ODP "Become an Editor" problems

Or is that just me..

[NeoN]

For a long I have been checking Dmoz.org to become the regional editor. But every time the Application Form returns server error for apply2.cgi . I have mailed different ODP editors about that but, of course, no answer.

Is that just me, or other also see this STUPID form error?????

Thank you

[Quadrille]

Never heard of it (But that doesn't mean it doesn't exist!)

have you completed *every* box on the form; cgi errors may result from failing to complete a mandatory item - and *all* items on that application are mandatory ... it may just be the proper error page following the cgi error is failing to load.

[NeoN]

The first time I have spent half a hour to fill in the from properly :) It does not work in this way too..

Try, click "Become an Editor" on any category and just push Submit.

[andy04031]

I completed the application form quiet a few times but no response from ODP. I ask a few times why I don't get any response - no response. I wrote several times to editors - cc to staff - no response. I wrote to the editor in the category above - no response. One category above the "above editor" - no response.....so now I'm frustrated because i see so many categories without an editor but it seems to me they don't want new editors or they block it....I don't know. At least I can expect a short message with information that they are pretty busy and cannot respond - a signature file is send in a few seconds. Any similar experiences here?
Andi

[bird]

Most editors aren't involved in the application process at all, and won't be able to tell you what happened to your entry. Inquieries about issues unrelated to the area of work of an individual editor will likely be ignored as a nuisance. Remember that they are all volunteers who do this in their own spare time.

Copying to staff is similarly pointless. ODP staff currently consists of two people, who probably receive thousands of e-mails each day. Your only chance of a reply from them would be if you could provide clear evidence of editor abuse, or if you contact them about serious legal issues.

Andy04031, this is not meant to criticize your post, but if you used similar grammar and spelling in your editor application, then it has likely been rejected without comment. In most situations in our daily lifes, perfect grammar is not required, but for a directory editor it is absolutely crucial. People who have to put in an extra effort to get that right are not encouraged to become ODP editors, because they would only create more work for others who then have to fix their descriptions after them.

[Quadrille]

The most common "error" is a failure to include three proposed sites (with a description).

These are vital, for several reasons, including:

1. The meta editor needs to see how you think, in order to assess your suitability.

2. The 'mission' of an ODP editor is to "grow the directory"; failing to identify just three sites effectively rules you out, and the application will not be considered further.

Second most common 'error' is an application that reveals a 'self promotion' agenda.

As the guidelines tell you, having an interest is *not* a problem; it makes for a motivated editor!

Having an interest requires you to be (more than) fair to your competitors. Some applicants never get to understand that!

No offense to anyone above; you've said nothing that suggests these comments apply to you! :)

[backus]

We are all missing the point that NeoN points out and that is that he gets a server error. This happens all too often IMO.

[vmcknight]

NeoN reported and solved the problem over on the ODP Public Forums last week.

[NeoN]

As vmcknight said, I have solved the problem, but... in very strange way :) Everything is ok under Netscape, but still the same error under IE . So, to fill in the application I will have to jump to NN .

Thank you all

[andy04031]

Hi bird,
of course my grammar and spelling in my native language is much better but I think if I ask my questions in German I wouldn't get any reaction at all here in this forum and of course I tried to be an editor for the World/Germany categories.
Your explainations are helpful but I think the ODP is going down and I'm pretty sure there are some "things" going on beneath the surface....
And I don't understand why they say ask the editor if a site is not accepted but they don't answer those questions because they are busy - I'm busy too... At least there is a way to do this effective - a signature for uniform cases are really not to much to ask. Sometimes no answer - okay - 6 months no answer in different categories with different editors??

[NeoN]

Yeah, I agree: Something is going wrong with ODP - they are all busy.. ALL! Including those who revise applications. And really, how could 2 people decide, for example, for regional categories? How do they check the language other than Englsih??

Anyway, I tried to ask different editors with different questions.. Seems to me they have a policy of silience!

[rmjvol]

Hi Neon,

I don't think bird was implying that 2 staff are the only ones who review applications. My understanding is that there are 2 *paid* staff members and everyone else is a volunteer. Any meta editor (usually the more senior, experienced, dedicated editors) can review an application and there are hundreds of meta's. And my impression is that any meta might review any application.

There's no way for you to know who reviews your application or when. I have heard that it can take from 2 days to 2 months to review an application. As illustratrated by your IE problems, stuff might not work all the time and contribute to delays. After submitting an application, there should be an auto reply email stating your application was received.

[NeoN]

Hi rmjvol
Well, I used to think that many people work with applications.. But recent posts ( not only this thread) say only 2 check applications. I think, that is impossible though..

Who can finally clarify? ( with 100% giarantee :) )

[NFFC]

vmcknight, thats a new one on me, there are ODP Public Forums?

[apeuro]

All meta editors can process new editor applications. The queue for World/Deutsch applications isn't that overwhelming at the present time.

There aren't hundreds of metas, however, only 90 or so. Not all of whom process new applications, as a matter of personal preference.

[NFFC]

>Yes

Let's cut to the chase on this issue;

"is in no way affiliated with Netscape Communications Corporation"

Just a bunch of people who decided to open a forum, let's not confuse that with an official ODP public forum please. Caveat emptor.

[apeuro]

Just a bunch of people who decided to open a forum, let's not confuse that with an official ODP public forum please.

It's as official as you're going to get. In consultation with ODP staff, it was decided that instead of wasting staff energies on "an official public forum" it could be done much more quickly by the ODP meta community. Considering that for all intents and purposes metas run the ODP, the answer you're going to get at Resource-zone can be considered official.

[NFFC]

Considering that for all intents and purposes metas run the ODP

hehehehehe

"Official" has to be a true or false statement, there is no room for greyness, what is Netscape Communications Corporation's view?

[dstanovic]

NFFC,

Official or not if you have a problem or a question about the ODP I have seen it answered quickly at the [resource-zone.com...]

I have visited those forums daily and have seen sites listed immediately that had fallen through the submission process cracks. They have helped me a great deal with submission questions and tips.

My 2-cents
;)

[apeuro]

what is Netscape Communications Corporation's view?

While this is probably not the answer you're loooking for, here goes. On numerous occasions representatives of NCC have let it be known that any member of the meta community can speak officially on behalf of the ODP. Meta editors deliver presentations on behalf of the ODP at SEO conferences and so on. So by default, you can consider a forum run by meta editors, to be seen as "official" in the sense that it run by people authorized to officially speak for the ODP.