While there are TONs of free directories, there are some attractive paid directories around. I myself like free directories the best, but then I do purchase links occasionally. What makes you want to buy a link at a paid directory? Are you buying for feature listing more often or regular? Some possible reasons: PageRank Traffic from other DP directory owners Traffic from the general public Design Looking-promising Owner reputation Low price
design comes before traffic? Probably most people would agree that PR is the first reason. Btw, Design and Looking-promising are different: Design - just the visual effect (mainly the template and logo) Looking-promising - overall "potential" of the directory growth Makes sense?
lol I like that. Indeed, Google and other search engines make us to buy links. (though they don't encourage us to do so )
To join a buzz, or feel good when "hey, my link is on that million dollar homepage", which is impossible to happen now.
That is exactly the case for listing on Yahoo! or Dmoz directories. Of course, they can bring you some good traffic, too. I guess you can say that. But sometimes, even good-looking directories don't seem so promising. To be more specific, if you check the backlinks for a directory and other things from SEO perspectives, or the directory structure whether if it's organized well, etc, then you can "feel" better which one is more promising rather than judging by the first impression.
That is also true. But what makes you want to check backlinks, category structure and if its SEO friendly from your first impression? Would you go through all of that trouble with a directory that uses free, or no template at all, along with a 1000 of others just like that? I dont think so. Sometimes I open and close directories instantly, not even bothering to scroll down the page.