I just found the directory script this week. I am using the free version and love it. Best thing I have found and its free. Check out my site: www.opensourceforwindows.com
I've just checked the demo of free eSyndiCat directory and it seems really nice. It's bad that the admin features are not really working though... it shows: "This is a demo version. All operations are not permitted." so when I press submit nothing happens. And I was hopping to add my website... Well I will have to install the free version... and play with it more..
I am going to be trying my hand at a niche directory which is related to a passion I have for ceramic art. Going to be a labor of love which I hope will at least cover the costs of keeping it going. I Have spent the most of 2 days evaluating each of the 'big 3'. They are so close and not being able to work with the full version makes it that much harder. Each seems to have one or 2 features making it unique. I have decided on purchasing eSyndicat mostly because I had better luck tweaking the default template to look a bit different. I am also fond of traveling a slightly different road. In fact I have often been told I ain't got both oars in the water. I do really wish it had the 'articles feature' but so be it. Will be doing the purchase and install on the morrow and then it will be working on the look (dark and artsy). Am hoping there is a nice dynamic width template I can tweak to my liking.
Harkster I have the article plugin for esyndicat check my signiture and u can download it from there for free.
At this moment it feels like I made the right choice. Even though I had played with the free a bit I am totally amazed at what I was able to do with the Classy template in just a few hours. Still tweaking to do but farther along than I expected. www.CeramicArtsIndex.us.
Be sure to get the URL rewriting set up before Google finds your site. I've been amazed at how when I don't want them to find a site yet, they not only spider it but index it too. May I humbly suggest a category to exchange links with other crafting-related directories. This allows you to exchange links with similar sites as well as keep your niche tight all while providing an additional resource for your submitters. I called mine Other Advertising Options for Crafters, you could probably do something similar but shorter as that would break your pretty layout.
Mod-Rewrite is functioning. Do you mean something else? Good point about the linking but creates a bit of an issue and part of my undertaking this project. Most serious studio potters get upset that the world considers it a craft and not a 'true' art. I am not a potter but have collected, bought and sold for years and Tom is a long time friend. Thanks for the layout comment. Most don't like dark themes but I lean that way. Still a bit busy but. Anyway thanks for your input which has been placed in my mental file.
You're welcome for the suggestions. I call my category "Other Advertising for Crafters" because that's my target audience, you could call yours "Other Advertising for Potters/Artists/Clay Lovers" or whatever.
Great script! and simon is a cool cat I upgraded to the new version not long ago (My site is in my signiture)
Anyone new eSyndicat users since March 2008? I'm looking at the Pro version but would like to hear some feedback and see some active sites. Thanks.
Hi, I am running eSyndicat pro on my following website. http://www.holidaylist.net/ http://www.gpsmobile.info/ http://www.kidsfurniture.info/ http://directory.stanod.com/ Thanks - Anuj
yes, sure I do. Recently we released a new version and has tons of new features and plugins. Plus there is a a brand new admin panel that's even easier to use.