I am thinking about dropping all directories that charge a fee from our submission list that we share at www.best-free-search-engine-list.com.

I am just wondering how many people pay for submissions and if they would miss it if we drop them? With the thousands of search engines and directories that are available, does anyone really need them?

I would think that we do, if I thought they would not last without getting fees, but sites that have paid advertising can do very well if they have the traffic, so I know that directories don't HAVE to charge a fee to make money.

LOL we both selected the second one I think :grin:

Some directories charge and some don't but yes the ones that are well managed and looked after can charge a small fee. But the ones that are just over there for a fee are not worth it.

IMO not all paid directories are well managed ;) If you are doing directory submissions just for SEO then it all depends on how you have optimized your site and under what category you submit your site, you should most relevant category for your site and should be relevant to your site theme ;)
Free Directory are also good for getting your site top ranking ;)

I would like to vote for the Second Option -> Once in a while, if I think it's worth it.
I had done paid submissions just once, that too since it was a one-time payment.