I've decided after reading through a lot of the threads here, and also thinking about the current trends in the directory industry that it's time to cap the General Directory list on Info Vilesilencer. The list currently offers 465 SEO friendly directories in the general category, so once another 35 make the list (there are probably another 15 ready to add already) I will be capping the list at that 500 mark. After that time the only way to get onto the list will be if someone moves to paid/reciprocal and a spot opens up. I will also be going through the list and picking out the weakest directories over a number of criteria (such as PR, indexed pages, listed sites - etc) and then comparing them with any newcomer directories who want to be listed. The stronger of the sites will be listed and the weaker will be removed. I'm doing this to discourage the QBC's (Quick Buck Crew - cheers to an0n for the acronym) from jumping on the directory bandwagon because they think its a fast track to easy money. If you are serious about your directory then ensure you are in a strong position because when the list gets capped only the strong will survive.
Sounds like a great move to me. I have gone through some of your list recently submitting some sites, and have found that many of those on your list I simply skip because it's obvious the owner is not serious at all about his directory. So why waste my time submitting?
I agree and I think it's a wonderful idea. I would further suggest that you make public the method that is used to calculate the strength of a directory so that we will all know where our directories stand and what is required to get unto vilesilencer's top 500.
Good idea, in the long term, I think your list will become an even better resource than what you have now. A few of the lists I've checked recently are not up to date and appear to have no criteria for inclusion.
I fully support this initiative. I've watched this list for a long time and have watched literally dozens of directories convert from free to pay-for upon inclusion in the list, a reprehensible and all too common habit which will suffer a terrible blow as a result of this new policy. As the owner of a directory which will always be free I can only say that this is a fair and reasonable attempt to help those genuinely wanting to run free directories.
Hope that will slow the webmasters out there to build thousands of directories just to be part of the " Quick Buck Crew " Yek Yek Yek Great Move!
As a free directory, I am looking forward to this. It actually makes your list a lot stronger because it weeds out the sites that flip from free to paid in two weeks.
This is a good move. Because the Vilesilencer list gives good traffic, this will be an incentive for directory owners to build better directories rather than just starting up new ones. And it will hopefully make submitting a more worthwhile exercise.
It's great move, specially for hardworking and professional directory owners, will courage more the quality directories.