DMOZ inclusion difficulty

Several questions about how to get included

[Newbie10]

I have a website that basically is a software store, reselling software. In the dmoz there are several affiliate categories for the specific type of software that I am selling. I have applied to several different categories, but I think the editor of the category is keeping me out on purpose.

I understand that sites consisting largely of affiliate links are not good prospects, however there are many sites in these categories that are consisting largely of affiliate links. It seems to me that some (especially the editor with an agenda) get the benefit from this in google and then everyone else is out of luck- this doesn't seem right.

Who reviews applications to certain categories if a specific category doesnt have an editor: for example:

Category A= has and editor
Category A1= has an editor
Category A2= doesn't have an editor
Does this mean that the editors for A and A1 review submissions to category A2.

What is the best way to get your site listed in a category that is being edited by a competitor who trys to keep the competition out of his categories?

If A2 is being edited by the editor of A1 that may be why I can't seem to get my site listed since the editor of A1 is an insider.

Thanks for your help.

[cjtripnewton]

The ODP Editors have their own forum where they help people like you. No URLs, please. Thanks. - Laisha

[edited by: Laisha at 5:04 pm (utc) on Aug. 10, 2002]

[Newbie10]

Thanks for the reply,
I have vistited this forum after seeing it referenced here in webmasterworld,
but i'm not really sure how I need to be going about getting my point across to the editors...
Do I contact a meta editor through email?
It seems like maybe they don't want posts complaining about not getting in and unfair practices on resource-zone.
Could you maybe propose how I should go about bringing these problems to the attention of the people in the resource zone?

Thanks for you help.

[apeuro]

Only meta editors (a list of which is here [dmoz.org]) can approve or reject new editor applications.

If you believe that an editor is discriminating against your site, or is in some other way abusing the directory, you need to email a meta editor. In order for your report to be investigated as quickly as possible include the following info: the category, the editor you believe to be abusive, the relevant URLs, any other info you have that leads you to believe that a particular editor is abusive.

We are in the process of creating an automated abusive report system for the general public. It should be up and running soon.

[rmjvol]

If I had a nickle for every "evil ODP editor is keeping me out" thread, I'd retire.

Although you're not making a violent accusation, you are still making an accusation. There are MANY reasons your site may not be listed including:

you didn't submit properly
your site wasn't working when reviewed
your site is already properly listed elsewhere in ODP
your site does not meet the ODP guidelines for inclusion
you've been tagged as a spammer for oversubmitting
there's a huge backlog of sites in the right category

Real abuse is not common but of course it can happen. If you have some evidence (real evidence, not just a hunch) that the category editor is harming your (potential) listing, ODP staff wants to know about it. I would recommend reading the ODP listing guidelines and posts here to make sure you're submitting properly. Then I'd suggest being patient. For some categories, it can take months for a submission to be reviewed.

Good luck
rmjvol

[kctipton]

>>I think the editor of the category is keeping me out on purpose<<

You give editors at ODP way too much credit for being evil and mischievous. You can't think of any other reason for your site to not be listed?

[Newbie10]

I know for a fact that the editor is a competitor. But, if I were to try to have him removed there would be a downward spiral of events that would not be beneficial to anyone...

I'm not looking to get the editor removed - I just want someone other than the editor to determine if my site is valid for the category- someone who is unbiased...

Also, my site meets all the criteria for being in the dmoz-

There just needs to be a leveling of the playing field so to speak!

I appreciate the feedback!

[apeuro]

If you believe the editor is being abusive then you need to contact a meta editor, period. You'll be doing yourself, other submitters, and the directory the favor. I don't understand why the removal of an abusive editor would lead to a "downward spiral," however if you truly desire a "level playing field" this is what you need to do.

[cjtripnewton]

Newbie10, why not add the site you're discussing to your user profile so we can see it?

[skibum]

The downward spiral could be the removal of all such affiliate listings?

[jimnoble]

...which would be nice :).

[Newbie10]

I wouldn't even be opposed to removal of all affiliate listings as long as it leveled the playing field.

The dmoz gives this editor/competitor a huge boost on google - creating an effect where 6 of the top 10 sites for our main keyword belong to him.

The moment he makes a new site it is in the dmoz- I have seen this and compared it to the whois information on the url. Yet he still uses some tactfulness as to slip under the radar I suppose.

I don't want to post my site. I don't want to flag myself, the competitor could be scanning these pages for all I know. But I do appreciate all the input I have received about this topic.

Monopolies on the search listings must go!

[apeuro]

Since you don't want to help "level the playing field" then you have no right to complain.

[kctipton]

>>you have no right to complain<<

Sounds like it. There are well over 300K categories in ODP, where should we guess to look first?