What will the future hold?

There's an interesting thread on HighRankings.com about the future of web directories with respect to search engines.

A member there asks, "Given that search engines are getting smarter day by day... Are the days of web directories numbered?"

I found it interesting to see that some members think directories targeted to a specific niche will retain more value than general web directories. They reasoned that niche directories tend to focus on providing more detailed information related to a specific industry.

If that is the case, then general web directories can treat each branch like a niche. I think that as long as a directory (niche or general) maintains sites listed in relevant categories, search engines will continue to value their existence.

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