About DMOZ…

Posted by Laura Bergells

October 27, 2006

Many clients ask me about DMOZ. Generally, the question(s) are this:

“I’ve submitted there over a year ago — why am I not listed yet? Everyone says I need to be in DMOZ to get good Search Engine Ranking — is that true? Is there anything I can do to get listed?”

Here is my answer:

DMOZ.org is the open directory project. It is run by volunteers. If and when you get in, you get a Page Rank bump that can help your search engine rankings. So, yes, submit to DMOZ. But do not expect to get in any time soon. If you get in, consider it a bonus.”

Submit it, and forget it.

Do not obsess.

I used to be a DMOZ editor for a category that I love. And even though I had a website that covered that category, I thought it would be unethical for me to include my own site in the category (it wasn’t, but I wanted to be above reproach.)

Today, DMOZ is hopelessly understaffed. The number of webpages that get submitted cannot hope to be edited and included in a fair and timely manner. If DMOZ is to survive, it must change its model. Soon.

For more on the DMOZ travesty, read the comments on this discussion board>>>