Need an editor or not? I'm confused.

Was not sure if I should pose this question here or in technical problems.

What does it mean when several categories say "This category needs an editor" and when you apply you get
a denial letter within hours saying this category is
already well represented by knowledgable editors?

If it is a technical problem shouldn't they see about removing the "need an editor" because this is confusing.
It is also a big waste of time after filling out the
application so carefully.

Thank you <img src="/images/icons/confused.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, it's confusing . . . <img src="/images/icons/frown.gif" alt="" />

There are some categories that due to their nature are unsuitable for beginning editors to start out in. Oftentimes these are categories that are very large, have a lot of spammy submissions, etc. We try to turn of the "Become an editor" signs in these kinds of categories whenever we can. The letter that you got is one that meta editors send to applicants they think are qualified to become an editor, it's just that they applied for one of these categories.

If you can let us know what category it is you applied to we can have a look and see if what apeuro discribes was the case (most likely) or if there was something else about the category that might explain that rejection reason.

In the mean time you can always apply to different category. Perhaps in a different area: a hobby; your line of work; favorite author, band, game, or recipe; or your home town for example.

Something else that's a good idea is to type out your application on a word processing software, like Word 97. That way, not only can you save your application should you be rejected, and re-use it, but you can also spell-check it. That helps, expecially when yhew shpehll lyke thiss.

It also might be kinda interesting to keep your 'winning' application around for nostaliga if you're accepted. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thank you all for your information and suggestions. I did apply to be an editor in my line of work because I knew what to look for. I only have one web site in this category. Unfortunately this category is well known for spamming which is the main reason I applied to edit it. I am a one person company so there would be no advantages on my part to becoming an editor. I am something of an organizing freak and the duplicate listings or sites with nothing but pop up ads and no text drove me crazy (almost).

I will certainly take your advice on saving my application next time. As you know, if you process it correctly and make it presentable it takes some time to fill out.

I do have another question about size of category for a first time editor. What is considered too large? I applied in a category of 125 listings which doesn't seem that large to me. Please tell me about how many listings in a category would be right for a first time applicant to look into.

Thanks

On average we recommend categories that are under 100 sites for new editor applicants, as stated on the initial page of the application form. While acceptance to a category a little above that (125 is not unreasonable), combine it with a spam prone topic and understandably some of our red flags go up. I won't say acceptance is impossible, but we will be that much more cautious when reviewing.

Were there any subcategories of that category? Can you suggest a potential subcategory? There have been times when a suitable subcat doesn't exist for an applicant, at which point we create the category. Metas have the ability/option to alter the category acceptance as necessary, when the situation calls for it (as would be the case with a brand new subcategory).

I personally started in a category with about 70-75 sites (excuse the rusty memory).

Thank you Mngolden for your suggestion about a sub category listing. There is definitely a need for a couple more in this category and I will send in a suggestion to the meta editor.

From the looks of a lot of categories on different subjects DMOZ could use an editor full time just to create sub-categories. The listings on the Internet have gotten so large and diversified that the old category descriptions can't handle them all.

I have another suggestion for editor applications which I think might help DMOZ editors and the applicant at the same time if you would consider it.

Have something like an Editor Aide application and have the applicant report his findings of abuse, spamming, etc. to a specific editor who can keep a tally of his performance and ability to edit, then if he is qualified based on his record allow him to become an editor. This way the applicant has a chance to show is knowledge of editing, keeps him from wondering why he was rejected and also helps DMOZ from accepting someone based on an application which doesn't really show what a person is capable of.

Just a thought <img src="/images/icons/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Thanks,
Sindy

&gt;&gt;Have something like an Editor Aide application and have the applicant report his findings of abuse, spamming, etc. to a specific editor who can keep a tally of his performance and ability to edit, then if he is qualified based on his record allow him to become an editor. This way the applicant has a chance to show is knowledge of editing, keeps him from wondering why he was rejected and also helps DMOZ from accepting someone based on an application which doesn't really show what a person is capable of.

This is not at all a bad idea.

Now, how do we (the editors) implement it? Um, we can't really, it requires programming the back end. And of course you can't do it.

Or can you?

This is a volunteer organization. The invariable rule applies: act as if you have the position you want, and if people notice that it is valuable, they'll make the position for you. Anyone can do that -- you, an editor, an editall, a meta-editor.

I assume you have a category in mind. Go check out the editors there. Pick an editor that with a combination of "high" activity (as measured by editing large categories) and "high" interest (as measured by being named as editor on a nearby category. Contact them, with two or three examples of your analysis ("xxx is the same as yyy, compare page zzz". Tell them you'd like to edit in that category, maybe submit a few sites with good examples (all from the same e-mail address, of course.) No guarantee, but I suspect you'll get a response from one of the first several editors you approach like this. If you don't, contact a meta-editor that concentrates on that branch of the tree (that is, who is listed at top-level Shopping if it's a Shopping category.)

After, say, a dozen or so of your changes are accepted, tell them you'd like to be an editor, that you're going to submit an application, and that you'd like them to recommend you. Mention in the application that you've been working with that editor.

Now, nothing is certain -- the metas have to be a bit more skeptical about accepting applications than editors are about accepting suggestions: but even if you don't get accepted, you did get a dozen or so good changes in, and you did find a conduit for getting good changes in quickly. And with a reputation and a sponsor, you have a leg up on your next application.

Needing an editor does not always mean we need someone who has never edited before. It is a message for current editors as well.