I applied to ODP Today

Duke · 06-25-2007, 06:51 PM

This is something I've considered doing for years but have never completed the application for whatever reason. Over the past two days, I've completed the application process and have just confirmed my e-mail address only moments ago.

I'm applying for an editorial position within the Home/Family area of ODP's Directory seen here:

http://dmoz.org/Home/Family/

This is not a paid position as ODP (Open Directory Project, dmoz) is the worlds largest free, human edited, web directory.

Luba · 06-25-2007, 06:56 PM

I already looked up "Grandmother's Rocking Chair" and was deeply touched by one of the poems...

Where on earth will you find the time for this project, Duke?

Vautrin · 06-25-2007, 07:02 PM

Sounds and looks like a good place, which will undoubtedly prove very valuable, both as a personal experience as for LifeSupporters.

TKDLady · 06-25-2007, 07:20 PM

It sounds great and you should be able to get some great information that will be useful here but I am with Luba. When will you sleep???

Duke · 06-25-2007, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luba

I already looked up "Grandmother's Rocking Chair" and was deeply touched by one of the poems...

Where on earth will you find the time for this project, Duke?

All I really have to do is approve and list one new site/week so it's not that bad.

Lifesupporters.com was lucky enough to be listed in dmoz when we were little more than 3 months old (why I still don't know). There are a number of much larger and more prominent sites than lifesupporters out there who have been waiting 3+ years to get listed in dmoz to no avail.

Vautrin · 06-25-2007, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke

Lifesupporters.com was lucky enough to be listed in dmoz when we were little more than 3 months old (why I still don't know). There are a number of much larger and more prominent sites than lifesupporters out there who have been waiting 3+ years to get listed in dmoz to no avail.

It must have been because of one of your l33t sk1lls.

TKDLady · 06-25-2007, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luba

I already looked up "Grandmother's Rocking Chair" and was deeply touched by one of the poems...

Where on earth will you find the time for this project, Duke?

All I really have to do is approve and list one new site/week so it's not that bad.

Lifesupporters.com was lucky enough to be listed in dmoz when we were little more than 3 months old (why I still don't know). There are a number of much larger and more prominent sites than lifesupporters out there who have been waiting 3+ years to get listed in dmoz to no avail.

You provide a great service. Your site fits right into their theme. Don't question it, just enjoy your success in this area. You deserve it.

Duke · 06-25-2007, 11:54 PM

Here's my application for anyone interested:

Dmoz Application:
username = d00k

What is your Internet experience?
Provide information such as your experience with the Internet, similar interests, etc.

I've been a webmaster for 4 years and counting. I'm very familiar with Content Management Systems such as Joomla, phpnuke and vBulletin. Besides running my own small network of websites, I staff from moderator level through admin at a number of other sites that range from CMS support to gaming.

I'm also an avid gamer and hope to start publishing gaming movies within the year. The difference between my movies and all the others you see online are mine will have a plot associated with them and be held to higher production values than most seen on you tube and google vids.

Why are you interested in volunteering to be an editor for the ODP?

Simply put, I see so much whining about webmasters who are frustrated with not getting into dmoz after extended waiting periods. Since much of my online time is committed toward helping people I thought dedicating some time to dmoz would fit in quite nicely with my desire to help people.

Also, dmoz was very good to list my site (lifesupporters.com) in very short order so this is my way of paying dmoz back. I feel dmoz gave my site a leg up when my site was still new so this is my way of saying thanks.

Explain your interest in the subject of the category for which you are applying to edit:
For instance, indicate whether you have professional experience in this field, or whether it is a personal hobby or interest.

You need look no further than lifesupporters.com for the answer to this question. I'm striving to educate people on social issues and attempting to bring loved ones closer together in as clean and family friendly an environment as is humanly possible.

I'm also the son of an alcoholic who was not a good fatherly influence so I have a strong desire to be the best father I can be to my own child. I also hope to bring the relevant information to those who need it most.

