I think some method to allow webmasters to check status of their site submissions (and to know why their site gets rejected if it is something fixable, and site is related to category and not just a spam submission, etc) would be an excellent first step to improving system. Unfortunately editor management system seems to be circa 1998 ... I am only guessing based on design/functionality, but I assume big changes are not coming any time soon."

Even Google may have come to realization that DMOZ may have finally run its course. Previously found via its own tab, Open Directory has been demoted to "more" page.

This was Google's explanation for demotion. "We analyzed what people were using, and that had become less popular over time. As web grows, directory structures get harder to use. It didn't seem to be worth real estate on home page." Ouch!

Demoting directory may also be a way for Google to eventually distance itself from Open Directory Project, which powers it. The volunteer-produced directory was added back in 2000, near height of Open Directory's popularity.

Today, there are often complaints that ODP, has not keep up with submission demands. In addition, there have been delays in getting most current data out in a format that ODP partners such as Google can use.

Ultimately, any problem with Open Directory--which is not in Google's control--still reflects badly on Google.

I do have a solution to this whole DMOZ mess, if anyone wants to hear it. I say nuke site for morbid, and put it out of its misery!

Dean Phillips is an Internet marketing expert, writer, publisher and entrepreneur. Questions? Comments? Dean can be reached at mailto: dean@lets-make-money.net

OK - I decide I am going to get in on this action. Registering is free (username must be a combo of numbers and letters). I have to click on picture to go to listing to actually bid according to Bidz.com directions below:

1) Simply use "plus" and "minus" graphic keys to select amount you would like to bid. The amount of next bid is automatically one dollar more than current bid. If you only want to place a one dollar bid, you can just click Bid button without any adjustments.

2) Click bid graphic button to register your bid. PROBLEM: I click Bid! button and then find out I have to register my credit card in order to bid - but they didn't tell me that when I was registering (even though I quite expected it).

Another problem I encounter is a sluggish modem. By time I reach listing page and picture and bid button loads, auction can be over (sigh...).

Its not hard to become giddy over amazing deals of a 3 minute auction...too good to be true? 3 minute auctions "typically offer expensive items, such as Cartier watches, Beanie Babies, computers, and cars at prices that are low enough to dull scam alarm in most people."

This was taken from an auction fraud article. The same article reports that Federal Trade Commission has identified a scam email that includes "Live 3 minute auctions" in subject line. See details of 3 minute auction scam at http://www.chiff.com/a/fSCAMauc.htm

For a list of minute-auction websites, refer to: The 3 minute auction list at http://shmyl.com/dpzison

My final words: The 3 minute auction and minute auction are epitome of auction entertainment. So pop some popcorn, invite some friends over, and have yourself some Friday night auction fun!