What is the impact for including directory-type listings on a website?

Selected answers from the Dumb SEO Questions Facebook & G+ community.

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  Lucy Banta: Does anyone know what the impact is for including directory-type listings on a website? Are they considered paid links, which are then frowned upon and penalized by Google? ;
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  Edwin Jonk: Depends on the directory. Some are quite spammy. In general, I wouldn't rely on link-building with directories.
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  Lucy Banta: Thanks +Edwin Jonk. I'm asking for a non-profit who is trying to give added value to advertisers who take out an ad in a printed journal (e.g. take out XX size ad and we'll mention you with a 100-word write-up on our site with a link to your site). I feel like this isn't a good idea any more, and I think you're agreeing. ;
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  Edwin Jonk: That is basically promoted content, right? I would nofollow the links.
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  Lucy Banta: Ok, thanks!
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  Edwin Jonk: From the expert panel in this weeks SEO Questions hangout on air on 00:06:32 into the YouTube video: https://dumbseoquestions.com/q/what_is_the_impact_for_including_directorytype_listings_on_a_website +Lucy Banta
  
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  Lucy Banta: +Edwin Jonk ;That was great! Thank you so much for the help and advice. ;