Whenever I ring up 120,160 webpages found*, I bear in mind that my results have been muddied-up by things like: companies can buy rank with some search engines, controlling spam and keeping up with search engine technology is not a high priority for others, or there's a not-so private war going on and they're not listing competitor's sites.

*The number of web pages found by Alta Vista when you enter "Michelle personal homepages".

I say we as the "masses" ought rise up and just say no to inept search engines. I say we build directories that have flair. Informative, fun and exciting. directories are the bread crumb trails across the Web. When I'm looking for a woman's personal homepage, I begin with a directory like Susan's. When I have an HTML question, I start with Joe's directory.

Aside from the fact that a directory is an excellent contribution to the Web community, a directory on your webpage—no matter if yours is a personal homepage or a commercial site or a marketing site or a non-profit site—will increase your knowledge, generate more traffic, enhance your website, and develop a sense of community that the Portal Maniacs are tripping all over themselves to "build". (I hate to break it to you, boys, but closing a pop-up or clicking the "click here" on a banner ad does not pass for viewer participation.) With a directory, you can build that interaction with link owners as you maintain the links over time and keep in contact with them.


THE QUALITIES OF A GOOD DIRECTORY
I say good because that's where you start, a good basic directory. From there you build, you annotate, you rate, you have your way with your directory until it shines. A good directory is more than a "My Favorite Spots" list or an all-emcompassing, alphabetized (or not) list of webpage titles. A good directory will have some of the following elements.

•  Subject-Specific
I know there are several sites that work despite the magnitude of their subject matter, but applying the jack-of-all-trades rule of thumb here, it's better to have your directory cover a specific subject than to try and encompass the whole enchilada. Remember, the more specific the scope, the easier to focus, the easier to maintain.

•  Quality Links
A directory is as only good as it's worst link, unless you have a directory that specializes in useless or "worst of" pages. Maintain a standard in the type of sites you list. And to keep your directory from becoming a big circle jerk, don't copy someone else's links. Okay, maybe one or two, but the best way to get good links is to go out into the Web highways and byways, and discover those nuggets on your own.

•  Annotated in an Informative and/or Entertaining Point of View
You can spend your precious time searching high and low for that really good link that will add to your directory, but if you don't say a little something about the site so that it's clear as to why it's listed, then all you have is a list of links. Whether it's a quote from the site, your own thoughts about the quality of the site, or a snappy summary of the site's content, be generous with your comments. The more specific the better. Adopt a style, an attitude. Don't be afraid to show your sass.

•  Well-Maintained Links
Nothing is more frustrating than an intense search that is constantly interrupted by 404's. A good directory should be as smooth as butter. You shouldn't even notice that all the links work. Take the time to periodically spring-clean those links to make sure they haven't moved or disappeared on you.

•  Constant Growth
Just maintaining a good directory isn't enough. New content and links must be added to keep your directory fresh, to add depth. Directories can take a life of their own. You may find yours expanding in ways you hadn't considered before. Explore changing formats.

•  Variety the Spice of WebLife
Below are the directories used to illustrate my point. This isn't a "best of" list, it just shows you the wide range of topics and styles. Some have all the elements of a good basic directory, some don't. Have fun, get inspired, see what works and what doesn't. Then go show those Portal Maniacs a little something about community. Leave your own bread crumb trail.