Worth paying for directory listings?

[BridalHotspot]

I'm going through the recommended SEO directory list but I notice that most of them are paid listings. I have been told that it is not worth spending any money on this, so why are there so many recommended in this list?

[Backlinko]

"4 letter words are appropriate at certain times, in certain situations..... Much like directories....."

LOL. Love it!

[Jinx14678]

4 letter words are appropriate at certain times, in certain situations..... Much like directories.....

[kadesmith]

So is rank, link, and ironically four.

[BridalHotspot]

Thanks, Jeepster.
Will have a look at that list.

[Jeepster]

This list here http://www.seomoz.org/directories/local contains some good free ones.
Otherwise, I'm with Brian: the number of free directories outside that list worth submitting to can be counted on the fingers of one hand.

[jesse-landry]

directory submission is a four letter word, far as i'm concerned.

[Backlinko]

There are a few besides DMOZ. But maybe (literally) 3-5.

[BridalHotspot]

Thanks again, Brian.
Are the free ones on this list worth spending my time on?

[Backlinko]

It depends on the directory. 99% aren't worth even submitting for free.

But there are a few that can send some trust and authority onto your site, such as:

Yahoo
Business.com
FamilyFriendlySites (one of my favorites)
BOTW
JoeAnt
CannyLink

...and some niche-specific directories.