Features to expect in a free directory script

Discussion in 'Directories' started by The Pheonix, Jul 7, 2007.

  1. #1
    I notice recently people posting things 'how do I bulk check free submissions' in phpld and get answers like, 'you can't in free version you need to upgrade' kind of thing. To me this kind of feature should be the bare minimum even for a free version of a script.

    So without going over the top what do you think is realistically the very least you should expect from a free script knowing how expensive it can be to upgrade to a full version if you don't have knowledge of php coding.

    I don't want phpld fans or any other script fans for that matter jumping to the defence of thier chosen scripts, its not all about that, this counts for ANY script offering a free version, what is the minimum you'd expect before having to upgrade?

    Please try to be honest as you can, this will allow ALL script owners to guage what is needed, what is already out there and how to better satisfy the new users needs.
     
    The Pheonix, Jul 7, 2007 IP
  2. britishguy

    britishguy Prominent Member

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    #2
    britishguy, Jul 7, 2007 IP
  3. The Pheonix

    The Pheonix Banned

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    #3
    Don't think I'm being rude but I asked the question based on FREE scripts not 'limited demo's' I could go showing the full version of phpLynx but that's not the purpose of the thread.

    So back on track with original question...

     
    The Pheonix, Jul 7, 2007 IP
  4. an0n

    an0n Prominent Member

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    #4
    I think this should be included in any *free* version, without having to update anything.

    I also think free versions should be updated and fixed regularly too, otherwise, it just looks like a ploy to offer a faulty script in order to get people to buy an upgrade.

    Preceding versions of scripts need to be updated and fixed as well. Not just overlooked so people just say to 'upgrade' if you want it fixed.

    As to what should be free in a base script, I guess that is up for discussion. I just think what you mentioned as an example should definitely be in there.
     
    an0n, Jul 7, 2007 IP
  5. Bernard

    Bernard Well-Known Member

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  6. The Pheonix

    The Pheonix Banned

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    #6
    Thats why I asked the question an0n, I want to evaluate what to give what not to give in a little surprise I got coming up of my own. :cool:

    @Bernard, it would have helped if you put a relevant title to your post on this one, I would have picked up on that and followed it :) In your post you never mentioned what you expect in a FREE script, are you the same dude posting over at phpLynx?

    The idea for me is to judge just how far script owners should go in providing something for people, an0n although not making it clear what his views were on free features, he did hit it on the nail when he said about making sure everything works and doesn't get ignored.
     
    The Pheonix, Jul 8, 2007 IP
  7. Obelia

    Obelia Notable Member

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    #7
    For a free script, my expectations would be security, simplicity, no bugs, and security. I believe you get what you pay for, and if it's a free script (or free in exchange for a footer link or advertsing) then you can't expect all that much because these things take time to develop and maintain.

    There are a lot of free scripts out there already, so I would expect any new one coming out to cater for a slightly different directory-owner market. For instance, owners of regional directories have slightly different needs to general directory owners.

    If you are thinking of building a script to offer for free, give it one or two features that differ from most other scripts. But above all, keep it simple. The simpler the script, the easier it will be to keep secure and error-free. Nothing would be worse than a free directory that turns out to be an easy target for crackers.
     
    Obelia, Jul 8, 2007 IP
  8. jg123

    jg123 Notable Member

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    #8
    "how far script owners should go in providing something for people." -

    1. Someone needs to build a directory script that takes modules or plugins like Wordpress and Joomla.

    2. Just find the top 10 requested mods and put half of them in the free script and the other half in a paid version.

    3. Offer good customer service even if you have to hire people and charge more for the paid script.

    Do both of the above and you could easily break into the directory script market sucessfully.
     
    jg123, Jul 8, 2007 IP
    Bernard likes this.
  9. Bernard

    Bernard Well-Known Member

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    #9
    The link description should have clued you in to the fact that I would like to see ALL of those features in a free script. You might think (like most directory script vendors it seems) that you have to have a paid script to maintain a viable business model, but there are major script providers in other niches that seem to be doing just fine without a commercial version of their script (ie. phpbb for example).

