Setting Up A Directory: My Adventures

[kristian]

I'm going to post all my domain costs as soon as I finish buying them. I plan to use the domains I don't use for this project as feeders for the main site. One or two might even be fit for a future niche link list.

Here are the registrars I would recommend:

Name Cheap

This is where I've been registering most my domains lately. Only $8.88 per (dot)com and they have a solid rep.

Direct Nic

15 bucks per (dot)com but perhaps the most solid rep around.

I wont recommend this one to you :

Godaddy

A lot of webmaster on this forum have had major problems with this registrar. This is why I wont recommend them. Personally, I've never had a problem, but this doesn't mean one isn't around the corner. I have MovieLinkList.com with Godaddy and I'm considering transfering it to name cheap or direct nic. Advice appreciated.

[Fonz]

I use Hot Links SQL on one of my LL's, it's a decent script but all LL's using it kinda look the same.
If you want to take a peek: http://www.teenspanker.com

On SmilingPussyLinks I use linkadmin and am very pleased with it. Ofcourse some things could be better but that's the case with all scripts I guess.

Or you can wait until MadMax releases his beast

[kristian]

Originally Posted by Fonz

I use Hot Links SQL on one of my LL's, it's a decent script but all LL's using it kinda look the same.
If you want to take a peek: http://www.teenspanker.com

On SmilingPussyLinks I use linkadmin and am very pleased with it. Ofcourse some things could be better but that's the case with all scripts I guess.

Or you can wait until MadMax releases his beast

TeenSpanker is looking very good. I like the way you use the entry page for Becky's Diary. Also like the sparse advertising and the dating gold thumb banner. Script seems cool too. Lots of nice features. You seem to have done a good job customising it.

Always liked SPLs. I'm betting Link Admin is able to be customised more. Everyone's site using it looks different.

[Lemmy]

Originally Posted by Fonz

I use Hot Links SQL on one of my LL's, it's a decent script but all LL's using it kinda look the same.

They sure do, and I suspect it is because most people (certainly myself) think it's a pain in the ass to figure out the templates and modify them to their liking.

For my next project I am strongly considering Dragonlist. From what I understand there are no templates to mess with. Just build plain old HTML pages, slip the code in where you want the links to appear and that's it.

[kristian]

Well, that was good. Have just had a nice chat with Mishi, the developer / owner of Dragon List.

I hit her up on icq and she was instantly available. Always a great sign. The script is developed with adult webmasters in mind and since the folks at gossamer are hard to reach, even through their support forum, I decided I wanted to learn more about it.

All in all it seems an easy to configure script. You just drop snippets of code into your html. Should make it easy to make MovieLinkList.com stand out from the rest.

Anyway - I'm swaying towards this one. Will decided tomorrow.

[MrYum]

Yep, Mishi and Venturi are good people

I used to run Link Admin on my site and certainly have nothing bad to say about it. But, the feature set with Dragon List is far more sophisiticated

[docholly]

Mishi Rocks!!!

[HC-Majick]

I have to agree....although I'm using both links sql and dragonlist, I definately prefer dragonlist. And Mishi is the best.

[msanchez]

Nice interesting thread here. I dont have any advice to give but loooking to learn from your experiences Kristian so thanks for documenting your journey!

[kristian]

Originally Posted by msanchez

Nice interesting thread here. I dont have any advice to give but loooking to learn from your experiences Kristian so thanks for documenting your journey!

Glad to have ya here, msanchez

[MrMaryLou]

Kristian, as Greenguy said if you want to ask any questoins about Link Admin feel free to hit me up

[kristian]

Originally Posted by MrMaryLou

Kristian, as Greenguy said if you want to ask any questoins about Link Admin feel free to hit me up

I will do that, thanks MrMaryLou! And I love the new boobie av!

[MrYum]

Originally Posted by kristian

I will do that, thanks MrMaryLou! And I love the new boobie av!

Everyone loves MML's boobies

[Xeno]

I just happen to catch this thread and one thing in regards to link scripts, is to make SURE whatever script is chosen, is the one you will use long-term if not the life of the link site. If something goes wrong down the road and a person has to change scripts, ...well....all I Can say is "What a mess" to do a complete change over. Been there, done it....lol

Truthfully though, there are many factors in choosing the right script:

1. What features you absolutely cannot do without
2. What features do you think you will need or want later in time
3. Is there good support for the script(s) you are looking at
4. What kind of "honest unbiased" reviews are available for selected scripts
5. ASP, PHP, or CGI scripting choices
6. How well is the admin section designed...messy? Efficient? detailed?
7. How often is the script upgraded, versions, bug reports and fixes, etc
8. Are the templates easy to modify, or are they template hell
9. Will you be running a link list, portal, or directory
10. Do you need mod_rewrite, HTML generated pages, or is dynamic ok?

There is more I can put here but Im hungry and need some dinner....just wanted to toss my two bits in

[kristian]

NetGoonie -- Excellent post. Those points will certainly help me form a better opinion of the right script to choose.

Will take me a while to digest all of that but I'll be using it over the next 24 hours thats for sure!

