Directories are only worthwhile if the link you have from the Directory is on a page the Search Engine considers relevant. So there is really no point going after links from directories that are not popular for SEO purposes. Now there is merit in getting links from Targeted/Related directories for the purpose of generating actual traffic. But who actually uses directories? Load up Google Analytics and check for yourself. I have Yahoo Directory listings, and they are the “Big Boys” yet they still send me at most a trickle of traffic.

I also own a pretty high ranking directory in a popular niche and it’s very tough to get people to participate… even though it’s free. Lots of people asking for links, but not even smart enough to realize all they have to do is click and fill out the information themselves. Very few people every profit much from Directory sites.

It’s also worth noting that niche directories are usually a better source of backlinks than general directories because not only are they more targeted but there is also anecdotal evidence that Google considers niche directories to be more authoritative and better edited. YMMV.