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problem with becoming ODP editor

         

ArturX

7:56 am on Jun 15, 2001 (gmt 0)

10+ Year Member



I aplied for an editor in ODP. I used my personal mail address, which is one of the free internet based mailboxes. After application, they sent me an email, to which I replied to confirm the address. I replied, and got:

Your Open Directory editor application could not be confirmed.
The error received was:

Bad authentication ticket

I tried to find any support contact on DMOZ, but failed. So I am trying his forum. Anyone had this problem?

mack

2:35 am on Jun 16, 2001 (gmt 0)

WebmasterWorld Administrator 10+ Year Member Top Contributors Of The Month



yes i also experienced this problem with dmoz. I was using a free email address (yahoo) and i confirmed and was sent the same email a few days later again ascing me to confirm. i hever heard from them again.

Laisha

4:30 am on Jun 16, 2001 (gmt 0)

WebmasterWorld Senior Member 10+ Year Member



This is by no means an official or even correct answer. I am no longer a meta, and I do not do applications. I do know, however, that abuse by editors is an issue.

That being said, think for a moment about what all a meta has to go by. On the application, they ask your name and if you have any affiliation, why you want to edit, and for 3 samples.

So, keeping in mind that ex-editors try all the time to come back after they're found out, etc.

Don't you think that giving some sort of traceable address would boost your chances?

caine

11:21 am on Jun 16, 2001 (gmt 0)

WebmasterWorld Senior Member 10+ Year Member



I've also been refused as an ODP editor.

Gave then what they wanted, however, i get the impression that if you have a considerable knowledge of a subject matter or industry, and also a website based within that industry, then you've got problems.

It seems ironic, that you can't illustrate your knowledge and commitments without being chastised by the odp - i've got knowledge of an indutry, should i not be an editor for that, rather than try to become an editor for a directory that i have not got any real connection to or any strong knowledge off.

The editor problem at odp is a catch-22 situation.

I think ultimatley it comes down to expressing oneself as open minded fair and honest, how you do that through computers, let me know ?

Bentler

3:19 pm on Jun 16, 2001 (gmt 0)

10+ Year Member



It's possible you were rejected because the category you want to edit is too large for a new editor. ODP prefers to start new editors off small to build experience and then take applications for new categories.

Experience is measured in total number of edits, which are recorded, and in general you won't be approved even then for a category with listings numbering over 3x the number of your total edits. When you request a new category your work is checked--if it needs improvement, they'll reject you until your past work is compliant with ODP editorial guidelines.

There generally isn't anything personal in getting rejected -- it's just part of the volunteer directory building business. In fact there have been discussions about not calling it "rejection" at all because it sounds like such a slam to be "rejected" for offering to volunteer your time.

Anyway, the upshot is that if you apply for a large category as a new editor, it would be very unlikely you'd get it. I doubt it has to do with your being an expert in the category you're applying for unless the person reviewing your application working against the interest of the directory. ODP does need knowledgable help, so I'd recommend keeping on trying.

hutcheson

7:02 pm on Jun 16, 2001 (gmt 0)

WebmasterWorld Senior Member 10+ Year Member



>>I get the impression that if you have a considerable knowledge of a subject matter or industry, and also a website based within that industry, then you've got problems.

I think that is at least partially a misapprehension.

We look for evidence of subject knowledge, web knowledge, linguistic fluency, and interest in the goal (of building the web directory). I see a website with a good links page as potentially providing the strongest kind of evidence in all those areas. But a website could also provide evidence of shortcomings in any of those areas.

My impression then is that a website allows the meta to be more confidant that the accept/reject decision is correct, and therefore may help get a quicker decision.

hutcheson

9:34 pm on Jun 19, 2001 (gmt 0)

WebmasterWorld Senior Member 10+ Year Member



arturx, mack: This seems to be a software error.

Please apply again, and save all the mail. (If you get the same thing again, we'll want copies of the mail.)

Thanks.