I dont take credit for this post, it is one i found at DMOZ forums that i found quite interesting, and wanted to know what you guys thought on this subject. here is the original post: I don't follow directories. I haven't submitted to one in years. Nevertheless, I have a newish site that was ready for prime time and I started looking into directories. What do I find? DMOZ "suggest URL" is down for days (weeks?). Not a sign of a vibrant enterprise. Microsoft bCentral just shut down. http://www.webmasterworld.com/directories/3164430.htm Looking from the outside, my first impression is that directories are either in a consolidation phase or a declining phase.
I don't think that just because two large directories are less vibrant or closing down means that it is a declining industry! This happens in all industries, it's nothing new .
The technical problems Dmoz has are legendary, and I think they're largely due to its age, rather than simply its size. I think it was built when the internet was a whole different animal, and I suspect the whole thing needs rebuilding from the ground up. So if Dmoz is experiencing problems, it's business as usual and no reflection on the state of the industry at all.
I hardly think either DMOZ or bCentral are either indicative of the current state of directories or their subsequent value. DMOZ's issues are complicated and many, the least of which are due to their status as a "directory". The real value IMO are in smaller and or niche orientated directories that are actually maintained, well organized and full of rich, fresh and relevant content. That said, there are many. We've seen a rise in both traffic and listings each and every month for over two years straight now, with no noticable decline in each of those months. If anything, directories in general are on rise.
Exactly and these comments are based on facts as they are from the owner of very well established top tier Directory
as i said in my original post i thought this would be an interesting topic of "debate" or to "talk about" between ourselves. i was in no way implying personally that directories were in the decline, so its been interesting to see what you all thing on the matter.
I think --your thoughts on technical problem is what is happenning at DMOZ. It was built so long ago --and the WEB has changed so much in between--I think they have not been updating their system at all during all these years.
Hello.. I agree with most that the expansion boom is actually on the forward step rather then decline. I see more paid directories hitting the beat more then free which most dont care as they will just let them sit till PR hits and hope for the best. DMOZ ... well what can i say "onlinedude" jeff couldnt have said it better at the contest thread, and also i believe someone said its outdated in which it is. Business.com pffft who cares as they are already filled to the gills and the listing i seen if im correct werent even direct and to pay 199.00 you had might as well spend another 100 and just go with yahoo. I think alive directory will be the next PR8 and im wishing so as it couldnt happen to better guy. He takes care of most of us when it comes to buying links and in all general aspects of this industry. Both him and jeff are both role models and no one can say anything to the contrary. I think were all in for a surprise next PR round and hopefully its a good one and not bad. welll thats my 2 cents for what its worth.... thx malcolm