Hello, I am planning to open a couple of specialized directories (10+). Since paying at least 25$ per directory for phpLD 3.0 does not look to me a cheap option, i am planning to use the free version. So i am asking to the experienced phpLD users. Do you think paying for phpLD 3.0 is necessary? Any powerfull features missing or possible problems exist in the free version in your opinion? (i already looked at features table at phpLD site but could not detect any serious missing features.) Since you passed that road before, i dont want to make a mistake and want to start with a good decision. If i choose to start with free version, is the upgrade to the paid version easy even if several links/categories already added to the free version? Thanks for your answers...
I started on the free version by making one directory, then i wanted to create another one so i thought it'd be wiser to spend a bit of money out of what i earned with the free version so far... If you plan to build directories for the long term i advise you to use the v3
Yes, definitely phpLD 3.0 got exclusive features, if you are going to build professional directory with quality, then paid version is better. Admin is very easy to operate in newer versions.
The directories which are using V3.06 are more SEO Friendly IMO .. I'd suggest you start a site with v3 and another with v2,then you'll know which is better for you.
The free version is great, Ive had no problems whatsoever, the 3.06 just offers more features thats all. But yeh the 2.0 free version does the job very well.
I'm using the free version with my directory http://ipage.info/ and I haven't had problems with it so far. Although I would recommend you go with the paid version since it has a lot more features than the free version. I would have switched to the paid version but with the mods I've applied, it would be harder for me at this point.
Well I am new at using phpLD but everything works amazingly good so far I have even added some addons that work perfect to. I haven't really tried 3.0 but I would suggest you to start with 2.0 and if everything will work fine for you than there is no reason to change it. Here is mine: www.getabacklink.info
Can you elaborate this? Since the directory will be closed to submissions (but will be open to advertisors), probably the most important factor will be seo-friendliness.. The phpld features table shows "Mod Rewrite for SEO Friendly Pages (optional)" is available in both versions. Is the functionality different?
No, the functionality is the same. 3.06 just offers a lot more tweaking for your individual pages as well as a lot more admin panel extras.
Ok. Thanks for the answers. It seems that i should first try 2 version and see whether it fits my needs. Then try 3 version if sth is missing..
Yea, if you are doing something on a small scale, the free version may be ok. For a bigger job (like a well-promoted free, general directory), you really should pay the $25 for version 3. You will be sorry if you don't. Features you will miss out on are: * Domain/IP banning * Captcha image validation that works! * Search functions on the links/category admin pages (BIG HELP!) * Can backup database in admin. ... just to name a few. After all, what is $25 these days? Half a tank of gas?
What about the modules and templates? Most of them availabe for version 3 or available for both versions?
A few designers make their templates in several versions to accomodate different versions of PHPLD. Most don't though since this is alot of extra work to create a template for each release of the script. Most of the templates being created will only work in the latest versions though (as this is what most are using). Not too many people are making templates for 2.0 now.
If you are unsure in anyway about v3 go with v2 to start off with, i am currently running v2 with mods and never had any problems at all. If you are flush with cash then you may as well save upgrades in the near future as V3.0 came out at the start of the year 06. However money should not really be much of an issue as any good directory can make up $25 easily. If you will be adding mods to your directory, us who have with v2 have a trickier transition to v3 although you can do it, more can go wrong so you should keep this in mind. Ok that’s enough here.
I am using 2.o version, there doesn't seem to be any issue with the free version.. If I have to buy, I would wait and buy version 4 of PHPLD.
I really can't afford to buy any directory script. And most of the free directory scripts i tried did not satisified me. Hence I created an entirely new one myself. It is just in its infant stage. take a look at it here
I have took a look on the design, it is very very infant stage and I don't know how long would you take to complete this. I will look forward on this. However, I will stil stick to the phpld since $25 is like a small investment and I can earn back from selling the link later. So, I don't think will wait till you finish it and I will just grab the ready made products. No hassle no problem in installation.