Bare Bones Directories - Why do they exist?

Discussion in 'Directories' started by emmaonline, Jul 15, 2007.

0
  1. #1
    I can't help but wonder why there are so many directories being released with a common off the shelf template and little customization work done to make it unique and with no long term vision?

    There is always a reason for every site otherwise someone wouldn't go through the effort (albeit minimal effort) to register the domain and put it up! I thought I would appeal to some of the people here to get an understanding of what some of the reasons are???

    I know some just do it to collect email addresses and other do it in hopes to collect advertising revenue from Google and Affiliate programs but what are some of the other reasons?
     
    emmaonline, Jul 15, 2007 IP
  2. mywebsearches

    mywebsearches Peon

    Messages:
    764
    Likes Received:
    116
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    #2
    Demo site for testings different mods, templates, seo techniques, pr, sandbox, QBC and many other reasons.

    They are "experiment" to make directories better (at least I hope).
     
    mywebsearches, Jul 15, 2007 IP
  3. CReed

    CReed Prominent Member

    Messages:
    3,969
    Likes Received:
    595
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    310
    #3
    Quick ROI from initial paid listings: lather, rinse, repeat or offer it up for sale for a ridiculous price based on initial income.
     
    CReed, Jul 15, 2007 IP
  4. centime

    centime Peon

    Messages:
    847
    Likes Received:
    46
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    #4
    Well, i know of at least 2 default template diectories that are the class of their field, their only equal is based on a totally inhouse proprietry script

    question: why is a unique template or uniques visuals a reliable sign of long term planning ?

    Its quite a common refrain, but why ?
     
    centime, Jul 15, 2007 IP
  5. emmaonline

    emmaonline Active Member

    Messages:
    951
    Likes Received:
    24
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    58
    #5
    Testing I understand, but if someone is advertising it here, I really don't think it is testing.

    Centime asked the question, is unique visuals a reliable sign of long term planning and the answer to that would be yes... All of the top sites in the world have unique content, unique designs and their own flavor... this includes all of the top directories.

    Templates are not a bad thing and you can achieve good success with a template but you still need to add a little bit of your own flavor.

    My guesses as to what people use these off the shelf templates for is as follows:

    1) Collect email addresses
    2) Testing a new script
    3) Site is very new and the owner has not had a chance to customize it yet (just a note to all of these people... please don't advertise your site until it is "ready")
    4) Hoping to make money from Google Adsense (ain't going to happen)
    5) Thinks they will get paid submissions and make a few bucks!
    6) Using it to help build up a website network for passing PR
    7) Quick buy domain, add PageRank and flip the site for a profit

    Any other ideas?
     
    emmaonline, Jul 15, 2007 IP