Directory Template Question

Hi I am working a new secret directory project
I have a question for all of you about teh template.
In my opinion, the template should be minimal on graphics and designed for crawability and human usuability.
I see so many "web 2.0" directories with shiny glossy templates that are no more than eye candy.
On my directory I am thinking along the lines of ODP and Yahoo Dir. i think they have the idea right with teh minimalistic designs that may not be flashy, but they are fast, clean, and easy to navigate.

So my question is, can a new directory in this day and age be succesful without all the bling and jazz, as I hope mine to be (without the bling and with the success that is)?
Of course it would still look nice, and be valid xhtml, just without all teh shine and gloss.
Is eye candy the reason you submit, or is the content of the directory the reason you submit.
Also, please do not post bullshit like "Well I think that the template reflects how concerned the directory owner is with their directory" Of course I am motivated and dedicated, I never said I was going to spend .5 seconds on the template. I just don't believe that spiders and even humans need or even want all splashy images.

 

bling and jazz does not make a directory
KISS keep it simple stupid............and make it very clean cut n user friendly

 

Not to make enemies or pick names, and I mean no disrespect to you. In fact i have a very high regard for you and forplex, but forplex is blingy and jazzy and not very simple IMO.
Forplex is very successful, but I am hoping to take a different approach to success, by not feeding the visual, but feeding results.
Some directories can acheive both, certaintly forplex is certaintly one of the select few.

 

Simple, sweet and normal but error free and eye friendly designs often work wonders for a directory.

After you make your template test it yourself for some days, see if you feel comfortable with the design and it works user friendly.

 

With design and graphics i think less is more. The cleaner the better and less distraction if possible.

 

I think it would be fine... I personally look for how the directory is run, how accessible the owner is, how committed they appear to be and if they seem to be executing some kind of plan. Gloss is great, but I would pay a well run directory before I would pay a glossed up directory that is poorly run and advertised.



Lance

 

thanks, I was hoping that fellow owners would agree that Gloss isn't gold

 

Lol you think forplex has the blingy and jazzy look lol , than look at www.h-log.com , now which has more bling to it ?

Its not about bling bling, but more of cling cling (money) that makes directory successful.

 

h-log is downright tacky.

Unfortunately the bling bling is what mkaes the "cling cling" for most directories.

 

Hey, its got all the bling and can be tacky all it wants, but what is it missing is the million dollar question.

Hint : Cling cling

 

I agree that simple can be 'more'. I don't find forplex overly blingy.

Here are my feelings (with examples):

1. My bid directory is what I would consider quite low-key and simple.
2. My health portal is a bit louder but I still tried to keep things relatively simple.
3. My music portal is a bit louder yet but again I tried not to go over the top.

Conclusion: I guess it depends on what kind of image or theme you directory has. I think too much bling and jazz just slows down load times and can confuse folks. A little bit of eye candy does not hurt though.

 

You are right on, of course it all depends on the theme of the directory. I was talking about general directories. But for example a niche directory about fishing. I would be happy to see lots of fish images. Or a directory aimed at punk rock music. Obviously I would expect brighter colors and flashy images.