    I don't really *expect* a vendor to release all the features discussed in that thread for free, but the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so I will darn well ask for them. :)

    Yes, I am the same Bernard (as I am on most of these forums).

    Nice post jg123.
     
    Bernard, Jul 8, 2007 IP
  10. jg123

    jg123 Notable Member

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    #10
    Since most web directories are built to profit I don't see anything wrong with having a paid version but I am amazed that there does not seem to be a directory script that has come to market with all the features needed to trample the competition.

    phpld is a good script with a big community but the truth is that if you want to put a site up with it and have all the functionality you desire you have to be a coder or pay ooddles of money to mod developers and/or installers. Sure the script is cheap at $25 but you then have to dish out another $100-$300 to get the 'must have" mods.

    A new script with all these features included could easily charge $50-$75 and rake in a fortune.

    At this point I don't know if phpld could do this because of all the history it has with the many different mod developers, David would have to either buy-out the rights to the mods or cut the developers in for a cut and raise the price of the script (which might not be a bad idea), I mentioned before that I think folks would support a permium version of the script that was more expenisve but included the most desired mods.

    A person from the US, UK or Canada should take a chunk of money and head over to India and get the perfect script developed, it would be a great $15k investment IMO, I wish I had some extra money....dam divorce sucks.
     
    jg123, Jul 8, 2007 IP
  11. The Pheonix

    The Pheonix Banned

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    #11
    I still haven't got a list of 'reasonable' features?

    @jg123; phpLynx have come closer than anyone to offering what you mention if you look at thier features, and they don't charge the earth, I don't think thier free version can be beat as it stands, or I sure haven't seen any free script up to that level. Is there one?

    @Bernard; I didn't get your title mate which was why I asked, anyways read through your thread and saw apart from the unrealistic bits many of the thoughts were picked up on and added to the phplynx script, not all but most.

    Still waiting for specifics, as you say, if you don't ask you don't get. :)
     
    The Pheonix, Jul 8, 2007 IP
  12. jg123

    jg123 Notable Member

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    #12
    indexu got a lot of things right and the fact that they do the install for you is really nice. I just had some problems with their customer service, perhaps I will give them another look when the newest upgrade comes out.

    "Full version with backlink - $75.00" - Well that sure is a premium price. It says there is newsletter management which is pretty handy and I like that banners are included. Is there deep links included? How much do they charge to install it? Is there many free templates? At the forums I noticed the community is not very big. Can you give me some links to some high ranking directories that use the script PR5+?

    I read a post about templates and I think it would be a good idea if the script owners kicked things off with 5 or 10 nice templates (like indexu did) to include with the full paid version. I would not spend $75 on a script that comes with one default template that everyone is going to use.


    thanks
     
    jg123, Jul 8, 2007 IP
  13. Bernard

    Bernard Well-Known Member

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    #13
    Well, who says any request is unrealistic? Everything in that thread is feasible. It just takes the will and ability to implement. Anyways, I'll probably be adding to that thread in the future as thoughts occur to me while starting a new directory project.

    OT: shoot for the moon reference
     
    Bernard, Jul 8, 2007 IP
  14. Bernard

    Bernard Well-Known Member

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    #14
    If you are referring to phplynx:
    • Yes. You can even tweak the free version to include some without too much effort
    • Don't know, I installed the script myself and it was easy
    • Just a couple that I am aware of at the moment. It's a fairly new script and the user base and community for it are just getting started and growing.
    • I don't have any lists on directories that are using it. I'll be happy to point you to the ones I'm building in a week or so
     
    Bernard, Jul 8, 2007 IP
  15. jg123

    jg123 Notable Member

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    #15
    which parts were unrealistic btw?

    I started one indexu web directory and am fairly pleased with the results, waiting to see how I fare on the G update.

    Maybe I will give phplynx a spin.
     
    jg123, Jul 8, 2007 IP
  16. The Pheonix

    The Pheonix Banned

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    #16
     
    The Pheonix, Jul 8, 2007 IP