Suggestion Is the "ODP / DMOZ" board necessary any more?

Discussion in 'Support & Feedback' started by venturefox, Sep 11, 2010.

  1. #1
    I stumbled across a thread today that led me into the "ODP / DMOZ" part of the Directories section. I personally think it's time to archive the board for this out dated, out of touch and corrupt directory system that is fundamentally flawed. I understand why a few years ago this section was added because at one stage this was a great resource for webmasters to build links upon. I say webmasters because I never thought it was a very useful tool for their visitors after search engine algorithms became more advanced.

    I do remember the days where some dmoz pages came up at the top of google search results, much like wikipedia does today. However they lost that momentum a long time ago and google seems to have revoked any preferential search rankings dmoz used to achieve. Just taking a look at this section of the boards will show you how rarely it is now used and how webmaster support for it has practically evaporated.

    Then there is always the fact that acceptance to the dmoz directory is arbitrary at best and totally dependant upon category editors who may have ulterior motives. I would hazard a guess to say most people who apply and then get editor status have a vested interest in the particular subject they may end up moderating. To my knowledge, there is little motivation beyond "helping the community" for them not to abuse their power - by listing their own links or asking for money to speed up link listings.

    I'm sure I could write up a lot more on this subject but I think it's simply time to move on and trim the fat. It could quite easily be merged into the bigger Directory board and no one would even notice. I don't have any personal vendetta against this site but it seems weird to leave this relic out there when other sites have long since over taken it.
     
    venturefox, Sep 11, 2010 IP
  2. Agent000

    Agent000 Prominent Member

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    #2
    No matter what you think of DMOZ/ODP, its an active sub-forum and people post there. It makes good sense on any forum, from a forum management sense to sub-divide the content of a forum into as many sub-forums that are active. If an area is not active, then merge it with another

    The DMOZ/ODP forum is more active than many other sub-forums here, do you think they should be removed as well?

    ~half the posters in the DMOZ/ODP forum would probably disagree with what you think of DMOZ, but this is not the place to debate that.
     
    Agent000, Sep 11, 2010 IP
  3. venturefox

    venturefox Notable Member

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    #3
    People are free to take a look for themselves at just how inactive the forum is. I find it quite interesting that you are one of the prime remaining posters in that section and seem to blindly defend this out dated directory. Everyone can also have a quick look through your recent posts (scroll down) to confirm this. I am almost compelled to believe you are an editor trying to squeeze the last drops of usefulness out of this site, for whatever purpose. Half the posters in that forum right? So, that means.. you and me? 50/50.
     
    venturefox, Sep 11, 2010 IP
  4. Agent000

    Agent000 Prominent Member

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    #4
    So do you think other sub-forums should also be closed?

    Please do not make a fool of yourself accusing me of being an editor. All the other many posters in that forum (on both side of the debate) know my status.
     
    Last edited: Sep 11, 2010
    Agent000, Sep 11, 2010 IP
  5. bk871

    bk871 Well-Known Member

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    #5
    From looking at the board, it appears 1-2 threads per week are started, but for the most part it's all the old ones getting updated.

    Look at the "Last post by" section and look at the last post dates. Today there have been a few.

    I wouldn't call it not inactive, but perhaps it's there to keep clutter out of the main forum.
     
    bk871, Sep 11, 2010 IP
  6. Agent000

    Agent000 Prominent Member

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    #6
    I don't beleive the Google sandbox exists. I think that sub-forum should be closed as well. I also hate eBay, so why you are at it closing forums down, how about that one as well?
     
    Agent000, Sep 11, 2010 IP
  7. venturefox

    venturefox Notable Member

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    #7
    Why are you so eager to take the spotlight off the whole point of this thread? Sure there may be other forums that are outdated and may be they need to be looked at too. This thread is my insight into what I saw of the ODP / DMOZ board. You think those other ones are worthless? Make your own thread to discuss it - but the ebay and sandbox threads are still a lot more relevant than this directory will ever be. bk871, is 1-2 threads per week really going to clutter up the main directory board? I think not. As for your assertion about a few posts in that forum today, 2 of the three I can see were mine - also debating against agent000's post in one of them. I just don't think it even deserves it's own section any more, dmoz has withered to a shell of it's former self (think 2001).
     
    venturefox, Sep 11, 2010 IP
  8. Agent000

    Agent000 Prominent Member

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    #8
    You are trying to make this a debate about DMOZ as you have a problem with it.

    I am simply trying to point out the Digitalpoint is not going to remove a subforum becasue you or I don't like it or believe in it.

    They will remove a subforum or add a subforum based on activity, not your or my personal prejudices.

    There are more forums less active than the DMOZ one, so I ask you again, should they also be removed?
     
    Agent000, Sep 11, 2010 IP
  9. venturefox

    venturefox Notable Member

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    #9
    This is a suggestion forum Agent000 and a suggestion thread if you read the title. I would like to think the people of this board have a say in how it operates and how we can grow it. Quite frankly I'm bored of repeating myself to you so i'll stop answering you from now on. Here's your chance to wow everyone with your own insights as to why it's vital that the board stays and shouldn't be merged with the wider Directory board.
     
    venturefox, Sep 11, 2010 IP