According to this thread (DMOZ listing price list) it certainly seems possible... though, to date, no one has given proof bribery listing. Though, that is likely due to the site getting removed along with the editor. Though, to toss in a bit of confusion, you can list site though SEO work
The larger question is why anyone would pay for a "free listing" at dmoz and risk getting red-noted and pulled from that directory permanently at a cost of $xxx for no gain... when they could alternatively submit to dmoz at no cost whatsoever and possibly be added there for a nice little pagerank boost while using the same dollars mentioned to submit to a couple of good pay for review directories... multiplying the benefit gained. I don't have a degree in Ethics, but I do have one in Finance. Common sense dictates the second route.
Good points by Mr. Jones! Dmoz is generally considered a free directory. Paying for inclusion runes the chance of getting banned forever. Where as, sitting in the queue and getting listed in a year from now should be thought of as better in the long run... Though, if in your risk assessment you feel it's worth a shot, then do check out the thread I pointed too above.
I used to sit thru Management Science classes where we did risk assessment by the numbers. If we assume his $250 figure is the going rate for bribing an editor at dmoz to give you what is given daily to other sites at no charge (sounds like a watercooler tale, but I'll go with the story for the sake of comparison)... then an informal comparison would be... Scenario A: Cost $250 Benefit - Immediate listing in one PR 8 directory Risk - Get caught, permanent ban from that directory, no gain in PR, loss of $250 Guaranteed Outcome: None Best Possible outcome... one listing in a PR8 directory Scenario B: Cost $250 Benefit: Listed in roughly five PR 6+/- pay for review directories in less than a week. Benefit 2: It is in Dmoz queue and it may be listed in PR 8 directory, may not Risk: None Guaranteed Outome: Assuming site fits... five PR6 +/- backlinks Best Possible Outcome: Five PR6 +/- backlinks plus one PR8 backlink LOL... anyone that could look at that and choose the first scenario has a very different risk assessment profile than I do. I can't see any way that it comes out ahead. Long as the decision maker isn't my wife I guess I don't care either way though.
I totally understand where your coming from. I am a firm believer that I shouldn't be paying links on peoples websites. A trade for a link for content is my preferable solution. I have a DMOZ listing for my main site. I just wanted to see peoples thoughts on paid listings. Sam I guess your wife doesn't buy links then..
Actually I don't know how she buys anything... her credit cards got stolen. I didn't report it 'cause the guy that took 'em spends a lot less per month than she did.
If I were an editor, I might list your site, but the whole transaction would be underground eh.... you'd be on the queue just like everyone else, but your wait would be much shorter and sort of guaranteed. And if it works, you pay the "expedition" fee, but no one talks about it. We don't know each other. That's probably how it will work. The only reason you'll get banned is if the editor gets greedy and takes in more than he can handle and gets exposed. I wouldn't know though, I've never tried to buy a link from dmoz.
BTW I think DP admin should open subforum here for DMOZ trading and bribing. And intermediate DMOZ editor and and llisters ( for commissions ). Hi.!
They say there has thus far been no proof of a paid listing. Though that may be due to the consequences of such an action. I mean, who really wants their site banned on account of weeding out corruption I think paid listings fall into the same category as Bigfoot and God... many people claim they have seen one (or both) yet no one has given absolute proof either truly exist *smirk*