Yahoo has closed its web directories in four countries, and it seems no one noticed. It happened back in December, and Yahoo is now redirecting those directories to the country-specific web search pages.
Sean Carlos dropped us a note about his blog post today on Antezeta.com, and we got this confirmation from Yahoo:
As part of Yahoo!’s ongoing effort to build products and services that deliver the best possible experiences for consumers, we are increasing investment in some areas while scaling back in others. After careful consideration, Yahoo! will no longer offer the Yahoo! Directory service on December 10, 2009 in France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Users in these markets will be redirected to their local version of Yahoo! Search for a superior experience. Yahoo! is focused on innovating in search and continually improving the user experience.
As for the main web directory on Yahoo.com, the spokesperson says: “We have no plans to close the main Yahoo! Directory.”