Comments on: 10 Steps AOL Should Take to Reinvent the Open Directory Project (DMOZ)

By: Anthony

Anthony — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:29:21 +0000

For sometime now, I have been one who has long tried to call AOL to accountability for this botched site, so I am not sure what I think anymore. I guess I was a bit miffed at the fact that some people were benefiting from it and others were truly getting the cold shoulder.

Turning it into a Web 2.0 site might give it some new life, but I think it needs a revamping in terms of how its run. I don’t know how they would determine who the good editors are vs. the corrupt ones, but the last thing that needs to happen is to pay the people who have brought the sites reputation down. If anything, AOL should turn it into a profit center and manage it internally – yes, get rid of the editors, and just hire employees. I think a few bad apples may have spoiled it for the rest, and I don’t think they deserve to maintain control for running a company where money actually exchanges hands.

By: Peter

Peter — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:59:12 +0000

I am not too keen on the idea of a web 2.0 DMOZ. This would be just as open to abuse as the current DMOZ is.

People would be paying others for voting for their sites for example pretty much in the same way the problem has been occurring with Digg.

I do agree that DMOZ needs a shake up and that ordering in some way is a good idea however.

By: DMOZ

DMOZ — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 22:14:03 +0000

These are great ideas and appreciate the time and creativity you put into writing it.

One minor comment, the Shoemoney claim you point to is still baseless. Fiction. Unproven. LinkBait.

It hurts that it is accepted as a statement of fact (without showing proof) and unfortunately not the only mention of stuff like this happening. Please know that this is something we remedy from inside as soon as it is raised & proven. And please highlight that commitment in future posts to hold us accountable.

Thanks again for the post.

By: Sante

Sante — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 09:55:23 +0000

The situation with DMOZ is one of decay and corruption as you described it in your post as far as I can see. There is no reason for websites to be put on ice forever. This is what is happening in Italy.

There are other rather “strange” situations I prefer not to disclose – it would be like looking at a tree without seeing the forest.

I think the only way out is to reset the entire organization: new rules, new blood are essential.

Extensive damage has been done by now and it will take a lot of work to get back where they were some years ago.

By: Adam Maywald

Adam Maywald — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 18:56:58 +0000

Great post Loren! Another idea too, if they did create a Digg style voting system, push sites within the directory UP as “Diggs” are acquired. This would push the authority, content-rich sites higher with the directory pages, offering better listings for viewers.

By: David Brown

David Brown — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 14:48:27 +0000

I really like the idea of a social voting aspect. I’m sure many would not be but then again you can’t make everyone happy!

It’s going to be interesting to see what they do with this opportunity to change.

.02

By: Daniel Scocco

Daniel Scocco — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 14:16:35 +0000

Interesting.

I agree that bringing the social factor into the directory would make it more reliable/useful.

I doubt we will see anything similar though.