Open Directory Project (ODP, DMOZ)

According to the Open Directory Project, its primary mission "...is to coordinate and integrate the work of others." Often referred to as "DMOZ," "ODP," or the Directory MOZilla, Open Directory Project is one of most comprehensive, and probably the largest, human-edited Internet directory. Maintained by global, volunteer editors, the Open Directory Project considers itself to be the "definitive catalog of the Web."

An Internet database of Web content, the Open Directory Project is entirely classified by humans. Supporting popular search engines such as AOL Search, Google, and many others, the Open Directory Project is an ongoing directory project that offers individuals everywhere a shot at contributing information.

Potential contributors (to ODP) merely need to join up as an editor where one can choose a category to maintain. Entirely free, the Open Directory Project does not charge any fees to submit a site, nor does it charge for use of its data.

Hosted by Netscape Communication Corporation, Open Directory Project is guided by a very small staff that maintains community management and development, policies regarding editorials and direction, and other related tasks. Mostly self-governed, ODP's growth and expansion relies on its volunteer editors.

The Open Directory Project is unlike some directories (e.g., Yahoo!, LookSmart) because these other directories are completely managed by paid staffers; whereas the Net community of volunteer citizens manages Open Directory Project. Additionally, Open Directory Project is not a "search engine," instead it is a Web directory providing data to all users.

A multiple award-winning website, the Open Directory Project offers citizens opportunity to submit and edit websites for directory inclusion, and is an excellent resource for those wishing to contribute and learn how to contribute website information to this vast and ever-expanding Internet directory.

To learn more about the Open Directory Project and how it can benefit you and your website, feel free to contact SEOAdept.com today. We can help.

Created: 02/28/2006; Updated: 04/26/2006
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