Scavenger Hunt Part II - Dead Links

We've had so much fun with the DMOZ Scavenger Hunt, and Digital Point has some wonderfully gregarious DMOZ editors who are also members here, that have graciously taken the time to respond in kind.

Further, it is the intention to bring things to light, not to make light of the ODP or its editors.

So - here's Scavenger Hunt Part Deux ...

Find links in DMOZ that are dead - easy enough:

I'll start:

http://www.dmoz.org/Business/Real_Estate/Appraisal/Employment/
On-Line Appraiser Job Board - A bulletin board for appraiser employers and those seeking employment.

Next ...

 

It would be much easier for editors to proces these if you would use the possibilities given by DMOZ. Just use the "update listing" link at the top of the category.

 

Why don't we wait and see if editors who have permission to edit in those categories want to use this as a quality assistance tool - before we ask them to use a different avenue? Update listing is a great tool, but perhaps this could be too.

 

That would be a viable suggestion providing that the category:

1. Had an editor
2. If the site is owned by the one suggesting the "update".

Pursuant to DMOZ Update Listing:

How many people are going to go back to DMOZ and say "remove my dead link"?

 

Umm, if I find a dead site I'm gonna register it

 

LOL - that's not a bad idea.

But in the one I posted, it's the link that is dead, not the site.

Looking at the site, it's crap and full of spam, affiliate ads and so many other things that would tend to get a site automatically rejected ... this one has probably survived due to the category not having an editor.

 

That piece of crap is gone, thanks.

 

Update listings are marked differently and are easy to spot by all editors. They are also processed much faster (normaly within a few days) than suggestions. As no category is without an editor your point 1 is not viable. For point 2 we should rewrite the text. It is not clear. Everybody is allowed to suggest a site (not only the owner) and everybody is allowed to make an update request for any site already listed. Certainly if you can point us to a site that should not be listed anymore.

If you make an update request you are certain that an editor able to do something with it will see the request. If you make a posting here in DP we still appreciate your help but if no editor with rights in that category reads this thread the problem can not be solved. BTW there is a special thread at RZ (you all know which forum that is ) for postings helping us to find sites like you did.
You can even help us more. If you are able to find the new location for such a site (many dead sites have just moved to another location) we will be able to change the url. We will always do this ourself, but if you can do it for us we will save time which can be used for other things (like reviewing suggestions).

 

Skip the BS, pagode. You have enough time to be here reading and posting and, as others have said before, no editor spends all his/her time editing anyway. I should think that editors would welcome the efforts of people like wrmineo in threads like this, not only for the identification of dead links and dormant categories but also for the opportunity for publicity for DMOZ that is more positive than what it usually gets.

As for the Resourceless Zone, I sincerely hope that was a joke. Do you think any of us who has ever read a thread in that cesspool has any intention of posting there?

 

You're faulting me for following the guidelines as listed at ODP. Any other time someone would be complaining that the rules weren't followed. Besides, this took but a few hours .... not a few days.

That would be why this site survived this long?

Then get the text rewritten to let people know that they are empowered to do so. You're lack of clarity should not be turned around on others trying to help out.

Ibid - change the rules to let the public know they are able and encouraged.

You really don't want me to respond to that one ... trust me.

The fact is I am trying to help and it seems to be working just fine.

I have tried to actually volunteer to help as an editor three times to no avail. I'm not bitter or disgruntled ... merely finding other ways to help instead of bashing.

This has been done as a fun little exercise for the enjoyment of DP members to wit ODP is actually getting some positive, free publicity as Minstrel pointed out. The gregarious editors who are participating are showing that some editors give a damn, they're not condescending towards others, and displaying awesome CRM. However, if you'd prefer, I can ask Shawn to delete this thread and we can just let the normal ill-feelings, bashings et al to continue.

 

And your help is appreciated.

Don't be dissappointed for being turned down 3 times. Some of the best editors had to try more than 3 times. From what I have seen here and at RZ you could become a good editor. You just need to prove this by writing a good application. BTW I don't review editor applications.

 

You are missing the point, after he complained about his editors application rejection, I suggested that he should post some mild critic of DMOZ in order to get editors attention, so they offer him to become an editor.
He mistook mild for lame and started these threads but this is too lame, so I don't think he will get any offer to become an editor.

 

pagode - You don't review editor applications, from what you've seen here and at RZ I'd make a good editor, yet you assume that I must need to get better at writing a good application ...

When I was in the military, we were taught that "assume" was broken down to make an "ass" out of "u" and "me" ... so to be nice, let's say you infer that I need to write a better application.

Luckily, I'm not a sensative person, else that would've pissed me off. I don't mind ignorance when someone doesn't know better, but stupidity has never sat well with me ... but I'm more easy-going these days.

Basing generically bland statements to all instances will have the law of averages on your side, but can also be dangerous.

