Most of us have experienced that initial surge of traffic and submissions when we first start out directories... usually because a large majority start with free submissions. The question is, when should a directory become more than just a directory and more importantly how? Aviva is probably a fine example of being more than just a directory. Not only is there the high PR pages of the directory but there are also various articles, an affiliate program and various blog enteries and directory news. So what is the next step for a directory? A blog? A forum? An affiliate program for referrers? Or should we simply stick with just a directory like Alive has?
The Directory Market is innovating already and sites with high volume traffic will add more and more features
I believe that if a directory sticks to it's guns and has a good quality directory listing, then there is no need for other content. But I think they could be useful as a value add kind of thing.
i think you have to have more then just directory. thats because, today directory its not good enough. there are thousand of them. you have to think different, make it unique.
I think --affiliate programs could be the next NIG thing for the directory market. Beside Rss feeds with lates news --like directorydump and your own VOISD --make them more than a directory. I also think Amit is thinking something --for GII--I advised him to install live score display for the upcoming Cricket World Cup that will drive lots of traffic. Sabian --you too can do that--with so many of your visitors being from UK
I think any website should give you an extra value so people have a reason to come. For directories I would say interesting sites will do the trick I don't think that any other articles are relevant
wait until i'm done with directorydump. this will take quite some time to accomplish, but you'll eventually see what the next step in directories/evolution will be.