DMOZ is the Open Directory Project is a web directory owned by AOL, but run by volunteers. It is the largest web directory listing almost 5 million sites. DMOZ make the database of its directory available to other to create their own directory, hence the name ‘Open’ in the name. Google used to be one of those users, but they recently dropped the directory from their site. Webmasters are keen to get their site listed in DMOZ in the belief that a listing carries some weight in the search engines. There is certainly a lot of debate as to how much weight it carries.
To help build the directory DMOZ allows members of the public to suggest sites for editors to consider. Editors use many sources to find site to add to the directory, not just those submitted by website owners. In fact, you often see editors state that the submitted sites are the worse source of new sites for them to find good sites to add.
The problem with DMOZ, is that it adds only 3000-9000 new sites each month which is an awesome growth rate making it the fastest growing web directory by a substantial margin. The problem arises, that there are probably more than 3000-9000 good sites worthy of being listed created each month which means that DMOZ’s task is going to fall further behind each month. If a webmaster submits a site, it may be years before it actually gets reviewed.
Due to the expectation of webmasters of getting a listing, there are a lot of angst among webmasters about how long it takes (when they not actually giving DMOZ anything in return for the listing!). Because of this you will come across a lot of allegations about corruption and favoritism in DMOZ. A lot of that comes from webmasters whose sites are not usually good enough to meet DMOZ’s high standard or whose sites have not been listed as quick as they would like.
Most of that anger is misplaced; is not going to change anything; and it’s not a productive use of time. Its DMOZ’s website and they can run it how they like. Webmasters are not ‘customers’ of DMOZ and cannot really have an expectation of service from them. If you want a site listed in DMOZ, then just follow the guidelines, submit once to the one best category. Then move on. Don’t waste your time checking if listed (it won’t change anything); don’t resubmit (it will hurt your chances of a review by an editor); by all means vent your frustration in SEO forums about DMOZ, but keep in mind that this mental energy is probably better spent doing something else more productive. Consider being a volunteer editor to contribute to the project rather than take pot shots as the editors who have not listed your site.
For more, check these resources:
What is DMOZ? Understanding DMOZ
Why does Google use DMOZ?
How to get a forum listed in DMOZ