How does Google respond when the same article gets posted in multiple article directories? Is this the same as duplicate content? I assume it is, but want to make sure I'm not missing something. Also, how do directories keep from getting duplicate content like this? Thanks,
Yes, they are viewed as duplicate content. I recommend that you find one good article directory and limit your work to it. Actually what is even better than that is to post the content on your own website. There are quite a few of us here who are competing for SERPs with article directories where we submitted our work. Directories have a bad problem with duplicate content - those who submit to directories usually have very few different descriptions that they use.