neuron - 7:10 am on Dec 16, 2004 (gmt 0)

My emails are polite and straight to the point. Is there another method?

Yes, try filling out online forms instead of emailing link requests. I find I have a much better success rate with sites that use linking software. Some link management softs cost a good bit of money. Those sites that use link management softs that cost money are more likely to maintain their link directories, and such softs usually have online forms.