Are directories back? A lot of new duplicates of Yahoo or DMOZ directory

[Jack_Hughes]

I've noticed recently a lot of local newspaper websites linking through to my site. Ever curious I wondered if we'd been covered in a local news story. We haven't. The links are coming from the same directory (I think it is either Yahoo or DMOZ) hosted on each site.

Are directories a thing now like they were back in the noughties? Or, have these local newspapers hired a SEO who hasn't quite gotten past the noughties SEO playbook?

[not2easy]

That is a scary thought, that last scenario. There were several discussions earlier this year about where/how to get copies when DMOZ closed their site. Imagine the number of 404 links. I haven't seen much to indicate a resurgence of that type of directory. I would be curious to know whether it brings you new visitors and not just link-checker bots.

[Jack_Hughes]

I haven't noticed any visitors coming over from the directories. Would live to know why they are there. I am not talking about one or two newspaper sites. I am talking of around 10. All local newspapers.