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I don't know why you were rejected BUT these are guidelines that are often successful:
1. Choose to edit ONE, LOCAL category that needs an editor. Let's say you live in Pocatello, Idaho. You're a sports freak. OK drill down through the directory to Pocatello, to the sports sub category. Is there an editor? If not, apply. Do not attempt to take on all of the city, just one local category.
2. You will need to submit two or three "sample" reviews. Provide three, not two. Tip: Study how other editors phrase their descriptions. Whatever you choose to submit as your samples ought to approach reasonable objectivity, list the services or kinds of products, keep it under 25 words. Typically descriptions begin with "Offers..." or "Provides...."
3. Take your cue for the site title from the logo on the site. Don't stuff keywords, and don't duplicate keywords. In other words, keywords that appear in the title must not appear in the description, and vice-versa. Keep your opinion out of the description. Avoid hype -- you aren't a salesperson.
4. Spelling, grammar and phraseology. Write coherent sentences, get the spelling perfect. Real live editors review applications. Most editors can spot a typo at 500 yards...and they are unforgiving.
5. There is a section in the application where they want to know if you have some professional or business relationship with the category. Is there? If so, say so. You won't suffer because of what some would call a conflict of interest. The ODP wants knowledgeable people to run its categories. Those with specific knowledge often have an associated business interest. As long as you can play fair in dealing with everyone in your category, there should not be any problem. (For the record, ODP has ways to settle disputes between editors and those who get hostile with editors. You can kick the issue upstairs for a senior editor to handle.)
6. Why do you want this category? In the sports example above, you chose this category because you want to be an ODP volunteer and because your wife can't get your attention on any weekend when football is on. Same with baseball and basketball and hockey seasons. That ought to suffice to demonstrate your level of enthusiasm for sports.
7. I recommend getting a dozen edits under your belt, if possible, before you attempt to take on a new category. The bosses want to see some evidence that you know what you're doing before they turn you loose elsewhere.
That's pretty much it. There are no guarantees, of course. It might help to pray that the editor who reviews your application isn't having a really bad day. ;)
If this post provides any new info, reapply and use this info. That you got rejected once doesn't mean you will suffer the same fate on the next attempt. Good luck!
