I was so happy when Linnea asked me to answer some questions about . I’ve been there longer than probably 90% of current editors, and I’ve finally worked my way up to editall/catmv, but I still don’t seem to be noticed very much. (I would probably have meta by now if real life hadn’t interfered a few years ago.) She asked the questions in her own journal and asked that I post the responses here, but I’ve included her questions as well.
Categories I’m interested in:
Top: Reference: Libraries: Library and Information Science: Schools
Top: Reference: Open Access Resources
Top: Arts: Crafts: Textiles: Handspinning
Top: Arts: Crafts: Lacemaking: Tatting
First things first! We don’t generally refer to “Top” – that’s something added by Google and other downstream users. Categories are just called by their names – Reference and Arts are top-level categories themselves.
1. Which category should I apply to edit first? One of these categories already has an editor but zero entries; two need editors but already have zillions of links (which need better organization); one category needs an editor and is notably lacking in links to important resources. How is weeding/adding new subcategories handled? How much control/responsibility does the editor have?
Actually, all of your choices are good ones. New editors are often given more advanced categories (based on their essay answers) than editors who joined in a small category but haven’t done much work yet. Don’t be daunted by the fact that a category has an editor – just because the name is there doesn’t mean the category is getting the attention it deserves! As to which of your choices you should apply for first, that depends on what you want to do most. If you know of lots of good websites, go for the cats with few entries. If you don’t mind doing the drudgery of fixing up a disheveled category, then that is always appreciated (when done right).
As for control and responsibility, as a new editor you will have just a bit of both. You’re responsible for whatever cats you edit, but any editor with privileges in a higher-level category can edit at your level too. (Some new editors are often confused and post in the forum demanding to know why so-and-so edited their category. The answer is usually along the lines of “because it needed it,” and the questioner is also told that we discourage the idea of “my category.”
Weeding out sites is done according to common sense and the . Adding subcategories is similar, though with a bit more restrictions: there are separate . Generally, though, a smart person (such as yourself) can tell what’s appropriate and what’s not.
2. Once accepted, how does one apply to edit additional categories? Do you have to fill out an app for each one? Should I state all the categories I am interested in on the original application? Can you submit links for categories that you are not the editor of?
Definitely take a look at – it’s a really great explanation of how the process works. As for stating all the categories you’re interested in…hmmm. You can, certainly, but it might be better to show that you’re planning to focus on one category and develop your editing skills, rather than indicating that while this cat looks fun, you actually want to do as many cats as possible as soon as possible. You can definitely submit links for other categories, either through the same form everybody else uses or through your bookmarks; the latter option ensures your editor name is included with your link submission. (It also allows you to provide your own title and description for the site, though the editor reviewing the listing can change it.)
3. How hard is it *really*? Some places that claim to be “community-driven” are actually really snotty and impossible to get involved in. I hope dmoz is more friendly. Who runs it? Do you interact with them/other editors much? What’s the community like?
It’s as hard as you want it to be. If you spend a lot of time editing and get familiar with things pretty quickly, it won’t be hard for long. Of course then you can apply for more categories, which means more to edit, which means it’s a bit harder! Or you can just stick with one category, take care of it, give it tender loving care, and so on.
The community aspect of ODP is optional to the extent that you don’t have to become friends with other editors unless you want to. The editor forums (closed to the public) are really active, and they’re a great place both for learning and conversation. The forums are also very necessary, because of that whole “it’s not your category” thing: any major changes (reorganizations, etc.) absolutely must be discussed with others who edit that area. I’d say it’s definitely a friendly place; there are a lot of in-jokes floating around but everybody knows new editors won’t necessarily understand and they’re happy to explain. The support system for new editors is really superb. As for who “runs” it – technically ODP is owned by AOL (yikes!). It was started by a guy named , who eventually sold it to Netscape, which was eventually bought by AOL. The influence of such corporate parents, though, is almost completely absent. There aren’t many staff members – a lot of the administrative stuff is done by metas, the ones who approve new editors (among other duties) – and they have very few limitations from above: ODP is understood to be an independent project, and they let us do what we think is right. Do I personally participate in the community? Well, sometimes. Not nearly as much as I used to, and not nearly as much as I should. I have made a lot of dear friends there, though, and I really love the job.
Your responses to the essay questions are wonderful. I already know you’ve got the credentials and skills to be a good editor, but you’ve described them well for others to learn about you. I know there are several other editors (including metas) who read both my journal and my LiveJournal, and I’m sure someone else will chime in too. I’m so glad you want to become an editor! The Open Directory Project is one of my favorite things in the world, and I love sharing it with friends.