Why do so many on this fã site credit Tim burton with directing The Nightmare Before Christmas?

well... he didn't direct it but he had a whole idea. he made all pictures of jack and sally and he made whole story. but on the box of nightmare bc is written tim burton's nbc.

I think you've answered your own question! Many people believe Tim burton directed it, and it does seem that this mistake is made due to him creating the story and producing it.

I know my college class all thought he was the director. I found out when they were all crediting Tim burton for the directing of Coraline. (the commercials said "from the director of The Nightmare Before Christmas").

Tim Burton's awesome and everything, but I do feel sorry for Henry Selick because I really don't think he gets the recognition he deserves for his work.

Because if you look at anything like merch or something it says "Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas" and if you buy the book like i have it is written and illustrated por Tim burton so you would assume that he directed it !