Inaccurate Entry

My site lists information in the description that is incorrect. How do I correct it? I am not the editor and do not know who is. Thanks!

Use the "update URL" link in the top right of the category page (where the site is listed in) to suggest changes to the editors.

Windharp - thanks for the response. Unfortunately, I followed that process twice, but have heard nothing back. Could you recommend next steps? thanks!

Update requests are processed by the editors. They are normaly processes in a short time (days to weeks) but that is not a guarantee. When they are processed we look at the website to see of it matches the request. We also look at the proposed change, does it match our guidelines. Many requests try to write descriptions that are not acceptable.
If either the request is not compliant to our guidelines or if the website does not match the request we will not change the listing. If we notice that the current description does not match the actual website we might change the description even if the proposed one does not meet the guidelines.

ethical violation

The reason I want to have the existing description changed is because it presents an ethical violation for my client. The term "specializing" cannot be used to describe their practice. I worked with the client to create a description that did not include the term but I guess it was not accepted. I don't actually know if it was rejected or if it was even received or read, because I never heard anything one way or the other.

I'd really like to help my client and DMOZ. The volunteer driven organizations I do work with would not want to jeopardize the reputations of those they are trying to help. DMOZ is providing a great service, but getting this resolved should not be so difficult! Thanks for all the responses so far. If anyone has further suggestions, I'd sure appreciate them!

Thanks, LisaE

The link is available at the top of the page "update url"...by clicking there you can suggest changes to the editor

Well, note that (in the end) what you suggest doesn't matter. What matters is what's on the website. Does the website give the impression (either by specific words, by prominence or amount of content) that there is some specialization? THAT'S what'll drive the decision about the ODP description.

Get that straight first. Now, it's possible the website is fine, and the suggestion just hasn't been reviewed yet -- nobody tries to nano-manage the editing process to that level.

The reason I want to have the existing description changed is because it presents an ethical violation for my client.

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Note that how someone else describes your client is really beyond you and your client's control and so, having attempted to get it changed, neither you or your client can be held liable.

The term "specializing" cannot be used to describe their practice.

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The term "specializing" may have specific meaning for various professions (e.g. medical) and may have implications as a result but the directory usually uses the term generally to indicate specific areas of interest.

In general, there can be a problem with industry specific 'jargon', which editors will try to get right when the terms are unique to an industry and would be meaningful. Since the directory is geared to the average surfer, it would be difficult to reserve a term like "specializing" (or "specialising" as I prefer to spell it) to a particular use. (Note it is also why acronyms are discouraged as we bear in mind that the first language of many of our visitors may not be English).

If your update suggestion said something like "can you use the word 'concentrating' in the description instead of 'specializing' as here 'specializing' implies we are certified by xxx/provide xxx services, which we are/do not" then it will be clear to the editor exactly what you want changed and why. Since the editor will be looking to have an accurate and meaningful description, they may or may not agree, but at least they will be addressing your precise point.

regards