Automatic Directory Submissions

[DeliaAssociates]

I was talking to someone about automatic directory submissions with someone lately, and would love the thoughts of the community here.

Basically, the thought was that automatic directory submissions wouldn't get flagged by Google, because they're directories, not necessarily spam links. Is this still true in a post-penguin world?  He hasn't seen any negative effects from it yet, but I'm still cautious.

My thoughts would be not to depend on the automatic submissions, but to use them as a supplement.  If a handful (maybe 50/mo) of directory links could be submitted automatically, that could free up more time for content development and promotion, which is where I believe the real value lies.  It would also help skeptical clients feel better about having a certain number of links.

So, what have you seen so far?  Is this dangerous, safe, or fairly pointless?

[GeorgeAndrews]

Dangerous.

I would read more about Penguin before going further. Also here's another post that may provide insight:

http://www.seomoz.org/blog/web-directory-submission-danger

Hope this helps!

[irvingw]

Directories ARE spam links for the most part. Directories had a place on the web a long time ago, now they are just places for SEO links because people use search engines to find what they are looking for.

Stay away from directories except for a few of the big guys like Yahoo where you are not guaranteed inclusion - but those cost money. Skeptical clients will think you're a hack if you prepare a report for them with spammy directory links.

[DeliaAssociates]

Okay, so my caution was well-founded.  Thanks for helping me feel sane.

I really appreciate your input on this one guys.  Thank you!