stever - 4:53 pm on Jul 14, 2007 (gmt 0)

Difficult to discuss this when the word "directory" covers such a multitude of sins (and sinning sites).

You seem to be referring to generalist directories, but of course, and as you well know, there is a thriving sub-group of topical and local niche directories, whose focus might well be defined as their "brand".

Additionally, just because you call a blog a "blog" or a directory a "directory" doesn't mean that it is exempt from being a website and from the recommendations and rules that apply to all sites.

So if you have no USP and you are not expert (or perceived to be) and you are not providing what your putative customers are looking for, then your site/directory/blog will have fundamental difficulties.