Duplicate content question

[mauiman]

I added several mods to my main directory and I want to know whether there might be a duplicate content effect. And if there is what the likely punishment might be from SEs.

One mod is an A-Z alpha listing of sites that lets visitors search for a site by alpha sorted listings.

Another allows submitter to place their link into more than one category. For example if a UK Jeweler submits their online jewelry shop they can add it to Shopping/Jewelry and also Regional/UK/UK-Shopping. I really like the feature as it makes for a better search experience for a visitor and Webmasters love the extra category as well.

Thanks in advance

[peterko]

I think duplicate content might affect your position in SERP. It's better not to use it.

For your references, if you want to check duplicate content, you could use copyscape. Typing URL into copyscape, scanning results will show you if content is copied. It will give you idea, where the content is taken from.

Have a great day,
Peter

[mauiman]

Thanks for your input Peter. The ability to add a site into a couple of relevant categories has been very popular and it sure makes the directory a lot more searcher friendly. I'm going to continue offering the extra bonus link and I think I'll be ok as long as the links truly belong in the categories they're placed in.

Regards

[Obelia]

The main reason you might get duplicate content is not so much the mods, but failing to rewrite descriptions. You should always assume that the same description has been submitted to a few hundred directories, even if you can't find it in Google. Because your directory could simply be the first one to receive or approve the submission, or other submissions haven't been spidered yet.