A Directory Association – Does It Make Sense?
News August 13th, 2009There has been some discussion lately about setting up a Directory Association. This would be an organization for directory owners similar to a Bar Association for attorneys – although on a much smaller scale.
Wait, wasn’t this discussed before? Yes it was – two years ago. In fact, one such association was indeed set up – the IAQD.org or International Association of Quality Directories. But they disappeared without doing much.
My thoughts on the matter: I think a Directory Association makes a lot of sense. However, I have doubts whether the industry is willing or able to devote what is necessary to make a Directory Association work.
Some of the pros are:
(1) Professionalism. Let’s face it – most people think of directory owners as one of the lowest forms of life on the internet, willing to spam and scam to make a buck. And there is good reason for this too – there are lots of directory owners that do this. A Directory Association gives the chance to show the world that there are many professionally run directories out there.
(2) Guidelines. Guidelines will be beneficial – both to directory owners and directory submitters. Directory owners will have a standard that they can measure up against. These standards can be used to educate directory submitters.
(3) Atmosphere. Let’s face it, public directory forums aren’t the most collegial of places. Private discussions between directory owners committed to advancing the industry are much more productive.
(4) Newbies. A Directory Association can provide a role model and help for people new to the web directory industry who want to create a quality web directory.
Some of the cons are:
(1) Politics. Directory owners are a very individualist bunch. While vigorous discussion about disagreements is healthy, infighting and bickering are not. It would be difficult to stop the infighting and bickering that permeates the industry from seeping into the Directory Association.
(2) Commitment. Realistically, setting up a Directory Association would take a huge time and financial commitment, even if the Directory Association starts out small. It may not be feasible for busy directory owners to commit the needed resources. Starting this is something that cannot be done halfheartedly.
What do you think? Is it worth setting up a Directory Association?
August 13th, 2009 at 3:28 am
I think there would be many hurdles to it. Even more than you listed. It would take the involvement of highly credible people. Just being honest when I say the odds are stacked against it, but I do think it could work.
August 13th, 2009 at 6:53 am
I hope my words make sense here… “I believe this is a great idea, But i know this won’t work out”.
Unfortunately the Cons you mentioned are much bigger and possible than the Pros.
August 13th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
There is no doubt that it is a hard task. It wouldn’t be worth it if it wasn’t.
I believe if nothing is done to point the directory industry in a better direction and somehow weed out the spam directories while helping the good ones cherish this sector/industry might not last as long as we hope it would.
August 18th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
I certainly agree that a Directory Owners Association is a necessary thing, but it is going to take a huge effort in order to make it a success.
September 4th, 2009 at 1:40 am
It’d make sense! An association of directory owners could help define “standards” in the industry and it would also help us see less posts like “Top 500 directories submission service” and stuff like that!
September 25th, 2009 at 11:32 am
I think it is a great idea. as you’ve rightly said, it will help in quality web building.
November 14th, 2009 at 11:17 am
I think it is a good idea. There will be a lot of problems seeing it through but in the end it can be really helpfull.
Not anyone will join but thats ok. There are many serious trustworhty professionals we can count on and if this think begins many owners who really want to make a good directory will join in.
To put it simply “If we built it they will come”.
So i am expecting news from you and volunteer to help anyway I can.
November 14th, 2009 at 11:27 am
[…] First, I found on Aviva directory Blog. Aviva is one of the most known and quality directories I know. In their blog there is a proposition about creating a Directory Association. Read more about this interesting idea here. […]
November 21st, 2009 at 12:30 am
I think it could work, if the directory owners that get involved are serious about listening. The hurdles, in most cases, are that owners don’t want to be told what is an acceptable practice in running their directories because they “know it all”. Which is strange because they still don’t practice what they preach particularly in regards to quality.
Also, how do you find these “highly” credible people who don’t already have an advanced interest in pushing their own directories ahead of others?
There are very few people who wouldn’t sacrifice ethics for a dollar. Also how many directory owners actually have experience in the industry (besides their own directory). Who wants to listen to someone that’s been running a directory for 5 minutes (or even 5 years) when there are others of us who have been in the industry for more than a decade and who deal with literally hundreds/thousands of directories every single day?
We use very strict criteria in our review of directories, and even directory owners who are considered “good” in a few places ignore the most basic of principles. If a directory association was begun, it would be under the microscope from the outset. So that comes down to choosing the right people to begin with. Whose going to be able to do that without bickering and in-fighting because “their man/woman” didn’t get chosen?
Unless the pillars of the industry are involved, then I can’t see it ever getting past 1st base.
December 15th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
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March 28th, 2010 at 5:13 am
To form an association for directories is a very good idea which needs greater care and attention. Needs to setup proper rules and regulations to maintain quality of services at best level.
I wish all the best for forth coming Web Directory association.
June 24th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
I think something along the line of the Better Business Bureau would be helpful to both directory owners and people submitting links.
September 5th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
we can all talk to lets be honest its not going to happen anytime soon
November 15th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
The problem with setting up an industry association is that a) the industry is too new – no one knows where it is going, b) All an industry association really does is create an artificial barrier to entry, c) … which keeps newbies out.
November 28th, 2011 at 11:46 am
It definitely does, otherwise nobody would take it up, right?
January 3rd, 2012 at 5:33 pm
directory association is nice like it so much , i watch this first time nice working.
March 6th, 2012 at 11:56 am
I totally agree with that post.The problem with setting up an industry association is that a) the industry is too new – no one knows where it is going, b) All an industry association really does is create an artificial barrier to entry, c) … which keeps newbies out.
April 5th, 2012 at 8:31 am
Setting up a Directory Association is actually not such a bad idea. It might have regulatory and controlling functions, but of course there are a lot of disadvantages that should be regarded.