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+# Directory Engine — Project Status
+
+**Repo:** [Tony_tech/directory-engine](https://gitea.vps1.afterthedemo.com/Tony_tech/directory-engine)
+**Created:** 2026-08-22
+**Operator:** Leonard
+
+## Goal
+Build a high-quality niche directory business using research + engineer agents. Daily curated Markdown pages → traffic → affiliate/newsletter monetization.
+
+## Current State
+- Repo and playbook live.
+- Niche still open (propose or await decision).
+- Templates + agent prompts seeded.
+- No live site or pages yet.
+
+## Next Actions
+1. Lock niche (record in directory-engine/decisions.md).
+2. Run first research cycle → publish 1–3 pages.
+3. Stand up minimal Astro (or static) site.
+4. Schedule daily loop via Hermes.
+
+## Related
+- Source: Startup Ideas Podcast directory thread
+- Aligns with Veripath (curated/verified data for local commerce) and agent-outputs.