site.
Content
The site is rich in content about the black community. There are sites of every kind and description. The news is usually focused on Blacks as well, not just in the US, but around the world. Issues and controversies are covered.
In general, www.BlackRefer.com is a well organized site that delivers meaningful content and can help consumers of Black culture find a ready resource in one location.
You must be logged in to post a comment.