I didn't cookie cut and paste the same application. Furthermore, the last was reviewed my ODP editors before submission ... inferring that my writing skills lack only brings up a plethora of counter arguements that I won't make as I still have overall respect for ODP and most of its volunteer staff.

gworld - no offense, but you too are straddling that "assume" fence. Yes, I could see where my venting about the DMOZ Editor Application was viewed as complaining. Beyond that, I am influenced by things other than ulterior motive or suggestions by others. The scavenger hunt threads have been started for enjoyment, education, and hopefully assistance; not from an arrogant thought process that I will be offered an editor position. If these threads are too lame for you or others, the power of the mouse is at your disposal - move on.

compostannie, test-ok and other honorable ODP Editors - thanks for proving that DMOZ editors can be responsive, results-oriented, regular folks

Now, onward and upward - who has the next Dead DMOZ Link to post?

 

wrmineo. Maybe because English isn't my first language I didn't make myself clear. From your reaction I suspect that you interpreted my writing differenty than was intended by me.

Let me try to explain.
In my opinion you could become a good DMOZ editor. As you have already applied 3 times and have been rejected I only can conclude that the reviewing meta's did think your application was not good enough. You might have though it was good application. I don't know how good it was. My advice apply again and use everything you have learned in the meantime to write an even better application. An application is only good if you can confince the reviewing meta's it is.

 

Hey, page 2 and we've only managed to find 1 dead link?

hmm... What shall we infer from this?

 

no offense taken but there is a big difference between assumption and deduction, my dear Dr. Watson.

 

... nothing wrong with looking out for a friend - if you need help, just give a shout ... Rob

 

You're actually quite right - our internal link-checking tools do multiple runs across the directory, and only tackle sites that are persistently down. Because of the load on the servers and software, this only occurs once every several months, so that in the meantime dead links do accumulate. For those reasons, the scavenger hunt in this form may not be the most productive use of all of our time - the really valuable hints you can give us are those about sites that are not down, but whose content clearly no longer matches the description. Those are a good bit harder to pick up using automated tools.

 

Well let me start in the real estate section for agents in Las Vegas.

http://dmoz.org/Regional/North_Amer...s_and_Economy/Real_Estate/Residential/Agents/



1. http://www.redoakrealestate.com
Ashley Jensen - Red Oak & Co. - Offers relocation and sales services. Features listings, team member profiles, local area guide, client testimonials.
( This site is under construction, which I thought was a no no to list under construction sites. )

2. http://www.lvhomesonline.com/
Brian Perkes - Elite Realty - Residential property broker. Presents listings, agent profile, testimonials, links to local community resources. ( Can You Say Dead Link )

3. http://www.dolceinvestments.com/
Carlos Redmond and Kelly Tu-Redmond - Dolce & Deluca Investments - Specializing in new homes and resales in the private community of Southern Highlands. Includes listings, floorplans, and amenities.
( This site is placed in the Las Vegas real estate section and yet it talks mostly about everything other than Las Vegas. )

4. http://www.findvegashome.com/
Cem Uras - CH Realty - Specializing in master planned communities. Includes featured properties and list of private neighborhoods.
( The Agents name on the site is Eric Humes not Cem Uras. )

5. http://www.bestbizlv.net/realestate/index.html
Dana Hartman - Planet Real Estate - Agent specializing in homes and investment properties. Presents information on foreclosures, retirement communities, and steps to closing a sale ( This site is a redirect from www.4newhomesinlasvegas.com to the above domain )

6. http://www.lasvegasnewhome.com/
Deborah Summitt Graham - New Homes Network - Serving homebuyers and sellers in the new construction market. Includes mission statement, online search, newsletter, team profiles. ( This site doesnt function properly so I am wondering how the editor was able to view the site? Homepage layout is off, you can scroll the whole screen and navigation )

7. http://www.mtcharlestonrealty.com/
Garry and Angie Tomashowski - Mt. Charleston Realty - Offers home sales and vacation rentals in the Mount Charleston area. Includes listings, agent profiles, local school overview, area hikes, suburb descriptions. ( This is Mount Charleston Nevada not Las Vegas, why is it listed for Las Vegas? )

8. http://www.home-las-vegas.com/
Greg Maurer - RE/MAX Elite - Full service homes sales specialist. Includes listings, agent profile, city demographics and FAQs, comprehensive community descriptions, and online MLS search. ( This site is nothing but plagiarized copied text from other sites, mostly the community sites. )

9. http://www.vegashomeexpert.com/
Jeff & Kelly Stafford - Century 21 MoneyWorld - Las Vegas realtors selling real estate and homes in Las Vegas. ( Does not have an about me page which I was told by Hutcheson that all real estate agent pages require one. )

10. http://www.las-vegas-real-estate.info/
Jeff Auld - Realty Executives - Specializing as buyers' agents for residential and 1031 exchange properties. Includes video clips on the local area, FAQs, overview of communities, online search. ( Pure Garbage, once again no about agent section. )

