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DMOZ Open Directory Project
The Open Directory follows in the footsteps of some of the most important editor/contributor projects of the 20th century. Just as the Oxford English Dictionary became the definitive word on words through the efforts of volunteers, the Open Directory follows in its footsteps to become the definitive catalog of the Web.
The Open Directory was founded in the spirit of the Open Source movement, and is the only major directory that is 100% free. There is not, nor will there ever be, a cost to submit a site to the directory, and/or to use the directory's data. The Open Directory data is made available for free to anyone who agrees to comply with our free use license.
http://dmoz.org/
Trusted and Established Directories
This is a small list of arguably the most established and regarded web directories on the internet today. Few would disagree that these directories represent what the industry is all about: strength; longevity; strict editing; quality websites and instant recognition.
DMOZ, a shortening of the term Directory Mozilla which is also known as the Open Directory Project, is generally considered to be the Grand Daddy of directories. It is one of the oldest, and easily the most well known and recognised.
When submitting to these directories take great care in the accuracy of your submission and choosing the correct category, and ensure your web site is live, active and populated with useful content prior to submission. Also, remember that the information you provide in the submission process is very influential on whether you will gain a listing or not. Provide a non-promotional, unbiased and objective description of your website, and do not spam any keywords/phrases. Most people do not follow these simple rules and then cry foul when their websites are rejected. Finally, please take the time to read all guidelines on each directory before submitting, as these may be the key to gaining inclusion.
NB: Some of these directories can be extremely difficult to gain a listing in, so do not be disheartened if you are not included. Also, in most cases, where there is a fee associated with the directory this is for manual reviewing and editing purposes and not for inclusion of your link. So if you are not listed, you probably won't receive a refund.