DMOZ.org and opendirectory.net

Are these the same directory

[robjam]

Dmoz.org goes to AOL currently.
You can pay opendirectory.net to look at your lising quicker. Is this the same company and will this flow to AOL or is it a scam(opendirectory.net). Its confusing because dmoz.org does not allow paid listings while opendirectory.net does.

Thanks

[EliteWeb]

opendirectory.net uses DMOZ.org content. I doubt in any way they are affiliated. And quite possibly that could uMmm get DMOZ.org pissed off at them by portaying an editor will have you listed for a year. HEH if you dont pay next year how do they remove your listing.

Do a WHOIS on opendirectory.net then DMOZ.org you can see the difference in authority. Do not pay someone to submit your site like the peepz @ the url you mentioned. ScAm in my opinion.

[fathom]

hmmm... PR4 off main page.

Most others not listed.

Agree, scam in my opinion

[wolfy]

That's incredible!!
why ODP hasn't denounced them?
I think it's not correct what they are doing, well what a guy called Anthony Ng is doing.

[chiyo]

What an interesting scam. Now they are including the become an editor link so on that side they are ok to use a ODP feed. But does the strandard agreement preclude copying graphics and branding, and does it preclude making a profit from use of the ODP. I would hope so, but if not its a clever scam.

Looks like 5 (five) people have been scammed so far. Or maybe they are plants to get it rolling. Latter sounds more sensible.

[vmcknight]

The person is calling his/her directory OPEN Directory, and offering to list you in that. Of course that wouldn't do you a bit of good, but it's obviously intended to fool people.

The Netscape lawyers will deal with this if they feel it's a copyright violation. Visitors could also report it to the ISP as a scam.

[EliteWeb]

robjam, how did you find the site is my question - is it a real threat to where people could be actually making money off of people. Its not a bad idea, however I would do it as, expertised submissions to DMOZ including techniques, wording and ways to become listed.

[fathom]

Their disclaimer is quiet interesting. Kind of says "we will select "if appropriate" other suitable listings are available".

I take this to mean if the "editor" associated directory.net is also an active editor in Dmoz and you match "their" categories, then you can get something else besides a redundant "Editors Picks".

IMO

Rod

[caine]

i would stay away from them, it looks a bit on the dodgy side.

they also have dmoz.ca.

[skibum]

The search feature goes to the real ODP. This thing ought to be shut down immeidately. They could pull soooo much cash from unsuspecting website owners that come across it and believe its the real thing.

[fathom]

caine notice the Dmoz.ca too, and submitted to see what response I get.

Took a look at a category that's appropriate for Canada but currently not in Dmoz.

The submission form goes back to Dmoz though.

[rafalk]

The person running the site is in no position to list ANY site in the directory. In addition opendirectory.net is currently being dealt with by Netscape legal.

[angiolo]

It seems to me "Take the money and run".

I am curios to see how the situation developes.

[Quadrille]

At least they're using live data - most ODP skimmers/scammers download the dump - this has a category change I made 30 minutes ago.

I'm sure a good lawyer could make a case against them for 'passing off' - but, so far as I know, AOL don't bother. These sites are three a penny, they have no money, so AOL won't spend theirs.

Now, if they started making serious money ...

[brotherhood of LAN]

I wonder if this guy has a listing in DMOZ....

...that would truly be a scandal

[mavherick]

Seems a little odd that off the editor's pick not only there's the web design "firm", but half of their "happy" clients are on the list as well. Now if that's not fishy!!!

[Dpeper]

I didnt think AOL Time warner used paypal to accept payment from their sites ;) Definite scam...

[fathom]

hmmm... interesting?

More than 1 way to scam a cat!

[Abrexa_UK]

So what is the main complaint here? Is it that they are blatantly trying to confuse visitors into thinking that they are the same as the ODP (passing off)?

Or is it that they are using the ODP data to attract paying customers to get listed alongside the ODP data? I thought that this was allowed according to the license, and in fact may be a useful feature for those webmasters who have trouble getting into the ODP through the normal channels.

[choster]

There is no relationship between this group at ODP. The matter has been referred to Netscape legal.

[fathom]

Thanks choster, keep doing the great work!

[The Contractor]

If you look at the site now you will see a total change. Seems like someone contacted them ;)

[skibum]

I think it was:

"So what is the main complaint here? Is it that they are blatantly trying to confuse visitors into thinking that they are the same as the ODP (passing off)?"

I believe a site can sell anything it wants in term of listings alongside ODP results, but calling a separate version the OPEN Directory with a nearly identical logo and interface is a little over the top.

[ettore]

Yes, that was over the top and has be dealt with. No more paid listings on the site & inproper use of ODP logo.