11. http://jenalpollard.tripod.com/
Jenal Pollard - JW & Co. Realty - Specializing in high rise condominiums, lofts, and flats. Features listings plus information on condo conversion projects, corporate housing, investor services. ( A Tripod site and this agent is with Liberty Realty not JW & Co, also did not see about agent page. )

12. http://www.sunnylasvegas.com/
John and Ruth Ahlbrand - RE/MAX Central - A guide to the city. Features an overview of health faclilities, communities, and employment. Includes link to online property search. ( Did not see any agents name mentioned on the homepage, yet it is in the agent directory for Las Vegas. )

13. http://www.lasvegashirisecondos.com/
June and Lauren Stark - Dyson & Dyson Real Estate Associates - Specializing in luxury condominiums and country club communities. Features listings, resales, condo floorplans, and agent profiles. ( No about Us page as I was told was required to be listed as an agents site. )

14. http://www.karen4you.com/
Karen Cocchiaro - Samson Real Estate - Homes in Las Vegas and Henderson NV. ( No Sampson Real Estate, Remax, hmm I wonder if that Sampson could have been placed there to target the word real estate in the description. )

15. http://www.letslookathouses.com/
Kenny Shore - Prudential Americana - Homes and real estate for sale in Las Vegas and Henderson. ( Dead Link Again. )

16. http://www.laurafraser-lasvegas.com/root/NoSite.aspx
Laura Fraser - Prudential Americana - Specializing in Las Vegas and Henderson
( No site found, dead link )

17. http://www.buy-lv.com/
Laura Riede - Century 21 Moneyworld - Includes information for buyers and sellers, listings, financing advice. ( several pages under construction and some pages dont resolve. )

18. http://www.kellawaysellshomes.com/
Laurie Ann Kellaway - RE/MAX - Las Vegas real estate. ( Where does an editor get this description from? Seems a little keyword heavy. )
19. http://www.mannyocampo.com/root/NoSite.aspx
Manny Ocampo - Century 21 - Specializing in Las Vegas and North Las Vegas
( No Site Found )

20. http://www.lasvegashomesandrealestate.com/root/NoSite.aspx
Marilyn Popowitz - Century 21 Money World - Specializing in Northwest areas of the Las Vegas Metro area. ( No Site Found )

21. http://www.lasvegas-justlisted.com/
Michael Federighi - Prime Source Commercial - Offers homes for sale. Includes featured listings, team member profiles, online search. ( Can You Say SPAM )

22. http://www.lasvegasluxuryproperty.com/
Nancy E. Hruza - Century 21 Barrett & Co - Relocation package, including maps, video and floor plans. ( Sites Screen resolution is terrible, lol you have to scroll a half a mile to see anything. )

23. http://www.las-vegas-nevada-real-estate.com/
Peter Anello - RE/MAX - Las Vegas realtor ( Wrong Realtor showing, so this site must have been sold, Realtors name Phil Scheinman Liberty Realty. )
24. http://vegas-realtors.com/
Richard & Francesca Gilbert - Americana Group - Specializing in home sales in Las Vegas. ( First the term Realtors can not be used in a Domain name. It is a violation of trademark from the National Association of Realtors.)
25. http://www.888-ownahome.com/
Ron and Linda Jo Brown - RE/MAX Absolute - New and resale homes in Las Vegas. ( Dead Link / Site )

26. http://www.vegashomehunt.com/
Scott Montes - General Realty Group - Offers information on high rise condos, condo conversions, featured listings, and local communities. Includes area housing statistics. ( Nothing but a Scraper Site )

27. http://www.lasvegasestates.com/
Susie Perrine - Las Vegas International Realty - Variety of listings, specializing in large estates. ( Another Dead Link )

28. http://www.lasvegasproperties.com/
Terri White - Las Vegas Properties - Specialist in new and resale homes, vacant land, commercial sales and leasing. Includes agent profile and showcase of homes plus information on luxury condos, master planned communities and tax deferred exchanges. ( Another listing with no agent name on it, hense the category real estate agents )

29. http://www.search-las-vegas-real-estate.com/
Toby Mazzie - Award Realty - Offers database of resale homes and properties in the Las Vegas area. Includes news, tips, links, glossary of terms. ( This company Award Realty and the Agent Toby Mazzie, no longer own this site. The site is showing Sharon Dixion and Custom Realty, I would also bet that the sites info has changed as well. )

Now this was only a glance at the sites and not really digging in to them. As you can see there are sites that are dead and no longer exsist and some really bad looking sites with a lot of duplicate content. As an example most Advanced Access sites have about 70% identical content ( that is a rough guess ) Yet I thought ODP was looking for unique content and sites?

I ran copyscape on a few sites and found a lot of duplicate content and I know that the DMOZ editors have better tools than I do.

After looking at everyone of these sites I have to ask myself why they were listed and why some of the descriptions were used for these sites.

If I counted right looks like I found 8 dead links...Yeah I got 8 points and that is only one section. : )