Google's recent penalization of directories

[Dave Eaves]

Over the last few weeks many web directories have been penalized in the Google rankings and won't rank anywhere in the top 40 or 50 for their trade names or anything remotely competitive. I own one of the effected directories and I am trying to work out would could have caused it and if there is anything I can do to get my rankings back. Here are some factors that could have caused my directory to get penalized:

My directory had a lot paid links that passed PageRank (I have begun removing these now).

My directory has links to and from many of the affected directories.

My directory has a pricing scheme where you can pay extra to get extra deep links to your site.

My directory has links to bidding directories (these are the latest trend in the industry where you pay extra to come up in a higher position), I have gotten rid of most of these now.

My directory has links from bidding directories, again I have gotten rid of most of these now.

My directory offers a discounted price to website owners who place a link back.

Which of these factors do you think may have caused my directory to get penalized in the Google rankings? Do you think there is any way I can get my rankings back? Is it worth me making changes and then sending a re-inclusion request to Google?

If anyone wants to check out my directory it is located at biz-dir.co.uk.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can help me with any of these questions.

[beu]

All of these can be problems but this one is the biggy!

My directory had a lot paid links that passed PageRank (I have begun to removing these now).

[expertseobug]

you are approaching in a very correct way but for you and for your well established directory sooner will be the better...

all the best...