[troy]

Hi Kristian,

Thanks for this tread.
I just started a new link list myself so it will be of much use.

I see you already decided not to go for the niche specific link list.
I have experience with that. I run a cumshot link list for more then 3 years and till now the hardest thing is to get submitters and good link trades. Even now I only have a handfull of both of them.

Good luck on your journey.

[flyeruk]

Hey Kristian,

This sounds like a great venture... it's even got my blood pumping just reading the thread

Thumbs up from me for movielinklist.com name and the movies only linklist idea... with more and more surfers using broadband, I think it's the way to go.

In my humble opinion, I'd definitely choose the best script you can afford. It'll save you having to change scripts further down the line and with your connections and backing from GG&J webmasters your listings will soon be in the thousands.

I'm using dragonlist on my main linklist and as I've mentioned in a previous thread, will be purchasing another 2 licenses from Mishi once I have more time.

If you want to do a cat trade once you're sorted, just pm me.

Oh, and great to see another Brit on the board

Lisa

[kristian]

Originally Posted by flyeruk

Hey Kristian,

This sounds like a great venture... it's even got my blood pumping just reading the thread

Thumbs up from me for movielinklist.com name and the movies only linklist idea... with more and more surfers using broadband, I think it's the way to go.

In my humble opinion, I'd definitely choose the best script you can afford. It'll save you having to change scripts further down the line and with your connections and backing from GG&J webmasters your listings will soon be in the thousands.

I'm using dragonlist on my main linklist and as I've mentioned in a previous thread, will be purchasing another 2 licenses from Mishi once I have more time.

If you want to do a cat trade once you're sorted, just pm me.

Oh, and great to see another Brit on the board

Lisa

Hey Limey

A cat trade will definitely be great. I'll hold you to that! As far as scripts go, I'll be choosing the best available. I posted about all scripts so as to make this accessible to pretty much anyone. Mishi's script looks so good and has so much positive feedback, it's making it a tough choice between that and gossamer which was my favorite before looking closely at Dragon List.

Anyway great to have a fellow brit and LL owner

[kristian]

Greenguy and MrYum will string me up by the balls today, but I'm considering the services of a designer.

The feeling of my friends (and I don't disagree) is that designing it yourself leads to a greater feeling of satisfaction. I will still very possibly go this route. I'm looking at a designer to keep my options open. I want to see what he can do for me.

So for the greater part of the day I will be answering questions to help him forumlate a design proposal (I'll post Q and A later today). I keep saying he. He's actually a popular regular here : NetGoonie. The only reason I would even consider NetGoonie as a designer is because he designs link lists, runs a link list, and knows seo.

So, as promised with this adventure, I'm being open every step of the way ... even if it means Greenguy and MrYum tying a noose around me nuts!

[kristian]

Originally Posted by troy

Hi Kristian,

Thanks for this tread.
I just started a new link list myself so it will be of much use.

I see you already decided not to go for the niche specific link list.
I have experience with that. I run a cumshot link list for more then 3 years and till now the hardest thing is to get submitters and good link trades. Even now I only have a handfull of both of them.

Good luck on your journey.

Good to have you here, Troy

We can probably help each other with you having 3 years experience. I remember fris had squirtblog.com but I just went to look and it's offline. He had it to 60k I think with some good cumshot trades. You could check that out when / if it comes back online or even consider links to non-link lists which I'm sure you've already thought about. In any case, it's great to have a veteran, and I bet we can exchange notes on the new link lists.

[kristian]

I should also mentioned that I've had extremely generous offers from other webmasters. These however came to me after I found NetGoonie. Not wanting to seem ungrateful or rude to anyone, I'm going to see NetGoonie's proposal, and then consider that and my other options presented by some very generous individuals (you know who you are ... not saying just incase they don't want me to).

[Xeno]

I sent you an email about scripts...looks like 3 choices: Xpower links (Similiar to Penisbots), Gossamer, and PowerSeek. I think Kit (Penisbot) will love what you said about their site, actually, its ranks high in my books for functionality, especially with the "icon-coded links" which I think is awesome.

Looks like everyone loves this thread, keep it up

[kristian]

Originally Posted by NetGoonie

I sent you an email about scripts...looks like 3 choices: Xpower links (Similiar to Penisbots), Gossamer, and PowerSeek. I think Kit (Penisbot) will love what you said about their site, actually, its ranks high in my books for functionality, especially with the "icon-coded links" which I think is awesome.

Looks like everyone loves this thread, keep it up

Am just chewing over the pros and cons of each script. This really is a toughie. Will try to give an answer today (not because you're rushing me, but because I'm an eager SOB).

[MrYum]

Thanks for the tip on webmasterlabor...got them bookmarked for future reference

Wouldn't be for reviews though...I plan to retire my girlfriend from her day job and bring her online for reviews when the time is right

Great set of questions and answers! Looks like a pretty comprehensive analysis of that piece of the project

[kristian]

Originally Posted by MrYum

Wouldn't be for reviews though...I plan to retire my girlfriend from her day job and bring her online for reviews when the time is right

hahaha
So we both went to the same school of adult webmastering! lol