When visiting directories most of us notice the ones that have adsense and banners splashed every where. If and when you come across a directory that has no ads, do you notice it? Do you think that the directory is more respectable because of this?
Those will be mostly paid directories (charging high). Otherwise ads are the way to monetise a free directory.
I understand what you're saying but you're not answering my question. The question is; do you find the directory more respectable if they have no ads? Maybe I should say, does the directory stand out more because it has no ads?
I think to many people, some might consider looking more into the directory if it looks more professional and authoritive, and I think one way of making it look more professional is to not have ads on it. So your answer is, in my opinion, yes, it does give it more credibility. But I think overall site design and layout helps more. The more modern the look, the better.
Well the new gaming directory I am created has ads. I have them there because that is the money I will keep. The money I get from all my links will go right back into advertising for the site. Also I don't look more on sites with no ads, I just look down on sites that have bad ads or to many.
This depends on how the ads, if they are used are displayed, many sites have too many ads, then in my opinion they take the focus away from the sites main site subject Some sites with ads are totally acceptable with ads, other sites with ads are a 'turn off' Good design is important if you use ads to try to blend in with the overall site theme
My webmaster directory is free, irka web directory is free also and it doesnt have any ads, its a choice i find it ugly, Featured on my free directories helps me pay back my hosting, and make some small money.
A directory with relevant ads is OK in my opinion. Only when there are too many ads does it take away from the worth of the directory.
On my paid Ask Directory I don’t use any kind of ads, because I fell that putting ads takes away value of the listed sites, if you have someone click it should click on the listings not on the ads, but on a free directory I think is acceptable. Also big ones like Business.com are displaying adds from google but they do-it without the “ads from google†so you don’t know you are clicking on a add, this is the worst I have seen till now remember you pay $199/year to bet listed there.
i personally think that directories that have a few well-placed ads just as 'reputable' as directories without any ads at all. in fact sometimes have nice and well-placed ads portray the image that the directory is good enough for other webmasters to want to place their ads in the directory.
Yes you are right; I was referring more to google adsense and other contextual advertising. If is a nice blended had of for example another directory it makes sense, not an ad that is going to compete for the same click as the listings, then you are taking value.
Some directories are up and running through selling text links. Some of them do it very wisely that you cannot even find anywhere on their website talking bout selling links.