I think there is no more potential in "General directories", but there is still a huge potential in niche directories (ex. lawyer directory, cruises directory, dating directory,etc...)
I recommend you to create your own script, it will take more time but you will have exactly what you want.... I've created one for me: seafood-portal.com. Check it, for the moment it is not the full version (just a beta launched last week) but in 2-3 weeks, I will allow the users to edit/update their information. several users can manage a company profile, link & customize products description etc....
Try my script, linkenginepro. This script is very difference with others. I'm also preparing a quickstart edition for business directory. Demo Business directory demo
I'm seriously considering going down the phpLD route for a project so would be interested to know why you think this when several others in this thread have recommended it? Thanks, benz1
Open your eyes, read page #1 post #7. I mean it's plain as day what someone mentioned with regards to their reasoning.
I know this thread is dead, but I know this issue isn't. I cannot tell you how frustrated I've become with the offerings that exist. I'm not a programmer and I'm not blaming them because they'll do what's fun and what pays. But here's my synopsis. eDirectory is the biggest ripoff I've seen eSyndicate, PHPLD and a few others seem time-tested and will probably present few headaches (also because of the community and base) Link Engine Pro has some serious promise, but I fear the developer is fighting an uphill battle with more established competitors, which often leads to an orphan script. My use is a niche directory and then a regional directory both build within a Wordpress site. I gave up on the Wordpress plugins because they are no longer supported and don't have some now-basic functionality. I'm going to have to grow my own and I'm not happy about it. I need star-based ratings (not pagerank) and I want a business directory to contain full addresses with links to driving directions and maps. For that I need what LinkEnginePro seems to provide in the admin and everyone else doesn't - CUSTOM FIELDS. It amazes me that I cannot find a directory script with: graphical ratings/reviews screenshots custom fields link validation/report broken refer a friend integration with social networks With all the plugins for Wordpress, I thought this would be cake (one may exist for Joomla). I'll build my own. Pray for me - I'm sure it won't be easy.
This kind of thing is not unusual at all somewhat quite common. The hardest part is in choosing the best script that does the job at the price range that you can afford. In this case you are saying you are building your own directory script that integrates with wordpress. Best of luck.
After making, my long post I saw a few sites made with LinkEnginePro - not bad. http://www.karimbilal.net/forumdisplay.php?f=19
Wow so dramatic..... Why not just get Subrion? Support is A+++++++++ and the script - well it is awesome!
Well, for some, praying is not dramatic, but I take your point. Checked out Subrion awhile ago and backed of because of the price. If was already a WP plugin I guess the price wouldn't bother me, but the thought of paying and then doing that much customization has me looking at another solution. I did like the demos I saw though. Also found out it's the same group as eSyndicate directory. They said they had WP plugin on the product roadmap back in February, but NOTHING as yet. If it was in the works by November, I guess I could wait, but I probably won't. Thanks for making me look again.
Phpld Still the no 1 and esyndicate follows .... It has lot of customized things ...I like to use PHPLD
Well, I found eSyndicat and Subrion both use Smarty Templates for PHP. That's fine until you try to create a template. My understanding is customization of templates requires learning some Smarty. Not interested. CNCat (clearly not as robust as Subrion or eSyndicat) can fit my needs (12 or so custom fields) and just announced a WORDPRESS PLUGIN!!!! Hope it works.
I think phpld is cheaper but they force you to keep the link in your footer. You will see most people who use phpld have the dumb link in their footer. People who contribute themes also want their link in the footer. If you use a nice theme you can have as many as 3 links in your footer. I prefer eSyndicate. You can use it for a web directory or with the google maps extension it also makes a great business directory. No need to keep the footer link and support is great.