DMOZ Access Returns for Editors

Well contrary to what was reported in numerous SEO blogs over the last few days, DMOZ returned today for editor access. There are still some bugs and apparently some scripts aren’t turned on yet, as some are reporting that site suggestions and editor applications are still not working at this point. However the editors have gotten back in to assess the damage on their own, and to see what kind of work is ahead for those of us who remain dedicated to the project. I suspect there are quite a few upset bloggers (and forum posters) who have been singing the death of the directory. I had felt all along that the directory would be back and had faith in the sources that were saying things were being worked on. I just didn’t think it would be today.

I am really glad it is finally over and we can get back to work on the project and would personally like to thank everyone (from DMOZ staff to the unknown AOL Techs) that worked to get things back in working order. With all the criticism (some justified and some not) for the slow progress which came from both outside and internal sources, it had to be difficult to even want to continue. Thankfully, they did and now we are back and hopefully we can start the healing process immediately. I have noticed a couple of bugs in the system and there does seem to be some functions that have not yet been turned on or restored but all in all I was able to make a couple of edits this am just to get going again. With the rush of the Holiday Season upon us, real life will be a bit hectic for the next few days so editing time will be pretty limited. I look forward to taking care of some of the things I noted during the outage though just as soon as time allows it.

Take care and Happy Editing!

SEO Experts and Other Blogs Reporting On The Demise Of DMOZ

I have seen and read a bunch of SEO and other personal blogs reporting on the demise of the directory. Reading them is enough to test the resolve of even the most optimistic editor. Some claim to represent insider information into the outage. I can assure you, if their information is from the inside it is from somewhere beyond the capabilities of the average editor. The information some of them are providing is not available to editors, and is quite contrary to what little information has been given to us internally. What has been provided, IMO is coming from very trustworthy sources and is very positive as to progress being made. All indications are that progress is being made and the directory WILL return. I have started having my doubts, given the overall length of the downtime but still feel that the directory will be back and hopefully soon. I will stand corrected if the feeling I am getting is wrong, but I can’t help but feel like we aren’t much longer away from regaining access to our editor controls.
My big fear after all is said and done is, that many good editors will have decided after being down so long it is just not worth it to return. I have already been told privately by more than one editor that this has sealed the deal for their resigning and a few others have said that they will only partially be back and could just stop logging in and time out on their own. It will be very sad to see most of them go, and I have done what I could to encourage them to continue. I do understand their feelings though, and only they can decide individually whether their participation is still as enjoyable as it was in the past. Hopefully things return soon, and those editors on the fence about staying involved realize how much their work is valued by the rest of us and they choose to stay involved. Only time will tell, I suppose……

On Going Outage

Well another week has gone by and DMOZ is still down to editors due to Technical Difficulties suffered on October 20, 2006. At the time of this writing, there is still no indication as to when the editors can expect to be back on-line. I firmly believe progress is being made right now and I get the feeling that it won’t be much longer now but still no indication for sure. Fortunately the down time is still allowing for some decent quality control projects I have been looking to work on. I have continued to collect some links that need titles/descriptions fixed as well as dead links and redirects that need removed. Hopefully I will be able to log in soon and make the corrections needed.
Beyond that, there hasn’t been a tremendous amount of free time to go around due to the Christmas Season. I have been busy trimming tree’s, hanging lights, and taking the boys shopping for gifts. This season is becoming one of the most enjoyable ones of late, as both my boys are at ages that make Christmas much more interactive for them. Last year my oldest was just about to the point where he liked the lights, and Christmas stories, movies, and presents. This year he loves looking at the lights, wrapping presents, decorating the tree, and can’t wait for presents. My youngest isn’t quite there yet, but since he copies everything his brother does he seems to be really enjoying it too. This year should be especially fun Christmas morning.

Well thats all for now, hopefully there will be more good news soon! Until next time, take care and Happy Holidays!