Interview with Simon Gooffin

Discussion in 'Directories' started by podman, Aug 30, 2006.

  1. #1
    Interview with Simon Gooffin @esyndicat

    Q. Are you able to give us a short insight into your background?
    A. I'm 23 years old. I'm single. I graduated from University few years ago. Actually, I do not know what to write here :) My web experience is about 3 years.

    Q. How did the idea of eSyndiCat link directory come to you?
    Before I owned several sites together with my partners. We exchanged links with other sites and used another software for this process. There were missing some important features and that's why I decided to write our own software. Then I started to improve the script and my partner advised to make a product from it. The very first version was done quite fast.

    Q. What was your biggest challenge getting the eSyndiCat link directory script to where it is now?
    I do want to make the most convenient tool for building web directories. It's my goal now. We also pay the greatest attention to our customers' requests and try to implement all the features they ask for.

    Q. Who do you think is your direct rival in the link directory section?
    Hmm, every software has its own positive sides. We have a lot of competitors and you know directory industry is very popular. That's why we should offer something that's out of 'directory script' box.

    Q. Have you got any future plan to expand eSyndiCat features for both free and paid??
    We are planning to release another 'FINAL' version of our free software. It will be eSyndiCat 1.6. And of course we will improve eSyndiCat Pro. Our next version is released in October, and it will be eSyndiCat Pro 2.0.

    Q. In your view what are the benefits(or disadvantages) of running a directory?
    Well, first of all it's a way to earn some money. There are several ways to make money with your directory: selling links, banners, adsense, etc. Working on a directory you constantly add new content to it. New listings, listings comments - it's a new content that is loved by all search engines.
    Disadvantages, hmm.. I think it's a number of competitors. Directories niche is very popular and there are many directories, related to completely different themes, starting from dogs and ending with airplanes. Besides, it can take rather long to bring your directory in top 10 of Google according to its keyphrases. But this is more a common problem, than directories particularly.

    Q. With so many directories, what do you see for the future of the directory industry?
    Sure. I think there are too many niches in web to be taken. You can always find a good niche to build your web directory. Every day directories are born and the next day they die. Anyhow, we see many directories and they stay alive, and what's important they are profitable.

    Q. With many website owners now placing high level’s of attention to SEO, do you think that directories will have to evolve to keep up with the changes on the internet?
    Sure, directories must evolve. And they do. You can see more and more scripts have modern features that are popular now. Take tags for example, or sitemaps, etc. Let's take Google maps for example. Now directories even have a feature to display a location if there is an address. Directory owners follow new tendencies and improve their software to keep up with the changes on the internet.

    Q. What do you think are the main key points to a successful directory?
    I think it should be interesting and of course it should have relevant results. A person will not stay on your website (directory, blog, forums, etc.) if it's not interesting. So try to create unique directory with great content and nice design. That's the success, IMO.

    Q. Do you own any other sites.
    Yes. We have several projects that are going online this year. I will not tell about them until they are online.

    Q. How do you relax at the end of the day?
    Playing guitar. I like music. Sometimes I play chess, sometimes we play football or anything else. :)

    For more info please check:-

    http://www.directory-owners.com/showthread.php?p=2568#post2568

    Thanks

     
    podman, Aug 30, 2006 IP
  2. KeithLDick

    KeithLDick Peon

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    #2
    Is he like *Puff the Dragon* or something???... I don't get it...

    I play guitar cause it made me lot's of money...
     
    KeithLDick, Aug 31, 2006 IP
  3. podman

    podman Banned

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    #3
    What do you mean by that?

    -Dan
     
    podman, Aug 31, 2006 IP
  4. nicecoder

    nicecoder Peon

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    #4
    That is a natural. Everyone should have time to relax.

    I can't play guitar, so I play ps2 and xbox in my spare time :)
    I love soccer too, but i play winning eleven :D
     
    nicecoder, Aug 31, 2006 IP
  5. an0n

    an0n Prominent Member

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    #5
    Damnit! i wanted to know if he is going to see 'Snakes on a Plane'

    damn it! damn it!! damn it!!!
     
    an0n, Aug 31, 2006 IP
  6. Razvan

    Razvan Well-Known Member

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    #6
    Razvan, Aug 31, 2006 IP
  7. podman

    podman Banned

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    #7
    Hi,

    First of all I did not see your post 2nd of all if you ask Simon we asked him well over a month to do an interview for us, He said he would but would not do it right away as he was busy. Ask him and he will tell you so.

    -Dan
     
    podman, Aug 31, 2006 IP