You can download Dmoz RDF dump (note: requires attribution) here: Open Directory RDF Dump. You can narrow it down to just the areas needed if the scope of your directory isn't that wide. Other than that, if your directory is going to be a niche product or you arent interested in that database due to the attribution requirement or other considerations... there are databases that can be bought to get yourself a running start. Whatever you do I'd avoid getting there by making your directory auto-accept. All you'll have then is a large worthless spam magnet. Serious submitters won't consider submitting to it at that point. Might read the sticky at the top of this forum before proceeding... doing a directory wrong is a piece of cake... doing it right is a lot of work. Doing it wrong isnt likely to be worth the time it requires to do it. :2cents
if you think file/dir listing, create .htaccess file and add this text there, close it and it works (autoindexes)
With automatic submissions you will get lots of links on your directory and lots of bots (not real people) to read that contents. It may also results in the wastage of bandwidth. so, It will be better if you manually review all the links to give your visitors the good quality contents.
Auto approve will kill your directory. If you are trying to save time editing listings then make it paid. Thanks Brian
very well said. Its true. While submitting as a webmaster also i prefer paid and organized directories. cheers Josh