DMOZ's ex-editors list

How does one get their sites removed from the list

[allanp73]

I was once an editor for DMOZ and was removed when I added one of my sites to the category I edited. It was a small category and I felt that my site was relevant. However, I admit I gave it a too good description and abused my editor power.
Later I found out from an editor friend that my sites not just the offending site were added to an ex-editor list. This list makes it very hard for other editors to add my sites to relavent categories. The removal of my sites from DMOZ effected the more than 200 people who are supported by my sites.
Several months later, I started a new business as a webmaster for a real estate web company. Being a fan of DMOZ I submitted the real estate sites to DMOZ. I made sure that the sites were relevant and of high content quality. One editor saw that I was the register of some of the sites and immediately added these new sites to my ex-editor page. They even added sites to the list which I hadn't registered or even submitted to DMOZ. These sites only crime was they were linked to my site. I spoke to several lawyers about this. They told me that this constitutes a "restraint of trade", however to pursue the legal action would cost more money than I have to commit.
I really don't want to pursue legal action and tried several times to contact both the editor who added the sites to the list and the staff at DMOZ, but never received any response and I know the list hasn't been changed.
So what can I do? I make my living on the Internet and many others depend on me. DMOZ is in a situation where without its link it is almost impossible to achieve high ranking on Google.
If there is someone at DMOZ reading this, please help.
I would appreciate anyone's advice.

[The Contractor]

martinibuster,

I agree with you 100%. I don't believe this is the case here. Sites should always be listed on their own merit. But if you constantly spam the directory you will be tagged as such. Not saying that is what happened in this case - just saying it can happen.

[MarkHutch]

Wow, I can't believe so many people are this upset about getting/or not getting a free listing in this web directory. I'm sure there are many good people that edit for DMOZ and I'm sure there are many bad people that edit for all the wrong reasons. There is life without a DMOZ listing. With hundreds of editors and from what I've heard only two paid employees, there are bound to be problems, but to get this upset about a free listing in DMOZ isn't healthy. In my opinion.

[The Contractor]

I'm gonna have to go stand in the corner now. Bye.

I will await your sticky on the five cases of abuse. Make sure you send them and I'll check in the morning.

[rfgdxm1]

So everybody here doesn't love the DMOZ? ;)

[The Contractor]

MarkHutch,

Yes, it is sad :(

I know Brett has always run a very professional forum here and I have great respect for him and those that participate. Don't let this thread turn you off from the value found in these forums.

[rfgdxm1]

Contractor, I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion. There are obviously lots of of people in the ODP with good intentions. Personally, given the potential for corruption I have to wonder if the idea of a *commercial* dorectory with volunteer editors is really great. The DMOZ model seems great for non-commercial sites. There obviously is a problem that when money is involved, some corrupt people will apply.

[martinibuster]

so much passion, so much feeling.....heeheee.

Ok, someone around here get's it when I'm being a little tongue in cheek.

Didn't mean to go over anyone's head.

[Marcia]

To those of you here who are involved with ODP as editors, and to those others who appreciate the many hours of valuable service rendered by a corps of dedicated volunteers, please accept humble, sincere apologies.

The opinions expressed by one individual are just that - the opinion of only one individual person.

Please be assured that they do not in any way reflect the opinion and feelings of any other person, nor of WebmasterWorld as a community.

[rfgdxm1]

The technical term for what Marcia's post is is "damage control". ;)

[Marcia]

It's the honest truth, rfgdxm1!

>>The technical term
It's also called exercising restraint when you feel like kicking people in the nads. ;)