Rollo - 11:31 pm on Aug 7, 2005 (gmt 0)

I feel for the folks that have gone out of their way to build a useful directory and have gotten hit, Google should really fire a warning shot first, but I do see Google's point generally. Most directories are there for little else than to pitch ads, manipulate SERPS through link exchanges, or even sell links to manipulate PR while providing little in the way of useful content. Most directories are exclusive and based on some form of quid pro quo rather than really trying to go out there and become an authority in the scholastic sense of the term, that invloves a lot of research not to mention listing sites without expecting anything in return.

In many areas, directories became little more than intrusive middlemen with little value added. I'm sure from a revenue standpoint Google likely stood to make more money if users had to pass through adwords-filled directories to find the sites they were looking for, but I'm glad to see Google has taken steps to cut out the middlemen.

I think the first directory that should have been hit is Yahoo's... but I guess Google didn't want to start a war.

Anyway, my 2 cents... and before anyone gets upset, no I wasn't refering to your directory, really.