I am in the middle of making a custom coded article directory. it is unlike anything I've currently seen available. I am looking for a forum or book or anything about other webmasters experiances in starting an article directory. Basically looking for do's and don'ts so to aviod previous mistakes. Any guidance on monetizing and marketing would be great.
http://forums.digitalpoint.com/forumdisplay.php?f=25 Posting in that directory specific forum is a good idea. Many article directory owners can help you out.
I took my directory to PR7 in 6 months. I would be willing to share some tips if you like... Good decision to go custom here. I know there are open-source directory products out there, but then you are the target of all sorts of spam posts...
Article directories work pretty good for sidetracking... this is installed on the backend of a sales page or another website. What are you trying to gain by writing your own software though? I use a product called Munius and it works just fine.