I have tried to get into the DMOZ. I have tried once and they have rejected me BIG TIME!!! If you have a story here to share, please share it. I will tell you mine: Thank you for your interest in becoming an Open Directory Project editor. After careful review, we have decided not to approve your application at this time. The most common reasons a reviewer will deny a new application include, but are not limited to, * Incomplete application. Insufficient information has been provided in some fields including reason, affiliation and/or Sample URLs. * Improper spelling and grammar. * Sample URLs are inappropriate for the category which one has applied to edit. They may be too broad, too narrow, completely out of scope, poor quality, or in a language inappropriate for the category. All non-English sites are listed in the World category. Applications for World categories that include sites only in English will be denied. Likewise, applications for World categories that include sample URLs in languages other than the one appropriate for the applied category will be denied. * Not properly disclosing affiliations with websites that are, or have the potential of being, listed in the category. * Titles and descriptions of sample URLs (and other information provided) were subjective and promotional rather than unbiased and objective. ODP editors do not rank or write website reviews. ODP editors provide objective and unbiased descriptions of websites and their content. * Self-Promotion. Application which leads us to believe that the candidate is interested primarily in promoting his/her own sites or those with which the applicant is affiliated. The ODP is not a marketing tool, and should not be used to circumvent the site submission process. If this is an applicant's motivation for joining, then we ask him/her not to apply. Editors found to be inappropriately promoting their own site will be promptly removed. Due to the large number of applications we get every day, we are unable to provide personal responses to every application or to respond to inquiries about why you were rejected. If a reviewer chose to provide additional comments to you, they will be given in the "Reviewer Comments" section below. Your willingness to volunteer is greatly appreciated and perhaps we will be able to utilize your talent in the future. Regards, The Open Directory Project Reviewer Comments:
So why focus on the rejection??? It will achieve nothing. Do something positive, study the comments and common reasons for rejection and try again. Unless you were specifically told not to apply again......they are saying that they will reconsider an application after some changes. My personal feeling is that given some changes, you stand a chance of being accepted. Just my thoughts
Looks like the standard, unremarkable email they send to every applicant who isn't accepted; "rejected me BIG TIME!!!" is just an interpretation you are choosing to give it. Mind you I'm not saying it doesn't hurt Part of the requirement to become an editor with dmoz is deduction, so the meta editors say. Perhaps it would be useful to look on the email as a multiple choice test about your original application? Discover what is missing or mistaken in your app, correct it, and then re-apply. I've seen a couple of forum conversations in the past that began like yours and ended with an acceptance as an ODP editor. Good luck! ------------ The above is just my opinion as a newish DMOZ editor, and not a representation by the ODP. Dennis
That's one of the standard messages. You might have skipped over or misunderstood the phrase at the beginning The most common reasons a reviewer will deny a new application include, but are not limited to In other words, your application was probably declined for one or more of those reasons, not all of them (although I suppose it's possible). It doesn't tell you not to apply again so by all means do so. I suggest that you first study this FAQ and General Advice. Then evaluate your application before sending it.
Take the rejection as a sign that you are not stupid enough or corrupt enough to be a DMOZ editor material.
I was rejected twice before becoming an editor. And no, I'm not corrupt, maybe it's because I don't have a big enough category though. Or maybe it's because it only takes a few bad apples to give everyone else a bad name... with with a bunch of apples that leaves room for alot of bad ones. But statistically (and contrary to popular belief) I don't think the DMOZ is bad, not from what I've seen over the past year. If you want to be an editor, pay careful attention to the style that other sites are listed with (description, title, category) and resubmit, maybe to the smallest category that might interest you (more likely to get approved into a small category). Then, move up from there once you get that category finished.
I think this is partially why Google, etc. uses DMOZ for their entries, they have such a strict methodology to it.
I wouldn't bother to submit to DMOZ until I know the moderator. Otherwise even quality sites will be rejected for no reason.
Google and the DMOZ seem to have a special relationship: http://jean.manco.googlepages.com/googleanddmoz
I whole heatedly agree with this fellow. My FIRST submission, was accepted. It boils down to applying mastered writing mechanics the first time around, whether considering an editors position or a site listing.