DMOZ is broken

[blogslut]

The Open Directory Project, known as DMOZ, has been busted since October 2006.

Originally named Gnuhoo, the search directory was purchased in 1998 by Netscape and re-named ODP. The purpose of ODP was to create a human-edited search directory. Instead of automated indexing by software, the OPD enlisted thousands of volunteers to edit/list sites on the web in an ontological format. Despite the purchase of Netscape by AOL, the ODP continued. More popular search engines such as Yahoo, Google and AOL Search use ODP data. DMOZ is a reference to the original domain name directory.mozilla.org. Mozilla is the mascot of Netscape:



S'anway, the enchanted squirrels that run the wheels have vanished. DMOZ' thousands of human editors cannot log into their accounts and haven't been able to since October 20. ODP officials attribute the problem to server failure. AOL is said to be "totally into" fixing the servers and reconstructing the database. Totally.

I edit one little bitty category on DMOZ. My "cat" doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things, but then again, it means everything to those it serves. I am sad because I worry that DMOZ might die of neglect. Say what you will about the fickle, human element of DMOZ, I'm still a fan.

Sigh.

[BikeWriter]

1. I've been a fan, too.