As the numerous responses to my first post show, this is one of the most common and controversial questions asked about DMOZ.
To answer this question, it is important to consider what DMOZ isn't.
DMOZ is not set up as a listing service for site owners. Site submissions are only one source for finding quality sites to add to the directory. Some editors choose to review submissions while other editors might prefer to (at first) find sites on their own through search engines, as links from related sites, in newspapers, on television, on highway billboards, etc. So...there are no guarantees that once you submit your site it will be reviewed within a specific amount of time.
There are also a number of practical reasons it can take a while for a site to get listed in DMOZ:
The site is submitted to an incorrect category. Many sites are submitted to categories that are either too broad, too narrow, or unrelated to the content of the site being submitted. Most of the time, incorrectly submitted sites are sent to the appropriate category for review, but that will usually increase the amount of time that a site will ultimately wait for review. Submitting your site to the single most specific category relative to your site's content will significantly improve your chances of getting your site reviewed.
The site is submitted to the wrong language section of the directory. For example, non-English sites are frequently submitted to the English-language section of the directory. As with sites submitted to the wrong category, editors have to redirect these sites to the correct language, which can increase the amount of time that they will await review.
The submitted site does not meet submission or editorial guidelines for inclusion. Quite often people submit sites that are incomplete, don't contain enough content, or consist primarily of syndicated or mirrored content. Uniqueness of content is one of the most important factors editors consider when reviewing a site for inclusion.
The category has a backlog of submissions. This can result when the popularity of the topic, which may attract large numbers of both listable and unlistable sites, doesn't match the interests of active or prospective editors. Submitting to one of these categories may mean a longer wait. (That doesn't mean you should submit your site to the wrong category just because you think it doesn't have a backlog – deliberately submitting your site to the wrong category is never a good choice.)
URBAN LEGENDS ( i.e. popular & fictional reasons ) as to why a site does not gain acceptance into
The category editor is corrupt and/or a competitor is keeping the site from being listed. DMOZ regularly receives allegations of corruption and abuse through its public abuse reporting system. Each report is thoroughly investigated and crosschecked. Most of these claims turn out to be baseless. In the rare case where there may be some truth to the allegation, the matter is dealt with immediately.
No one is monitoring the category. While a few categories in DMOZ may not have a listed editor that doesn't mean there's no one minding the store. All editors listed higher in a category's hierarchy can and do edit subcategories. In addition, many editors have permissions to edit anywhere in the directory.
I'm certain there will be no shortage of comments to this post, but please consider the topics listed above and re-check your submission application again.
And if/when you do submit, please...please....please avoid any claims/jokes/sarcasm of offering money to get accepted into DMOZ. Editors apply zero sense of humor to these types of statements and it is a sure fire way to ensure your site does not gain entry. Ever.
One of my future posts will include best practice recommendations for suggesting sites to editors.
Cheers.
Bob Keating
Managing Editor, DMOZ Staff
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121. is my third attempt to get a site listed this time has only been four months but previously I have waited much longer without success, seems patience is the only magic, still keeping my fingers crossed
Posted at 3:22AM on Oct 15th 2009 by Byron Dysen
122. I see that alot of the catagories do not have editors. Im confused does that mean that a my site would not be reviewed in the two to 6 week period if an editor did not exist.
My site has been in limbo for some time. I have tried to admit it to the following catagory:
http://www.dmoz.org/Reference/Education/Colleges_and_Universities/Admissions/International_Students/
with the following description:
College admissions advisor offering guidance to Ivy League universities and top colleges.
Is my decription to vague. Can anyone give me a hint on how to get my site listed. DMOZ is probably one of the best human edited search engines out there. I like to ride the coat tails of the leaders and DMOZ is a leader!
Posted at 2:17PM on Oct 23rd 2009 by Holly
123. I've submitted my site to DMOZ 4 times in the last 4 years; it's never been accepted. Despite the fact that many of my competitors (other proofreading sites) with similar content are listed in widely differing categories, despite following all protocol and waiting patiently, my site is always neglected. I can understand the bitter frustration DMOZ has developed against itself.
Posted at 2:00PM on Nov 9th 2009 by Derek Murphy
124. Pls i tried to add my website to the open directory several times to no avail,Pls which category will be best for me to add to. Thanks
Posted at 12:15PM on Dec 11th 2009 by Onibalusi
125. I submitted my website over 5 months ago just once, and i am still waiting. How long should i wait before re-submitting.
