How long will my web sites pages remain in the AltaVista Index?

[bigDugan]

This question was brought up in the Inktomi Database (http://www.ihelpyouservices.com/forums/t106/s.html) forum, but I figured I'd post the answer here:

AltaVista has partnered with infoSpider to bring you AltaVista's Express Inclusion service.

According to InfoSpider's FAQ (https://www.infospider.com/av/app/faq#how_long) on the subject:The Express Inclusion subscription service is for six (6) months. Prior to the end of the six-month subscription period, you will receive written notice from infoSpider providing you with the option of renewing for another six months or discontinuing the service

While it does not specfically state that your URLs will be removded, it seems to imply it.

The InfoSpider Benefit FAQ (https://www.infospider.com/av/app/faq#benefits) also states:it provides you with the peace of mind that your URLs will remain in the index for 6 months

The FAQs state that it will remain for 6 months. Why would they "go out of their way" to tell you this, if your URL(s) remained in the index after the 6 months (contract)?

My feeling is that the URLs will be removed.

I have also sent InfoSpider an email asking them directly, and will let you know the response I get.

[ihelpyou]

I think this is one of those questions that AltaVista has not answered themselves yet and one which they are struggling over.

I think that FAQ means that the contract is for 6 months for respidering and to definitely remain in the index.

They do not specifically say about if you do not pay again as a page that is in now without paying always runs the risk of being dropped.

Not real clear yet as to what is going to happen. Let us know if you hear anything.

[bigDugan]

InfoSpider is staffed M-F 5am-6pm PST USA, so I suspect it will be at least Monday before I get a reply.

[Advisor]

When I interviewed Chris from AltaVista, and asked him that question - point blank, he said the URL would no longer be eligible for the weekly respidering (or whatever their schedule is) and you'd lose access to their handy-dandy "tools." Plus that wonderful customer service from InfoSpider. That was the official word when the program first came out at least.

Jill

[bigDugan]

Here's the answer I received today from InfoSpider:

Dear Valued Customer,
It does not necessarily mean you will be dropped but you will no longer receive weekly indexing for the remaining time without the service.

Thank You

Benjamin Plascencia

[ihelpyou]

ha, nice spin on things and why you need to keep using them.

This tells me that if you do not renew, your url will remain in the index, unless you get caught spamming or something.

[ihelpyou]

The thing about this is that why would you want re-indexing Every week?

If your site or page pretty much stays the same AND you are happy with your current positions, you have absolutely no reason to use this service.

AltaVista needs to come up with more benefits to this than what they have now. More traffic would be nice.

[Advisor]

No kidding. No benefits to their service whatsoever, unless you have an ever-changing site. And their handy-dandy tools are not worth anything either. I'm surprised that this was the best they could do. Pretty lame attempt to stay alive. Good bye altavista...(or should I say, hasta la vista altavista! Whatever that means!)

Jill

[ihelpyou]

hey BigD, I had fired off an email to AltaVista yesterday about this also. Received this reply today:

Dear AltaVista Customer,

Thank you for choosing AltaVista.

You will need to contact InfoSpider.com (our program provider) for
support of this service. They will be able to answer any questions you
may have. They can be contacted via e-mail at support@infoSpider.com or
via phone by calling 408 635-2289.


Thank you again for using AltaVista.

Regards,

AltaVista Support Team

It does seem they are grobbling around about this little problem.

[bigDugan]

Too Funny,
ha, nice spin on things and why you need to keep using them
this is exactly what I was thinking!

But it all sorta makes sense.

It seems InfoSpider has the ability to get your site index or re-indexed, but that it's only a one way street for them. Seems they have no control over your listings ONCE you are listed with AltaVista.

[Advisor]

In case anyone missed it the first time:

http://www.rankwrite.com/archives/issue053.htm#av

Jill

[ihelpyou]

The webwhizmeister..... that was a very good interview and article!

[bigDugan]

WebWhiz, Nice write up.

I too can remember the good ole days where you could submit to AltaVista or InfoSeek and see your site listed in a day or two!:cool: