Dmoz.org / ODP bummer story
I've just remembered that it's about time to get upset at DMOZ.org (Open Directory Project). The reason is a very simple one and you might have already guessed it... yep, TeaWithEdge.com is still unlisted within the directory, after two months of waiting.
That wouldn't be a big thing considering how DMOZ works... as a former editor I've seen sites submitted and unprocessed even after 2 years since submission. What truly bothers me is that I actually applied for editing rights within the category TeaWithEdge.com is submitted and I've been rejected on the reason that the given category is already fully covered by editors and is in no need of another one. Still, they have websites queuing for at least two months (who knows since when, actually).
This is matter of ethics that goes well beyond the topic of this blog (or maybe not?) and it's all about humans and their human reactions and behaviour. Of course, if I was an editor, I would list my own site as well as tens (or hundreds, who know how big the queue is) of others... everyone would have to win from here, since processing time would be reduced. But no... some humans at DMOZ decided it's not wise to share their editing rights with so many people and dilute them... isn't it?
Well, dear DMOZ, whether you'll list this site or not, it's up to you... in any case, I've lost my appetite to contribute to this project. Que sara, sara... blablablablabla...
posted by DorkusMarketingus @ 5:52 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
But when you say "This is matter of ethics that goes well beyond the topic of this blog" - I'm afraid that shows a misunderstanding of the philosopy of DMOZ/ODP. If for example, I was running a service and charged you money, and promised your site would be listed within two months and failed to meet that, I would be running an unethical company.
But the ODP never promises to list you at all, and if you spent some time reading about it, then you would find that there is no rule that says that sites will be reviewed in the order of submission, since the order of submission is in fact meaningless. Sites that have never been suggested may be reviewed ahead of any submitted site.
Don't think of an orderly queue, think of a heap.
It's something most people will never understand.
Thanks for your input nickaratzi, I assure you I totally understand your point and I am well aware the sites are not reviewed or published in order of submission. In fact, they're probably published in order of "easiness", meaning how much work would have that editor to do in order to publish a site (if corrections are necessary, (s)he might as well skip the site and get to one that doesn't require any editing at all).
This is the very hard nut for me to crack though... I am sure I followed ALL submission guidelines, so that it won't require further editing/correcting. Since it's not yet published after 3 months, my only conclusion is that probably no one's even taking a look at that category, while I was rejected on the reason that the category if fully covered with editors. That was my one and only complain...
As you said, there are paid submissions as well, to other directories, and I'm actually contemplating Yahoo for that reason. Will see, though...
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