Google is pulling a bunch of services lately, but this was one that I remember using a bit back in the day. Google Directory now has this message:
http://directory.google.com/
Quote
Google Directory is no longer available.
We believe that Web Search is the fastest way to find the information you need on the web.
If you prefer to browse a directory of the web, visit the Open Directory Project at dmoz.org
How different was the Google Directory from DMOZ anyway?
It wasn't afaik.
Yeah, I always understood it was just DMOZ republished. So really, the only thing possibly lost as link value, and it is debatable whether Google applied any link juice from it anyway.
DMOZ just doesn't carry the weight it once had.
That's for sure. Also, I haven't been able to get a site in there for years. I simply don't have the time or motivation to become a moderator over there, so they've fallen of my radar.
I notice the g directory pages are still ranking well though! Not sure how long ago it was taken down, but I saw that on Monday or Tuesday.
You really should tap up that DMOZ contact of yours, Denise ;D (mainly so I can use him :P)
I have always had a soft spot for directories, but their day has passed. I've not used one seriously in years to navigate the Web. The last time I tried to use Dmoz I found the links in the category to be mostly functioning but dated. I wonder when AOL will either pull the plug on Dmoz itself or spin it off somehow?