Dmoz Multiple Submissions...

[RISTMO]

Hi guys,
I've heard lots of people saying that sites should only be submitted to one category, but you can do so to more than one at your own risk, but I just saw something from a Dmoz editor: "A site which meets the requirements of both a topical and a regional category may, indeed should, be suggested for inclusion in both categories."

It seems to me like multiple submissions is not a problem as long as the site would belong just as well in either category--after all, a purpose of Dmoz is to have a directory where people can easily find what they're looking for, and if they miss your site because it was only in one of the applicable categories, that wouldn't seem very helpful, so Multiple submissions (as long as it's not spam), don't seem to be a problem.

Rick
P.S. Correct me if I'm wrong

-----------------------------------------------------------

http://www.ristmo.com/

RISTMO Designs

http://www.arabchurch.com/

Arab Church

http://www.reference-guides.com/

Reference Guides

 

[ChrisHirst]

Rick,
That's pretty much the case (sometimes).
What the ODP editors (well some at least) seem to prefer is that you would submit a deep link (page or subfolder)into another category, one that reflects the cat topic rather than just submit the home page again.
The biggest problem is that the editors are only stating their opinion, which may not be the same as the Editall or Meta for that cat. If you are unsure, it's worth asking the question at resource-zone (the (unofficial) ODP forum).



Chris.

Indifference will be the downfall of mankind, but who cares?

 

[ChrisHunt]

Speaking (unofficially) as an occasional ODP editor...

Editors maintain the directory through a system of HTML forms. When adding submitted sites to the directory, they view a page that has the information you entered, a link to the site and various other bits of information. Prominent in that "other information" is a list of categories where the site has been listed already, or awaits listing.

If you submit the same URL to multiple categories, editors will be aware of the fact and may decide that you're already listed elsewhere, so you don't need listing in "their" category. With this in mind, I think you should submit to one category where you most want to be listed - and wait to be accepted before submitting to any others.

Avoid submitting to lots of categories- you run the risk of being marked out as a spammer. This makes it more likely that hard-pressed editors will reject you applications out-of-hand without even looking at them (we're not supposed to do this, but time is short and we're not paid for it!). The "one in regional, one in topical" rule is a good rule of thumb. For example, the Duff beer company might get listed in "Business/Food and Related Products/Beverages/Liquor" and "Regional/North America/United States/???/Springfield".

Deep links are a good way to get multiple listings, just make sure the suggested page has plenty of unique content and is well focussed on the subject at hand. Don't expect to get listed in multiple subcategories, or close relatives, of a category you're listed in - even if it's a good match. For example, Amazon get listed once under Shopping/Publications/Books/General Interest . They don't get their childrens' book page listed at Shopping/Publications/Books/Children - that's for dealers who only sell childrens' books. Conversely, one of my sites has its main listing in "Arts/Literature/Authors/M/McGonagall, William" but a well-tailored deep link in "Science/Technology/Structural Engineering/Bridge/Failures/Firth of Tay".

Incidentally, I recommend anyone with an interest in browsing and searching the internet to try being an ODP editor. You get a good insight into how a directory works, and it can be good fun too!


-- Chris Hunt

http://www.extracon.com

http://www.mcgonagall-online.org.uk

http://www.napitalia.org.uk

http://www.leicesteryha.org.uk

 

[RISTMO]

I applied to the ODP at one point and was refused, but my reason for applying (that I gave them) is that the category had no editors and I liked that topic.....that must not have been a good enough reason :-/ ;-) :-D.

I do agree, though, that it would be very informative, if I had the time to actually devote time to it and apply again (with a better reason ).

Rick

-----------------------------------------------------------

http://www.ristmo.com/

RISTMO Designs

http://www.arabchurch.com/

Arab Church

 

[tmphuskers]

I hear that DMOZ is pretty much a submit it and forget it kind of place. I have submitted a while back (6 months) and didn't take some value facts into consideration. Can I submit again without harm?

 

[ChrisHunt]

"I hear that DMOZ is pretty much a submit it and forget it kind of place"

It can be - it's entirely pot luck whether a category is maintained by an active editor or one who makes more occasional visits.

"Can I submit again without harm?"

If it really has been six months, and you submitted it to the correct category in the first place, then you should be OK - though your original submission should still be in the queue somewhere. A polite email to the editor might yeild better results.

-- Chris Hunt

http://www.extracon.com

http://www.mcgonagall-online.org.uk

http://www.napitalia.org.uk

http://www.leicesteryha.org.uk

 

[tmphuskers]

Thanks Chris!