Members of the web directory industry have uncovered a large network of directories that is operated by an owner who is actively hacking into websites in an effort to leave links to artificially inflate their pagerank. Although leading members of the directory industry are working hard to notify those that have been compromised by this network's operator, Google's prompt action could put an end to this active security threat.

Cleveland, OH -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/08/2013 -- As the result of many webmaster forum discussions involving high pagerank web directories, an analysis has been conducted and concluded that a large web directory network is hacking websites to hide their links to artificially inflate their pagerank. Further analysis has determined that this network exceeds well over one hundred and fifty individual web directories in which many are utilizing this same technique to artificially inflate their pagerank.

In response to this threat, many within the web directory industry are actively contacting those with compromised websites, their hosting providers and Google. Although contacting webmasters and hosting providers of compromised websites has helped to limit some of the damage caused by this network, many within the web directory industry believe that Google's assistance could mitigate this security threat and reduce the likelihood of it occurring again. The management at VMOptions also shares in the belief that Google is uniquely positioned to thwart this ongoing attack on innocent and well respected websites.

Pagerank, which was recently discussed by Matt Cutts in a YouTube video just days ago, is often used by those within the SEO industry to gauge the value of a webpage. End users, on the other hand, may use pagerank as a signal of trust or reputation. But for the unscrupulous, pagerank is often used to value underground link transactions in an effort manipulate search engine positions. For this reason, some within the web directory industry wrongly strive to achieve a high pagerank instead of providing end users with a quality user experience.

VMOptions believes the current hacking activities taking place not only threaten the legitimacy of the web directory industry, but places many websites at risk. Despite daily efforts by those within the web directory industry to police their own, the artificial pagerank that these directories have attained is controlled by Google. Many that are participating in forum discussions at V7N and Digital Point are anxiously awaiting action that will finally end this web directory network and their hacking activities once and for all.

About VMOptions
VMOptions, which is an abbreviation for Virtual Media Options, is a well-established member of a large and very diverse website directory industry. As a member of this industry, where high quality web directories are distinguished by their content and features, VMOptions has joined with other respected community members to minimize the security threats posed by those that seek to manipulate Google's pagerank by hacking into websites. Besides efforts to police their own industry, the management of VMOptions feels that they have a duty to help protect those that list their businesses within directories and the other web directory owners that work hard to provide their users with a quality resource of categorized websites.

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Because of the recent strategic partnership announced by VMOptions, marketing managers may now have professionally designed banners created at significantly lower rates.

Cleveland, OH -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/07/2013 -- Virtual Media Options, which is better known as the VMOptions web directory, has entered into a strategic partnership with 20DollarBanners.com. This partnership benefits those webmasters that choose to advertise within VMOptions and beyond.

One of the most challenging tasks small business owners encounter, when advertising on websites, is the development of creatives that convert viewers into customers. The strategic partnership announced between VMOptions and 20DollarBanners.com allows small business owners the opportunity to have professionally designed banners created at competitively low prices.

20DollarBanners.com has been developing custom banners, for marketing campaigns, for over ten years. Their portfolio includes web banners in a variety of formats including Gif, Jpeg and Flash. Whether it is a static banner or animated Gif, 20DollarBanners.com has a long reputation of meeting the precise needs of each client. In most cases this company can take a concept to creation, with free revisions, in just three days or less. 20DollarBanners.com also backs up their work with a money back guarantee to ensure that each client is completely satisfied with their graphic design work.

The VMOptions web directory, which has been in operation for over six years, has a strong base of users that are responsible for the design, maintenance and marketing of their websites. Many of these small business owners offer products and services that appeal to small businesses and webmasters. VMOptions presently has one of the most affordable banner webmaster advertising opportunities available, for a flat rate, which is equivalent to an average CPM of just $.25.

In announcing their partnership with 20DollarBanners.com, VMOptions has also posted a 20% discount code for those that make their banner advertising purchases through VMOptions' webmaster advertising page. The discount, as was announced in this strategic partnership, amounts to a 20% savings on all banner design services and packages.

About VMOptions
Having been established over six years ago, the VMOptions web directory continues to expand and add features that are desired by both businesses and end users. The editorial team at this web directory is responsible for accurately describing each website that they include in their index, including business contact information when available. In addition to running a quality web directory, VMOptions also manages a variety of lists that are utilized by SEO professionals, webmasters and other individuals that offer website marketing services. Presently, VMOptions offers advertising opportunities within their lists for those that offer products and services to the webmaster community.

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