Sites with which you are associated:
Please give details, including URLs, of any sites that you own or have designed or promoted, either in full or in part. Also, mention whether you have contributed content to any site, and give URLs as appropriate.

Owned Sites:

Lifesupporters.com: (recently rebuilt) all news content is provided by me (Duke) with 95% of it being original in nature while the other 5% linking to offsite educational resources.

GameMovieMaking.com: most of the news is created by me (Duke). This site has stagnated as it has taken a back seat to lifesupporters.com.

e-ztheme.com: (recently rebuilt) this site is dedicated to creating custom themes for the phpnuke Content Management System.

Sites I actively staff at:

Wolfgaming.net: (ADMIN) currently building a news team for a news page soon to be published utilizing the Joomla CMS. I maintain the role of Editor in Chief until such time as I can find a suitable replacement.

nukemods.com: (Site Admin) provide support to users experiencing issues with the phpnuke CMS.

Armed-Assault.net: (Moderator) moderate forums and give support to members experiencing issues with their game.

Armaholic.com: (Moderator) same as above.

Retired Sites: I'm adding these likely at my own peril but I feel there important inclusions as I'm hoping it will help demonstrate the fact I have morals.

name withheld: (Co-Owner) I've split from this site for personal reasons.

name withheld: (ADMIN) mistrust in the webmaster has caused some staff members to retire, myself included.

name withheld: (ADMIN) retired due to short sited owner.

As you can see, I'm quite active online. If you would like to view specific examples of my writing prowess I respectfully submit:

http://www.lifesupporters.com/
http://www.lifesupporters.com/family...news/my_child/
http://www.lifesupporters.com/family...amily_matters/
http://www.lifesupporters.com/family...y_news/health/

I believe the above links should provide sufficient examples of my writing technique or lack thereof.

Following is an Editorial Test I'm guessing to demonstrate whether or not I can actually spell. I was asked to submit a few websites and then add a small comment that would be listed with them in the directory.

Submitted url’s:

Welcome to Focus on the Family

Committed to helping families World Wide using time tested Biblical principles and common sense.

Parenting advice, child development and family reference - FamilyEducation.com

Launched in 1996 as the first parenting site on the Web, Family Education has become the Internet's most-visited site for parents who are involved, committed, and responsive to their families' needs.

NOTE: This resource belongs in Open Directory - Home: Family: Parenting

My Comments:

URL Descriptions were attained from each sites "About Us" area. While it is true I could re-write this info in my own words it makes no sense given the publishers view of what their site is about and the likelihood it would be submitted to dmoz based off the webmasters point of view.

Also, I think it would be useful if dmoz were to consider adding a comments input box at the application end so applicants could provide feedback on the application process.

This is not to say that dmoz should consider using said input just to consider the fact that additional input may lead to the next great idea.

Just a thought.

Thank you for taking the time to review my application.

Respectfully,

Ken (aka Duke)
Lifesupporters.com Network Founder

I guess we'll have to see what happens but I'm willing to bet I don't make it in. I think the application is meant to make me submit unique content which I didn't do as I'd be re-wording someone else's vision and that's never a recipe for hitting the nail on the head IMHO.

PepsiChic · 06-26-2007, 12:55 AM

well i think your perfect for the job

and if ya dont get it, well...more time for us! but i'll cross my fingers for you

Luba · 06-26-2007, 07:53 AM

# Get to the point and stick to it without rambling or repeating.

I was reading this in one of the articles about grandparents being closer to their grandchildren...I laughed my head off when I saw this as you will, too, Duke, I'm sure! This is one of my greatest faults..

Duke · 06-26-2007, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luba

# Get to the point and stick to it without rambling or repeating.

I was reading this in one of the articles about grandparents being closer to their grandchildren...I laughed my head off when I saw this as you will, too, Duke, I'm sure! This is one of my greatest faults..

The link doesn't work for me.

Vautrin · 06-26-2007, 10:15 AM

Benefits of Grandparenting, FLM-FS-17-98

Is the link luba meant, I think.