Over the past few years, the Open Directory Project ( http://dmoz.org ) has boomed.

Why? Because it provides directory results to Lycos, HotBot, Netscape, AOL Search, Google Directory, and the list goes on and on.

The Open Project Directory means that even if you can't get your pages indexed by Lycos, HotBot, or AOL Search, you'll still have a presence in those engines, thanks to the ODP.

So, what is the ODP? The Open Directory Project, also known as DMOZ, produces a comprehensive directory of websites by relying on a team of thousands of volunteer editors.

As an editor in several rather busy categories myself, let's discuss some search engine rules regarding submitting to the ODP.

Top Ten Suggestions for Getting Your Site in the ODP

1. Spend some time cruising the ODP and choose the best subcategory for your site. If your site is in a language other than English, you'll need to submit to the World category.

2. Create a businesslike and professional title and description using your important keywords. Be honest and sincere.

3. Complete the submission form accurately and completely. Make sure that the URL is listed correctly.

4. Submit your main URL in the best subcategory. If you have an interior page that stands on its own and has a lot of relevant information, you can try submitting it into a second subcategory.

5. List a "last updated on <date>" note on your site, but only if it's been updated very recently.

6. Make your site the best it can be! Do all graphics load? Are there any broken links?

7. Make sure that your site is easy to read with good colour choices and an adequate sized font.

8. If you have special requests, contact the editor of that category by clicking on the editor's name at the bottom of the category page.

9. When writing to an editor, BE NICE! Do you honestly think an editor will go out of his/her way to fulfill a special request if you send a nasty note? No!

10. When writing to an editor, state your request simply and quickly. Then, list your URL, the title of the site, a description, and the category (the complete path where you want the site listed). Don't make editors guess or have to figure out the category themselves. And, don't "demand" that your site be listed as cool!