Open Directory Project Review

Open Directory Project

Owned by AOL the Open Directory Project or Dmoz has traditionally been the first search engine/database that I try to get my sites listed in.

The ODP database is used by Google, AOL Search, and Netscape Search. The DMOZ database is also used by many smaller sites and anyone can download a RDF dump of the site for their own use.

Getting a site listed in the ODP can be a be very hard, pesonally I never submit to category that says,'This category needs an editor', at the bottom of the page. When submitting your website you should find a category that best suites your site and then submit your site to that category, by clicking the 'add url' link. It's often easier to get your site listed in one of the regional categories first, and you are allowed 2 listings in DMOZ, one it the regional category and one in a main catgory.

Because the Open Directory Project is edited by volunteers it can take ages before your website is included in the directory. I have also had problems getting listed if the owner of a competing website is editing the category that I have submitted to. Nowadays I just submit and forget, if I get listed it's a bonus. If you need directory listing quickly it's much better to look at directories that have a paid inclusion program.

Your Comments/Opinions

How many people actually use the DMOZ directory? My guess is that these days most people use ageneral purpose search engine? Most people never use DMOZ or any other directory - Search engines are fast and good at finding what searchers want. I Dont think there is a need for directories such as dmoz. Dmoz could be useful if you could get sites added quickly, but you cant, there are not enough editors, and there are too many complaints about corrupt dmoz editors. Unless the DMOZ management can resolve these problems the end for dmoz is near.