subject: Did Google Bomb New Directories Online? [print this page] A few weeks have gone by now and the results from Google's new update are in. As we take a closer look we see a pattern emerging. It seems as though, older more established directories are being rewarded once again. Many newer directories / Resource Links seem to rank much lower. As we take a closer look at this, we start to notice some rhyme and reason behind all the chaos.
What is meant by that is this: As more and more people practice and utilize linking strategies online to build their SE placements, the more and more things start to get out of hand. I mean, is reciprocal linking the next "Link Farm" to get wiped out from Google?
I can't really see that happening but it's starting to show signs of this. When you search online these days for listings, companies, resources, etc., we seem to be getting older, more popular "Yellow Directories" than anything showing up on top of specific "service based" searches. I mean let's face it, yellow directories have been around since "Local Telephone Books" were first invented.
I only mention this because since the boom of resource links comes the growth of doorway pages, unethical SEO practices, and especially key stuffed resource pages. There are certain resource directories out there that have stood the test of time and still continue to use sound practices and quality content for their readers.
Lately people seem to be losing faith in DMOZ, the open project directory where human beings get to judge whether or not one company should get a listing above the rest. The problem with this seems to be with the "editors" discretion of not adding the competition to their section of DMOZ. Many individuals who are "editors" at DMOZ are your competitors.
You may get some interesting answers when you ask yourself the above question since more and more we are seeing a drop in DMOZ activity in searches within Google. It seems as though, Google might also see this negative side to DMOZ. It may not be extremely apparent just yet but I would watch for this and possible changes to the DMOZ operation and editing freedom.
Due to the new shift in resource directories online and people who exchange links, search engine results continuously bring up large useless directories of websites claiming to be relevant to your search. The problem with this is some people use "spam" tactics to stuff their directories with relevant key words in order to get better rankings for their resources. In doing so, it delivers poor quality to visitors who are actually browsing through these resources online.
