A: Will other search engines index the XML sitemap I create for Google Sitemaps?

Hi John

My first response based on what I've recently learnt about the XML Sitemap Protocol, was that if you link to your XML sitemap from a page on your site already indexed by a search engine crawler, then yes, it should get indexed.

HOWEVER, Yahoo actually sells an XML indexing service for large and dynamically generated sites called Search Submit. This service has an annual fee and a cost-per-click pricing structure so it is highly doubtful that they are going to index and include your XML sitemap for free when they are already charging for this service.

But I wouldn't worry too much - I believe that paid inclusion services like Search Submit will be phased out as XML becomes the web standard for content and we move closer to a true Semantic Web. In the meantime, I wouldn't bother creating separate site maps for separate engines, just like I wouldn't bother creating unique pages for unique engines. Make a single, accurate XML sitemap and stick with it. Do what makes sense from a user's perspective and you can't go wrong!