Vellum88 — a reading list of the open web

Questions, occasionally asked

What is Vellum88?

Vellum88 is a web gazetteer: a hand-kept index of active web addresses sorted into 22 subject districts. It records the locations of businesses and services on the open web without ranking, rating, or endorsing any of them.

Is it free to list a site?

Yes. Submission is free and carries no obligation. Vellum88 accepts entries from any site owner with a public web address, regardless of the size or nature of the business.

How is the gazetteer organised?

The 833 entries are arranged into 22 subject districts, from Gaming & Wagering Establishments to Software & Technology Vendors. Each district is a self-contained index of the addresses recorded there, browsable in full on its own page.

How do I submit a site?

Select the appropriate subject district from the directory and follow the submission form on that page. Enter the full URL and, where prompted, a brief description. The entry will be reviewed and, if approved, added to the district within a few days.

How long does approval take?

Reviews are conducted by hand and typically take a few days. You will not receive a separate notification; the entry will simply appear in the relevant district once it has been processed and approved.

Can I submit more than one site?

Yes. Each address requires a separate submission. Use the district form once for each URL you wish to add to the gazetteer. There is no limit on the number of submissions from a single owner.

Does Vellum88 rank or rate the sites it records?

No. Vellum88 is a factual index, not a review service. Entries appear in the order in which they were added to their district. No entry receives preferential treatment or higher placement.

What happens if my site goes offline?

Vellum88 does not automatically remove entries when a site goes offline. If you wish to have an entry corrected or removed, resubmit the address with a note explaining the change needed.

Which district should I choose for my site?

Select the district whose subject most closely matches the primary activity of your site. If your site covers more than one subject, choose the district that best represents its main purpose. Sites that do not fit any specific district may be submitted to General Establishments.

Why is it called Vellum88?

Vellum is the material on which early reference works and gazetteers were recorded before print. The numeral distinguishes this edition of the directory from others in the network it belongs to.