The McKinley Internet Directory Revolutionizes Online Navigation

Strategic Insights -

The McKinley Internet Directory, launched in August 1995, aimed to address the frustration of non-productive surfing on the Internet by providing a comprehensive, reviewed, and rated online directory. The directory's four-star rating system evaluates resources based on content depth, ease of access, organization, and currency. After its 60-day grand opening, The McKinley will be available only through licensed Internet providers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The McKinley Internet Directory features a four-star rating system that evaluates resources based on content depth, ease of access, organization, and currency.
  • The directory currently contains 80,000 sites, with 20,000 reviewed and rated, and is expanding daily.
  • Sites are revisited and reviewed monthly by The McKinley editorial team, with resources divided into 15 major subject areas and hundreds of sub-categories.
  • Each resource includes site title, address (URL), hot links, keyword and audience descriptors, and a full text description of the resource and its contents.
  • The McKinley search engine is powered by Personal Library Software (PLS), with licensees including NETCOM On-line Communications Services, Inc. and International Business Machines (IBM).
  • The directory is available in English, with expansions planned to French, German, and Japanese.

Statistics:

  • The McKinley Internet Directory currently contains 80,000 sites.
  • Of these, 20,000 have been reviewed and rated, and the number is expanding daily.
  • The directory has a four-star rating system, with each star representing a different level of evaluation: content depth, ease of access, organization, and currency.
  • The McKinley editorial team revisits and reviews sites monthly.

Sources:

  • Business Wire, "The McKinley Group to Showcase Internet Directory on the Web", August 15, 1995.
  • The McKinley Group, Inc. press materials.