The document discusses how search engines will likely degrade and penalize some directory websites in the future. It predicts that within 6 months, the quantity of links submitted to directories will grow artificially as automated submission tools improve. However, the content within most directories will remain similar while providing little value to visitors beyond link submission. The document also questions whether search engine penalties will be applied algorithmically or with human judgment, and estimates that fully automated directories will be penalized while large, manually curated directories may maintain their status.