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The DFN Weekly

TOPSITE POSITIONS

By

MorganaX
Twisted Perversions

Over the last month, DFN has printed a series of articles to demystify topsite use. My article will share a general outlook of the positions on a topsite's list and some of their nuances. The exact position numbers may change but I have found that most populated topsites can be divided into four categories: Bottom Feeders, Dead Zone, Tailenders and Top Dogs.

Bottom Feeders

Widely used term for sites that are satisfied with sending in the bare minimum amount of hits needed to stay listed at the bootom of a toplist. These sites normally get back much more hits for very little effort. One reason for this is that topsite surfers, veterans especially, will scroll past the top senders to the bottom of the list. This is a great, low risk spot for topsite newbies and/or folks testing out a topsite.

Dead Zone

Okay, this is my own term but describes that area of a topsite where surfers never seem to click, except on listings with extraordinarily well done descriptions. The number of positions included in the deadzone varies depending on amount of listings and topsite design. But it normally occurs somewhere around the middle of the list. The most likely reasons for this topsite doldrum is that listed sites get lost in the shuffle of textlinks and surfers are quick scrolling to the bottom.

Tailenders

Yes, I made up this term for lack of a better description. Ever been in traffic and had to pull to the side of the road to let an ambulance go by, then watched as one driver quickly sped back to take advantage of the cleared roadway. Okay, it probably pissed you off. But I see tailenders on a topsite as sites who reap the most benefits from the sites at the top of the listing.

Tailenders normally take up the positions right after the glitzy banners listed at the top of a topsite. For instance, my topsite allows the #1-5 sites to display their banners on each category. My tailenders would then be #6-10. On a quality topsite, tailenders will get more fresh hits returned to their sites than they sent into it.

Top Dogs

Top Dogs are the sites at the top of the topsite and generally allowed to display their banners. They also tend to get far less return from the amount of hits they send in. Although their owners may send in traffic from a variety of sources, these surfers have seen their sites at some point and are looking for something fresh.

These positions are often sought out by owners of paysites, moneymaking sites or traffic pumps. Their banners are exposed to all incoming surfers. Topsite owners also tend to occupy at least one of the spots. It helps them to control the listing, much like the leader of the pack in a race. Competition for these spots can often be stiff. Especially on well trafficked sites, targetting one of the Top Dog spots requires some traffic of one's own and a good knowledge of traffic manipulation.

Of course, topsites differ in design and traffic sources. The four "positions" I've covered is meant to give you a general idea of traffic flows on a topsite. If you have yet to try out topsites yourself, read back articles of the last four DFN issues, starting with Kathy's wonderful overview. Or come back next week for another topsite article that might help you take the plunge.