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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
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