DMOZ Editor?

How does one become an editor on DMOZ?

[alxdean]

Here is my dilemma:
I would like to become an editor on this great directory system. But just can't figure out how to do it.
I have applied twice and writen up good sites to be listed in the relevant categories.
Proved that I am internet knowledgable and can contribute in the field I am applying to, which is a very regional one at the bottom of a category thread.
This category has no editors in it, nor does the one directly above it have any.
And I got rejected the first time and have been waiting 3 months since the last application for a response.
Interrestingly enough the sites I suggested were added to the categories with slightly amended descriptions.
Is somebody taking me for a ride here? adding the sites I suggest but telling me I don't have the qualities ot be an editor for dmoz?
Admitted, I have a personal interest to be editor in DMOZ too. don't we all. But as long as we play by the rules, do loads of work promoting good sites, and stay objective in the process, why penalise us if we have a site of our own to add too?
Or is my personal email address on the banned list now, that I was rejected once before? Do I really have to start churning out loads of different email addresses to make sure that one of them is admitted to the dmoz? I'd prefer to avoid that option really.
Any ideas would be welcome...

[ScottM]

If, and this is a BIG if, everything you state is true, then I may suggest your affiliation may be hampering you.

If your motive is pure, I suggest applying for the lowest possible category for a small town near where you live.

Apply for that category. You then would have no affiliation, except that you are familiar with the town.

BUT-BEFORE you do that, I suggest taking the tests at Zeal. Both of them. If you don't pass them, chances are you won't be accepted into DMOZ, either.

Just my 2 cents

[Sinner_G]

Had the same problem. I also applied to become an editor and never got any kind of answer. At least you got a response once. Did they tell you why you were not accepted?

[alxdean]

If I would get replies as fast as I am getting here from dmoz I'd be flying high by now :-)

Sorry, forgot to mention that I have been an editor at zeal for a month or so now, am climbing up the hirarchy structure, am connecting great with the people there, and wouldn't dmoz be such a big name in the field I'd quite happily just stick with Zeal; they're fun.

sadly enough, the category I want to apply for is already based on a town and I simply can not get any more specific to that cat. Now my own site has been added to that cat some time ago. So obviously I don't want to sign up because I want to include a site that was rejected. none of the sites I submitted have been rejected by now. All I want to do is add my knowledge of this town to the directory and clean up a bit in there. those cats are getting a bit messy really and nobody seems to be bothering about category structure that much anymore. it all seems to be about "being in there" now.

regading an answer... the initial answer I got sounded like this:

"Thank you for your interest in becoming an Open Directory Project editor. After careful review, we have decided not to approve your application at this time. The most common reasons a reviewer will deny a new application
include, but are not limited to,
..." & a lot of stuff not applicable to me or my application & "...Due to the large number of applications we get every day, we are unable to
provide personal responses to every application or to respond to inquiries about why you were rejected. If a reviewer chose to provide additional comments to you, they will be given in the "Reviewer Comments" section below..."

Comments were sadly enough blank.
As this is an obvious auto response, don't get hung up on not receiving any. It only helps you to know for sure that they don't like you.

Ok, I had a problem with my serial commas in zeal. Being British, born in Germany, living in Spain, my comma usage can get a bit screwed up. But that can't really be a reason for declining an editor, can it?

[ScottM]

If the category is screwed up, consider submitting the screwed up listings with the CORRECT title and description.

It shows you know the difference between a good listing and a bad listing.

In the reason for becoming an editor-state that you'd like to clean up existing listings and you've shown you can do it by submitting existing listings with the correct titles and descriptions.

Also make sure you include at least one NEW listing to show you can find relevant listings on your own.

[ScottM]

One more thing:

Pay attention to those ammended listings you submitted earlier...perhaps there's a clue there as to how to approach the correct descriptions.

Good luck. And remember the ODP doesn't want 'I'll list my site and leave' editors.

Persistance pays.

[andyellam]

I'd suggest applying for a small, completely uncommercial topic. That way there can be no question of conflict of interest.

And by choosing a different cat to apply for, your application will go to a different editor, who may be less picky.

[alxdean]

cheers folks,
I found a small town in the categories, which has my personal interest and tried it for that one. Let's see if that works. Although I expect the same editor to review my application.
As I already have submitted my site I don't think the "submit and leave" type of application applies to me.
Did not think the "submit a site again with changed description or title" optio would be a good idea, as they are already listed, and thus not new ones. If you really think that would be a good idea, I'll try one or two the next time my submission gets refused. There are loads of descriptions, which simply are badly written.
I guess if I keep on trying, someone will notice me.
Just not sure if they have a rejected list or not. If so all my attempts might just be in vain, as my first email address would already be on the banned list by having a rejected application.
Keping fingers crossed...

[vmcknight]

Lots of editors were rejected several times before being accepted, so don't take it personally. Nobody will hold it against you if you keep trying!

[kctipton]

Your written English really does have to be good to make it past most reviewers of applications. Yes, perhaps your usage of commas (and whatever else you learned in your many homesteads) was an issue.

Keep reapplying :)

[alxdean]

will do, you can't defeat me this easy :-)