Ambiguity in ODP Update URL instructions

clarification needed

[Robert Charlton]

I'm probably overthinking this one... but, there's an ambiguity in the ODP Update URL process that I find confusing enough that I thought I'd better ask.

After you click on "update url" from your category page, you're asked to "type in the URL exactly as it is listed in this category." You then click on "Update URL" and are presented with a bunch of advice on writing good titles and descriptions, and also a form with 5 fields.

Your old URL, title, and description appear in 3 of the fields... and the other two fields ask for your email address and for a description of the nature of your changes.

My confusion is that nowhere are you really told where to make your changes. The possibilities I see:

a) make changes in the URL, title, and description fields, and describe your reasons for the changes in the "describe nature of changes" field.

b) leave those fields alone so ODP can track what the old listing was, and make all changes in the "describe nature of changes" field.

Please forgive if it's obvious. I can guess, but I'm not sure. I tried method (a) for a site about three weeks ago and have gotten no results. I'm just about to change the url etc on another site and would appreciate feedback.

Both sites, incidentally, have 301 redirects from the old domain to the new domain, so I assume that the concerns about site hijacking in the DMOZ: updating URL? [webmasterworld.com] thread wouldn't apply.

[bird]

Do you think those three fields had been made editable, if they weren't actually meant for editing? The software certainly doesn't rely on editable fields remaining unchanged for keeping track of the originals.

If the old site supports your changes, then any editor will be glad to accept them (as soon as someone gets around to it, anyway).

[Robert Charlton]

>>Do you think those three fields had been made editable, if they weren't actually meant for editing?<<

That's what I'd assumed, but this is one of those dumb questions that I thought it prudent to ask. Thanks.

[hutcheson]

A real, live person will look at it in any case. If you put the right URL, and your "description of nature of changes" is clear and persuasive, then the problem will be addressed.

That doesn't necessarily mean the new URL, title, or description will be accepted as is...the editor still has to take responsibility for checking the facts and conforming to the guidelines.

[crunchy cajun]

I have received a number of change requests that give no reason why they wish to be updated and submit the existing description, makes it dificult. I appreciate when a submitter indicates what they want, why they want it mand a usable description.

[motsa]

Some submitters mistakenly believe that they need to submit an update request whenever they update the content on their site (i.e. they think the ODP spiders the sites that are listed). Those are frequently the ones who submit an update request with the existing description and title and little or no note.

[Robert Charlton]

Thanks. My reasons for change went something like:

Updating url, title, and description to reflect new XYZ website and product line. Changes should be helpful to Open Directory users by more accurately describing the products and the site. The old URL listed in the Directory redirects to the new site.