Posted at 1:10AM on Dec 26th 2009 by Peiman
126. this is really intresting
thanks
thanks for acess
Posted at 11:35AM on Jan 7th 2010 by Directory submission
127. I submitted my site over 3 months ago and it still hasn't been listed. I agree DMOZ editors are busy and I don't think it deals with any arrogance or shady deals but I do think it's crazy that it takes so long. Being listed in this directory is a pretty big deal and many of the little guys depend on it.
Posted at 11:19AM on Feb 2nd 2010 by Ian Blyth
128. I was wondering why neither of my websites have been listed yet? One was submitted in November and the other was submitted in January. Will they ever be added to your list, is there a reason why they are not, is there something I need to fix or do different?
Thank you
Debra Williamson
Skyward Ventures LLC
Posted at 10:03PM on Feb 18th 2010 by Skyward_ventures
129. I applied to become an editor 3 times. I was completely honest and stated that my site was awaiting review.
I took advice from a friend who is a professional journalist with a national paper. I was told first time round that my submission was to promotional? After careful consideration I re submitted, but was then told it was too suggestive? Third time round I got to sorry your application%uFFFD then deleted the email.
My friend has honour degrees and accolades coming out of his ears, he told me not to bother as getting past a faceless armature would prove very difficult.
Posted at 12:39PM on Mar 3rd 2010 by Andy Walker
130. I submitted my site to DMOZ to the category listed below:
Business: Construction and Maintenance: Design: Interior Designers: Commercial: Hospitality and Restaurant
on 23 - Dec - 09
I understand that it usually takes a while to see new postings. However, it has been three months since my submission and I am wondering if there are any issues with my website? There may not have been enough content on my website before, and that's why I spent quite a bit of time to upgrade both the content and the design of my website. Please review www.projectsatoz.com again at your convenience and give advise if possible. I appreciate your help!
Posted at 8:49PM on Mar 10th 2010 by Anders
131. I submitted months ago and nothing.
Posted at 6:58PM on Mar 14th 2010 by Bas and Lokes
132. it is entirely possible that I did it wrong. However, the instructions clearly tell us not to submit again.
if you like ,you can go to see my page
Posted at 5:26AM on Mar 19th 2010 by bertina e-world
133. I submitted But got no response , Tried that more then once
Posted at 11:10AM on Mar 22nd 2010 by Tamaaim
134. cool.
I had just recently learned the term "SEO" from my daughter's boyfriend over dinner, it is entirely possible that I did it wrong. However, the instructions clearly tell us not to submit again.
Posted at 3:59AM on Mar 29th 2010 by zhueworld
135. Questions about redirects.
Does DMOZ penalize/delete/disapprove submissions where the site uses a redirect, where it keeps the same domain but redirects them to another page within the site?
Example:
www.example.com redirects to www.example.com/anotherpage.aspx
Posted at 12:34PM on Apr 26th 2010 by Dan
136. I like many others have tried to submit my site and have no idea if it is waiting to be judged or has not been accepted. However what I find upsetting is that my previous website is still listed in DMOZ even though the domain name has been stolen and the link now directs you to a page of totally unrelated rubbish.
Posted at 4:42PM on Apr 6th 2010 by Penny
137. I have suggested our site several times in the past year and still a no show.
Posted at 2:19PM on Apr 19th 2010 by mike larry
138. I don't understand that how to add dmoz directory adding rules. Sometimes I had seen very bad content website in Dmoz. I think something is wrong about Editor's initiative.
Posted at 4:15AM on May 24th 2010 by Prefabrik Ev Fiyatları
139. I tried with DMOZ for the last 3 years but without any response
My site is a directory related to the ports and shipping industry in United Arab Emirates and the other contries also,
I tried to put it in the same category as my competitor web site but I didn't get what is the problem with this people
Posted at 5:56PM on Jun 4th 2010 by Wael T
140. I have submitted the site three times in the past 8 months and have received no listing or response from DMOZ staff. If you would care to provide me with a response as to why this may be I would appreciate it. We worked hard to ensure the site met DMOZ guideleines.
Posted at 8:41PM on Jun 28th 2010 by Mike