DMOZ clone asking for inclusion fee

[Guest]

I received an email from a client from the company Topsites LLC which runs a web directory using DMOZ listings (http://www.topsitez.us/)

 

They are asking $5 dollars either to get listed in the directory or to renew the listing. As we all know DMOZ listing are free and does not require any payment or renewal fee at all.

 

My warning to you all is: DON'T PAY! And inform your clients listed in DMOZ not to pay. They are sending email directly to clients.

 

Jamned

[dfy]

There has been lots of discussion about TopSites in the ODP internal fora (they're mainly operating from topsites.us). At the moment they are breaking the rules that dictate legal use of ODP data, so it's very possible their sites might suddenly stop working.

[giz]

This thread may also be useful: http://www.resource-zone.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=data&Number=13179

[Guest alawac]

Just a warning that the 'topsi' folks are still around and at it.

 

I fell for it on 2/6/03 and am trying to get a refund. Will let you know how it comes out.

[shritwod]

There are multiple threads on this here, but I'll repost this link which looks at the operation in more detail.

 

The site DOES say that you can cancel your listing and get a refund. I haven't heard any feedback from people trying to cancel though.