Announcement: Apps Directory + MakeUseOf todo

Over the last 3 months I was thinking of ways to make MakeUseOf more user-friendly. With over 50 tools published on a weekly basis, MakeUseOf needed some directory-style structure to make it more usable and enable anyone to find desired applications faster. And so, I am happy to introduce you to the MakeUseOf Directory.

It’s already been integrated to the main website and you can see it in the navigation sidebar. Please note that it is still in it’s infancy and currently lists around 30% of all applications we covered till now. Also note that from now on all ‘makeuseof extra’ posts will have ‘Read More’ links next to each app. If the small description is enough, than proceed to the direct link, otherwise follow the ‘Read More’ button for more detailed description and possibly some user feedback and ratings. Anyways, here is a quick overview of the new features:

• Directory Homepage - lists all categories.
• - Web Apps - lists ‘web apps’ categories only.
• - Mobile Apps - lists ‘mobile apps’ categories only. This category only lists applications which are meant to be used with/from your phone. (It’s rather small now but no worries in two weeks time it will be as big as ‘web apps’.)
• TAG Cloud - option to browse applications by tags.
• Feedback + Ratings: Each listed application can be rated and commented on.
• Submit Apps: Would like to contribute? You can either send us the link by email or add application yourself. All those of you who send me emails requesting their apps to be reviewed, please use this link.

That’s all about the directory. So check it out, comment on stuff, rate it, etc… Enjoy!

And finally, just to keep you in the loop here is a quick ‘ToDo list’ for makeuseof.com

• Switching to a better design
• Completing directory integration: Once directory is 100% done, instead of ‘MakeUseOf extra’ posts you’ll get Latest directory additions. Where each addition will be a quick post on it’s own.
• Introducing Q&A section: I get lots of questions on a daily basis, and it takes lots and lots of time to reply to all of them at once. Once Q&A is out you can post all your tech-related ‘Where’s, How’s, What’s … ‘ there. All daily questions will be combined in one list and featured on the homepage on a daily basis.
• Get Couple of Guest Writers: Interested ? Let me know along with your terms.
• Secret: I’ll keep this one as a surprise. I am still testing a couple of things and if everything goes smoothly, I will integrate it to the website.
• Money: Paid Application Reviews: All tools that were published on MakeUseOf till now were free or at least come with free account option. Sometimes I am emailed pretty good applications but unfortunately have to let them pass because there is no free account option. So in the near, we will start to accept commercial applications as well. For a given fee they will be able to get one quick and unbiased review of their product. In all such articles you’ll see a quick memo stating that the review of this App was ordered.

Ok that’s mainly it, looking forward to your feedback. Ooh yeah, thanks everyone for your kind donations, I really appreciate it.