That's true, but if the criteria for being a jerk is his/her style of "posting my views", then the word jerk is mildly appropriate, albeit a little too soft. It's not always what you say, but how you say it. If you want attention like a five year old child, all you have do is throw a 5-year old-ish fit, and you'll get it. (as you have Arcos) Criticize ODP all you want - I could care less. Go off on the offensive, on any given subject, and you'll likely put other people on the defensive - sometimes even if they agree with you. It's not too hard to figure that out. You've been alive how long now? (more than 12 years, I would imagine)
Oh now stop. Relax? Relax? Who says I aint relaxed? I got just over two weeks off starting today and I'm relaxed!! But let's face it DMOZ does not wield the SEO sword that it used to. Things have moved on. Dont expect DMOZ to be the panacia for an ailing website!
Sssshhhhhh. I know DMOZ. I just got out of the pit. Do you like coffee ? Play Tennis ? Want a cupcake ? Let me know. We'll get them later. Have a Coke and a Smile.
This is quite true, and a valid point for discussion. I would love to see DMOZ dropped as the backend for the Google directory. (as I've said many times) It would mean less BS, and allow the directory to be just what it is - whatever that may be. Unfortunately, while it may not be the do-all for all things SEO related, it still packs a hell of a punch, especially if one can get a link on a young site. It doesn't hurt for older sites, either. Until that stops, we can only expect more paranoia and controversy over its useage. Some people don't care about SEO, or whether the ODP gets used for anything that generates SE rankings. Unofortunately, this is limited to editors, and the generally unknowledgeable. This is not how things should be.
Sorry, not being argumentative, flaming, insulting etc etc but I dont agree. New or old a web site can do far more, with far more punch than wait an eternity for a listing from DMOZ. DMOZ is NOT the do-all for ANY website. Yes Google uses it (google shouldnt!), as do many others but, you can achieve #1 Google, MSN and Yahoo without DMOZ without black-hat, money exchanging hands for backlinks or any of those other slightly dubious techniques. A little knowledge and a good website is all that is needed. Dont rely on others for website promotion, Do It Yourself!!
OH NO! Where was I when they passed out the swords? I never got mine. As far as I know, we've never expected DMOZ to be the [SIZE=-1]panacea for an ailing website. I'd expect webmaster knowledge and creativity to fill that role. [/SIZE]
I don't think what we're saying is all that different. There is no doubt that you can achieve #1 without a DMOZ link - but it's easier when you have one. Check this out: http://bloom-cad.com Keywords: cad design engineering This site was deleted from the ODP a month or so ago, after enjoying a good long stay. There has been absolutely zero content on the site for over a year. Yet look at its Google ranking! Now, notice that it still lists in the Google directory. I followed this site, and it took about 2 months after deletion for it drop out of the ODP. It is STILL in the Google directory, and it is still a top 10 SERP. Why is that? I wish that there were not such an emphasis on ODP for SEO, but the fact is, that there is. I could not agree with you more, however, that the key to a good ranking is taking the bull by the horns, and actually making a good site. We do not disagree that the DMOZ link is NOT the DO-ALL for SEO. But I think it still has a bigger role than people think. (for the reason stated in my example) The ODP could be a better directory, but what initially made it good, is what also has made it bad. You CAN get too much of a good thing...