Difficulties in becoming an editor

I'm just curious having read some older posts on this forum. It appears that a common complain amongst the public is the amount of time it can potentially take for a site to be reviewed for listing. The most common explanation for this is that editors are overburdened with requests.

If this is a case, isn't it strange that it appears so difficult to apply to become an editor? If there is a backlog of sites to be reviewed, shouldn't the Dmoz powers-that-be snatch the hands off from anyone who offers to give their time for nothing to help out?

I realise they don't want illiterate morons submitting junk sites, but surely any reasonable application should be gratefully welcomed?

but surely any reasonable application should be gratefully welcomed

Click to expand...

..and indeed it is, but our definition of reasonable includes:

• Demonstrates communications skills including the ability to read and answer the question and good fluency in the language of the requested category.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the requested category by providing relevant unlisted examples with at least an attempt at writing guidelines compliant titles and descriptions.
• Demonstrates integrity by telling the truth.

Which ones of those 'reasonable' requirements do you think we should relax?

This morning, I accepted 5 applications and declined 7 (all on one or more of the above grounds) - a refreshingly good day .

From my experience, reasonable editor requests are also occasionally rejected. My application to become an editor for the category http://www.dmoz.org/Recreation/Travel/Lodging/Directories/ was rejected due to the spammy nature of the category, not because my application was poor. But I can completely agree with the rejection - while I have many years experience in working for hotel related websites, and therefore see myself as an ideal candidate to become an editor in this category, DMOZ quite rightly, cannot risk making an unproved user an editor of a category that is likely to receive many website submissions - a large percentage of which are likely to be spam. The suggestion is to apply for a small category first, prove yourself as an editor, and then work your way up to your most knowledgeable category.

I've now applied to become an editor of http://www.dmoz.org/Arts/Music/Concerts_and_Events/Guides/ since it looks like a more manageable category. I actually applied in early December Jim - would it be at all possible for you to update me on the current status of my application please? - I know it can take some weeks or months to process, but January and February are quiet months for me work wise, so I'd love to be able to dive into being a DMOZ editor