I think Phpld is the best one http://www.phplinkdirectory.com/ ...I am using the same on few directories.
At last someone came up with a half decent post for me to reply to, respect for that smub. Yes the paid version is only $25 if you keep backlink, but then you have to pay (or you are strongly advised by the owner at least) to pay another $10 for support. Then there is the price of the mods, some can cost anything up to $100 and that's without installation. It tends to get VERY expensive then. Sure it has a "kazillion free templates", that's what's killing the directory industry, so many duplicates about, Google really loves them don't they. Originality is what it's all about not mass dupe templates. Most plug-ins? I like that one, most other scripts have these so called plug-ins 'ALREADY INSTALLED' out of the box. At phpLynx we never assume that people know how to code and or install the mods or plugins as you like to call them, besides, if they are paying for a so called leading script they shouldn't have to pay to add anything. The idea is to get a good directory up and running 'Out of the Box', phpld claim to be the best 'Out of the Box' when the comparison chart I linked to several times points to the fact that they are nowhere near the best. Most popular maybe but that's only because they started first. There are so many good scripts coming out now with features already built in that if it ain't phpLynx that takes a leading role it will be someone else. I do respect you for standing your corner, you make a living off phpld, I get paid by phpLynx so do the same. But as much as you can shout from the towers how good phpld is, fact is that it is not as good as people make it out to be simply because of the hidden costs of either the mods and or installation of them. As much as you might want to slate phpLynx the one thing you can't say is that it charges for mods as it already has most of them already there, and if any get added they get done so free. Anyways, I'm not slating phpld or any other script for that matter, they all have their merits, I think its good to go head to head as competition is healthy. I might even set up a website showing dollar for dollar the benefits of one script over the other, maybe then I can just refer to that rather than get into long winded discussions on here.
i understand the points you are coming from Phoenix and we are both right on our places. You have very decent experiences with phplynx and no doubt it is a good script (I never used it so i dont know) PhpLD (i used it so i am giving my words of advice) though mods get costly but i believe running a directory is not cheap to get quality you have to pay. Technically if you are coming into web business it is good to get familiar ... it is good that new scripts are coming out with loads of features already built in ... and plugins already built in ... but the popular ones always take the lead it is basically first come first serve basis believe it or not but that is why google is where it is hehe and same goes to WP most popular one wins.. many other scripts expect the webmasters to install plugins and if you want something unique you would have to work a bit harder hehe and if u dont want to learn ofcourse you can always hire. I dont know if you are a member at the paid section of phpLD... alot of codes and snippets are given in there which are not free for users ... so if you pay 10 extra $$ considerin the amount you will make back from the script .. its worth it. I have seen many good things in many scripts... Some have an edge over some in some situations while others have an edge in other cases. Each script is good on its own point. It is user's preference. As of popularity phpLD have the lead at this point in time.. my advice to you bensd is do a good research before and go with your guts before you start it is very important because changing scripts later on is not so easy. Good luck with your site p.s. out of the box is my template name which is completely css for phpld .. meaning tableless hehe
Well said smub, We're always going to debate the merits of our own favourite scripts but debating about them is important not bitching. As you said smub its down to personal choice though I'd love you to have a go of the phpLynx script even if its just for a try to see why I get so excited about it. You know the best thing that's come out of this and I really mean this, there's no arguments just agreeing to disagree with some things in a polite manner which is great. Nice name for your next template btw, like it.
I use phpld for my directories www.addanurl.com and www.manufan.net I use premiumpress theme for www.zapdir.com , mysoretrade.com and few more Both are equly good and I like premium press themes personally. Also premium press licence is for unlimited websites if you own the domain.