It is an online directory that contains results to popular search engines like Netscape, AOL Search, Google Directory, and HotBot. By submitting your website to the Open Directory Project, you can avoid having your pages indexed and still be present in the search engines.

The Open Directory Project works by having a team of thousands of volunteer editors work to create a comprehensive directory of websites. Here are some following suggestions in landing your site in the Open Directory Project:

1. Make sure you submit in the right subcategory. Search through the ODP and decide the best subcategory for your website. The World category is reserved for sites that are in a language not English.

2. Add a professional title and description. These should also contain your important keywords.

3. Complete the submission form to spec. This means completing the form accurately, adding the URL in the title box, and entering a description.

4. Proper URL submission - make sure you submit the main URL (.com) to the right subcategory.

5. Add an update notification to the main page (i.e. Last updated Oct.4.) Only do this if you've updated recently to let browsers know the site hasn't been abandoned.

6. Spruce up your website and perform maintenance. Make sure all links work and that all graphics load. If some browsers (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera) do not work well with the graphics and display the appropriate layout of the webpage, notify the visitor about configuration settings. In addition, make your website easy to read and add the right color scheme. Can you read well off a black background and deep yellow font? It might look eye-catching, but it is difficult to read so work accordingly.

Use the Open Directory Project to your advantage. Pay a visit at http://dmoz.org.