i was wondering how competitive for a general web directory to be accepted by dmoz. What editors expect or look for in a good general web directory? i thought it is fair to ask about the requirements, than just calling for dmoz editors. If it is not allowed, excuse me and this thread may be removed.
[Sorry but I must have been asleep and did not read your question correctly - re Web Directory when I posted the following reply] To a great extent it will depend on the category. In an informational category, an editor might be more selective about which sites get lsited, since having too many sites on the same subject dilutes the usefullness. However in a Regional category, e.g for example Business and Economy within a particular city, it would be justified to list every single site that represents a business in that area providing it meets the minimum listing requirements. e.g. we don't list "business card" sites - (that just provide a name address and phone number)
You may find this article useful: Links Pages and Directories. It is from the ODP Autumn 2003 newsletter, so it is slightly dated. (Whatever happened to Looksmart?) These days it is pretty difficult to get a general web directory listed in http://dmoz.org/Computers/Internet/Searching/Directories/ . To be considered there a directory has to be large and offer something different from those already listed.
Anyone wanting to start a new directory will find it impossible in practice to get it listed in DMOZ if it is generic in nature. Except by using DMOZ data with attribution and then there is a special DMOZ category just for you. Far better, because it is likely to be far more useful to users, is to focus tightly. Your home town or a topic you are interested in, professionally or personally. Create a directory that is more comprehensive than the DMOZ equivalent category - for most topics and places that should not be an impossible task. If it exceeds any other directory, including the DMOZ category, in how extensive it is, by definition it is the best on the Internet and passes the first criteria for listing. But you may find an editor simply mines the site for links if that is all it has, then discards it as having no original content. Too bad, that's life. How can you stop that? By adding original (and I mean original, editors will check) material to supplement the directory. Things DMOZ cannot do. What about listing businesses that have no websites - DMOZ can't do that. What about listing phone numbers and addresses - DMOZ can't do that. What about objective and original reviews of products and services in more detail than DMOZ can do? Most importantly - information - if your directory is of your home town then take the time to put in loads of photos and visitor information, it's history, etc. If the directory is about breeders of Maltese Terriers put in loads of information about the breed and its origins. If it is about railway sleeper recycling companies explain all about the recycling of railways sleepers, etc. Then when you have the best directory on that niche, expand it to related niches. The town down the road, Yorkshire Terriers, railway timetable auctions, etc. At each point you have a listable directory that is the best in the world on its subject. But at the end of the day no matter how good a directory you produce it will not guarantee a place in DMOZ because it may sit waiting for a review for years. But at least you will be getting traffic from railway enthusiasts.