A large thread at WebproWorld forums discusses facts and myths about Dmoz (Open Directory Project) and I thought it should be summarized (and expanded) here.
Facts about Dmoz:
- Dmoz is 10 years old (created in 1998);
- Dmoz was inspired by and derived from the Debian Social Contract;
- Dmoz is administrated by Netscape Communications Corporation (part of AOL);
- Dmoz is maintained by human editors.
- DMOZ is NOT a listing service for webmasters (it is meant to provide useful resource list for browsers);
- Dmoz is open for users, but not for inclusion (hence Open Directory Project).
Submit a site:
- follow the guidelines;
- make sure the site content is unique;
- make sure your site is complete: working links, content rich subpages and quality design;
- news sites should be”current” (updated regularly);
- make sure the site has easily accessed “about” and “contact” pages containing the owner’s contact information, the company’s official name and address, disclaimer and copyright notice;
- make sure your site is NOT one of those listed.
- submit your site: find the most appropriate category to suggest a site and add it there.
- avoid using services that claim to submit your site to Dmoz/ or “guarantee” the inclusion (better do it yourself or consult with experienced people first);
- if you want to increase your chances, try to become an editor;
- it may take a while for your site to get accepted (from a month to a year). So submit and forget about that.
Influence on search engines:
- links from Dmoz directory are of great value and authority and still have a great positive impact on your site overall link profile;
- links from Dmoz result in a number of more backlinks;
- search engines can use your site Dmoz description to form search snippets and their opinion about your site (see the list of sites using Dmoz).
Other links to take note of:
I wouldn’t go so far as to say that this is “everything” you need to know, but it is definitely a good start.
@Greg, that what comments are actually for! Add what you would like to be also listed.
Greg, feel free to do a mindmap in the comment field, we’d be more than happy to know everything you know on DMOZ!
Or maybe everything you know on BOTW :)
They are simply pathetic scam-beg.
Hmm.. Very useful information. I tried to submit my blog, but they, moderators didn’t answer for my request. My blog has unique content, but.. nothing. May be, I do something wrong? Ehh, DMOZ – very good catalogue.
We got into DMOZ somehow years ago but it seems like it’s got a lot harder to since then. I hear a lot of people complain about it now.
I don’t really have to know anything about DMOZ.
I just know that Shoemoney got blackmailed and that I could of been in dmoz for $500 so it’s pretty bad rep for me.
Come on, we all know Dmoz is dead. My website is over 2 years old and I never got in probably because of corrupt editors.
Not only have there been rumors of corrupt editors, some of them were selling their status on Ebay.
As often happens, some people like to comment without having actually read the post on which they are commenting. If they had, they would find that their oft-repeated concerns were clearly addressed therein, with links to further information if they needed it.
Nicely summarised, Ann, and thanks for taking the time to include so many clickable links (even if they are not used as often as they could be ;-)).
@makrhod, no, thank YOU :)
Like other i have submitted my site to Dmoz and still waiting to get in included in their listing
it’s clear that DMOZ editors apply their guidelines religiously, which is good to ensure that only quality sites are listed on DMOZ, however why should your chances be increased if you become an editor?…
thanx for the article
i am thankful to your post.
really helpful info.
Keep Them Coming.
From
http://www.qacampus.com
Outsource software testing
http://www.crestech.in
Further to “try to become an editor”, if successful, you’ll need to decide whether you really wish to belong to this almost religious cult. I tried for a while but lost a lot of sleep, so i quit.