Subject Directories

The difference between search engines and subject directories is the human element. Human editors review and edit sites to include in their directory. There may be a search engine for searching their own site included on the same page as the subject directories. There are certain subjects that the person would want to include in their database, and the person would search for sites to include based on that criteria. When a searcher comes to the subject directory and types a keyword, the directory tries to match keywords with the phrases in the directory. I guess before reading this I really didn't realize what a subject directory was. I know I've seen and even used them before but had no idea how they worked. Portals are also becoming very popular. They are somewhat commercialized and reconfigured to act as a gateway to the web. Portals provide a link to subject directories as well as to additional information like stock quotes, news headlines, email, or travel information. I think one example of this would be the MSN directory. I see this almost every time I check my email. I just thought it was a regular search engine. These days, subject directories and search engines are partnering up and offering both options to the searcher on one page. One problem with subject directories is as a result of its strength. Though it does require the human element and is more direct at turning up desired hits, the selected web page may change and the editors of the subject directory may not realize it. Because of this, dead links are a real problem.