GPWA Times Magazine - Issue 1 - May 2007

1 4 The Seal of Approval offers the knowledge that a gambling portal: Is managed independently of the online gambling websites it provides information about or promotes. Respects and upholds copyright standards. Does not send spam email. Does not use malicious search engine optimization techniques such as posting spam-like comments in forums and interactive blogs. Does not promote or display pornography. Provides consumers with information extending beyond banner advertisements and links. Acts professionally and respectfully in its business activities. • • • • • • • First 200 Seal of Approval Awardees www.3dpokerpkr.com www.777-online-gambling.net www.absoluteaccents.com www.absolutebet.net www.allvegaspoker.com www.amazinghorsebets.com www.audiovegas.com www.baccaratstrategy.org www.bestbaccaratstrategy.com www.bestbetongames.com www.bestblackjackbetting.com www.bestblackjackbettingstrategy.com www.bestblackjackdownloads.com www.bestblackjacktip.com www.bestfreecardgamedownloads.com www.bestgameofpoker.com www.bestonlinecasino.in www.bestonlinecasinossite.com www.bestvideopokersoftware.com www.betastic.co.uk www.betongamesonline.com www.betsage.com www.bigsevencasinos.com www.bingobingobingo.info www.bingobonussnoop.com www.bingogamessite.com www.bingo-reviewer.com www.bingo-uk.co.uk www.bingovipclub.com 200 Seals and counting... B y Steven Corfman G o o n e r s G u i d e . c o m w ebmaster Paul Kulhavy s ought the GPWA Seal of A pproval in hopes of joining a growing group of portal o wners commited to honor a nd professionalism. H is site was awarded the 2 00th seal on April 11, ju st four months after the p rogram’s launch. T he program was founded on th e principle that changing th e industry means honoring those whose work, li ke Kulhavy’s, exemplifies honest business p ractices. “I believe communities like the GPWA can s upport the good industry players and expose th e bad industry players if they have the right in frastructure in place,” GPWA Executive D irector Michael Corfman said. “ The seal program is designed to provide an in frastructure for honest webmasters to be se parated from the crowd.” F or the recipients, the program is generating e xactly that kind of distinction. Program p articipants have reported increased attention fr om affiliate programs and potential link- e xchange partners who located them through th e approved-portals listing on the GPWA w ebsite. “ That’s why I jumped to join right away,” said G amble4U.com webmaster Jim Lowery. “From a marketing standpoint, it signifies quality.” Webmasters understand that trust is the basis fo r flourishing relationships. Yet, across borders and through our compu ter screens, it’s not easy t o establish the knowledge a nd background upon which tr ust depends. “It can be difficult for visito rs to know the differen ce between a long standi ng portal that is providi ng quality information and t he hundreds (or thousands) of rent-an-opinion websites o ut there.” Kulhavy said. Visitors to Kulhavy’s s ite don’t face that difficulty. T he seal lets them know his site is reputable. Each seal includes a customized verificati on page including: the URL of the awarded site, an explanation of the review the site underwe nt, links to related GPWA member profiles a nd information for reporting violations to t he monitoring team. The display image and verification page a re served from a central database of approved sit es, which adds to the Seal’s security. This ensu res only approved portals can display the award. The program is one component of t he association’s dedicated effort to advan ce professionalism within the maturing por tal webmaster industry. Other activities include involvement in resolvi ng webmaster disputes, monitoring indus try trends and sharing best practices through t he association’s forum. The initiative is growing quickly, and ea ch recipient deserves recognition for their ha rd workanddedication. Together,GPWAmemb ers are changing the industry. To apply for the Seal of Approval, visit www.gpwa.org or email your list of sites to fairness@gpwa.org. GPWA TIMES | SEAL OF APPROVAL