A brief explanation of DMOZ

If you were unfamiliar with DMOZ, then you might not know that it means Directory Mozilla and is one of the most important open source directories on the Internet. Run by a group of volunteers, it simplifies tasks including updating of links and editing. A number of search engines such as Google also use DMOZ. The way Google sees it is a website that is listed on DMOZ, is good enough to be listed on Google directory.

Being the only major directory that is free of charge, anyone listed here on is not required to pay any costs but only agree to its terms and conditions. DMOZ has a simple sign up process and submitting your website is easy when you follow the step-by-step procedure. Patience is also required however as it may take months before your website appears on the directory.

DMOZ Or No DMOZ

There is quite a lot of controversy when it comes to DMOZ. Some say that it is a useless tool while others will agree that it is quite beneficial. Many believe that it is not really worth the time and effort being listed and it is much more feasible to be listed on major search engines like Google or Yahoo.

Choosing to go the DMOZ direction could be to your advantage and considering the following before signing up might inspire one to become listed.

Firstly, DMOZ is a man-powered directory and a volunteer will handle your submission and decide whether your site should be listed. You will need to have patience for this, but you will be certain that someone has thoroughly edited and reviewed your site.

Secondly, there are no fees to pay to be listed on the directory but there are certain standards before DMOZ allows a site to be listed. However, if you meet these standards, your site will be listed amongst the best.

Thirdly, DMOZ does not really allow any sites that have pornographic content, fraud or violence nor do they allow websites that only contain links to affiliate programs, so do not submit such sites. If they do decide accept your site containing this, it will take quite a long time before you are listed.

Lastly, Make sure that your website design is complete when submitting as an unfinished one will be rejected.

The DMOZ Review Process

All sites submitted for DMOZ directory listing go through a review process by volunteers across the world before it can appear. These volunteers will determine whether your submission is approved or rejected.

After submission, the procedure includes a spam filtering system to get rid of repeat submissions. Then, the URL is placed in a not reviewed sector until an editor has had a look at it. This could take a short while or one could wait for months before a review. On review, an editor may rewrite your sites description or move the submission to another category.

Your submission is then placed on the DMOZ open source directory and becomes listed.

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