This is my first interview with directory owner for Directory Inspiration. And I guess, no introduction is needed, because most of you in directory business already know about him. On Digital Points Forum, we know him as onlinedude

1. Can you give us a brief description about yourself?

I?m a full-time directory owner and operator. I have been running directories for almost two and a half years now.

I don?t really have much of a background in web design. My interest in it stems more from a marketing point of view: the use of design to increase a prospect?s trust in your directory and to make him or her more likely to submit to your directory. Web design also can help in branding your directory - for instance, Aviva Directory has a very distinctive dark design that makes it stand out.

2. How many directories do you have and who is the designer for all of your directories?

I have 5 main directories that I concentrate on. They are Aviva, Sevenseek, Kwikgoblin, Apahcinc, and Web10.

All of them except Kwikgoblin were designed by Marko Petkovic. Marko is in the process of doing a re-design for Kwikgoblin, which should be ready soon.

3. Do you give total freedom to the designer to design your directory or do you get involved in every step to make sure it is like what you want? Why?

I normally give the designer pretty much free reign. My philosophy is that they are the professional, not me. If you cannot have that sort of respect for your designer, then perhaps you?ve chosen the wrong person.

Normally, the designer and I have an initial discussion about the concept for the directory. The designer will provide a mock up of the concept, we will discuss changes and details, and then the designer will provide a revised and more detailed concept. Once that is approved, the designer will finish the project.


4. What are the important criteria to choose a directory designer?

That's like asking: how do you choose a friend or a romantic partner? A lot of it really happens on an emotional level. Look at various designers' portfolios. If you see a designer's portfolio and it excites you, you are probably halfway there to choosing the right designer.

The basic qualities of good communication, honesty and reliability that you'd look for whenever you hire someone are, of course, important.

Support given after completion is important too. As your directory grows and matures, you will probably want to make a number of tweaks and small changes in your design. You will want to know that your designer will be around and be able to help with these changes. Speaking with clients of the designer is a good way to ascertain this.

5. Why is a custom design important for a paid directory?

It provides a trust factor that the directory is going to be in business for the long haul. It can also be used for marketing the directory.

6. What are your favorite directory designs? Can you name a few?

There was a Best Designed Directory Ever contest and I think that pretty much summarized the situation at that time. The contestants were Abifind, All Media, BayEngine, Best Dirs, Edge Level, Eonte, Umdum, v7 Directory, Webtopia, and Wow.

Since that contest two new designs in particular have stood out in my mind as particularly attractive: Directory Dump and Directory Journal.

7. What is your advice for directory owners on how to choose a directory designer?

Be very choosy. If you are in the directory business for the long haul, do not shop based on price. Take a good amount of time to browse through the designer?s portfolio and see which ones you like.

Pay particular attention to the details of the directories previously designed - this is often what distinguishes amateurs from professionals.

Although I understand that for many designers, coding is about as fun as eating vegetables, I also have a preference for using a designer who does his or her own coding. I think that this adds an extra layer of protection and integrity to the process.