What do you guys think about the current and future of directories? Everywhere that I have read, says that the use of directories will only hurt your efforts, and may even get you sh*t listed with google.

Any takes on that?

Directories will be around for a long time. Only a few directories that have survived after the big google Penalty not to long ago. A lot of directories including most well known have been hit. A few of the former large respected directories are making a comback.

I submit to directories all the time. Only thing is, i look at the directory and see if the owner takes care of it. This meaning, he rewrites description's if needed, check's URL's to be sure they are valid and not redirect's. Has articles on there and add's new ones weekly.

Some directory owners are adding new features to there directory to make it stand out. Perhaps new tools to do something....etc

One directory i just love is http://www.romow.com/

The owner took the directory industry to a whole new level by adding a portal with updated content daily. He pull's in a lot of traffic and a listing on there is well worth it. I could name a few other directories that are unique and well maintained.

For a year i have been submitting to directories as one of my forum marketing campain idea's i use. I don't submit to a lot daily though. Before i submit, i snoop around the directory cause i don't want my site on a poor maintained directory. I want a quality backlink.

The directory you pointed out was very impressive. I was half tempted to whip out the visa and go to town.

I did add my sites to a few directories, then got scared like a school girl, after reading googles capital punishment actions. =p

Quality is a good aim. I do not suppose I was thinking that when I very first started trying to market my sites online. I remember throwing my links everywhere. Its like a sailor on shore, in the downtown, running into every house of illrepute without caution. Smirk.

I am still nervous about directories, free or paid. And Im not sure what I need to assure myself in the way of proof that it is safe to utilize a few high quality sites.

It's just hard to tell when looking at a web directory if it's in the sandbox or not. Of course you can always to research using a few tools to check out the directories stat's and stuff.

Marketing threw articles is a long term quality backlink. As long as the article directory does not pack up and jump off the bridge.

Just have to be careful and use our own judgement.