Reading about Google's Panda new algorithm i had to ask myself if starting a new quality web directory is worthing or not. What is your opinion about this? Do you think that web directories will disappear in near future? Should I look to another "direction"? Thank you.
1. I think I identified an opportunity. 2. Basically yes but I keep informing and searching more and more.
If you start a directory in a niche you love then yes. If you just want to make a quick buck then probably not. Google is getting better at identifying quality directories vs. spam sites. So build a site that you care about and it'll reflect quality and be worth it.
In my opinion if starting a new quality web directory is not worth,Your consideration of this suggestion would be highly appreciated.
There are thousands of web directories around, if you can create something unique that can stand in the crowd then why not go on. but if you do like many others, just install the same web directory script with the same free themes you get with the script , then take the same list of sites that everybody uses and put them on your web directory site, then it's not worth it.
Developing new directory is not worth now-a-days. There are thousands of webmasters having own directory website with same script. So think different.
no use - Main reason - Automated submissions by bot software that kill all your time. It is a Spammers world now.. Not sure where the web is going...
The only problem is most people use same script for every directory. Only the graphics and some content are changed to each other. If you can develop or purchase a brand new CMS for directory. It will effect both indexing and site traffic and will not be penalized by Panda.
I wouldn't recommend it, but if you want to put the time and effort to make it bigger and better than the rest then why not.
@The_Mask: Starting a new quality web directory will always be worth it to the web. Are you fully aware of what constitutes a quality web directory though? Because simply getting a directory script, and a domain name and then accepting crap submissions doesn't constitute any form of quality at all. A real quality directory takes a lot of time and effort, and will also inlcude a unique design as part of that effort. Will it make money? Not initially, and it will take a long time before it is recognised as an established resource in its own right, as you slowly build that quality content. Now... Are you still interested?
@silencer: Yes I'm still interested and I want to build it like you said, in time, with quality content and unique design. But I didn't knew that the source code is so important, in terms of being different from what is used today (phpMyDirectory, Wordpress Directory, e-SyndiCat etc.) because this will affect SEO like @ThePassiveIncomeBlog said. I thought that the source code must provide a stable and fast platform, with many options and features and that's it. The content, design and marketing will do the rest. P.S. Thank you guys for all your answers! It helps me a lot!