This has been asked many many many times, there are polls and 10 page threads. This is a question a lot of directory owners will answer seriously not only that but its considered rude to ask, just like going and asking your boss or someone else how much he/she makes.
I used to make $500 a month on one of my directories that I sold it... Im working on couple new ones now.
I would say your earnings would be in direct proportion the effort placed into your business. A directory started with a hope of making money but with no imput stands to make little to no money.
a weird title << Why would someone stay in the directory business if they weren't earning anything? Second asking other people their income is just plain simple rude and very unprofessional.
I would have answered "no" to the question about few months' back (and the only reason I remained in this business for this long is because of the love for the directory concept) but surprisingly I have actually been earning something from it for the last few weeks or so.
Actually, we started a directory but I dont know that we can earn from it til now. That's why im asking. We are a not-for-profit org and we need funds to get the necessary money for its maintenance. I am very saddened since people think that it is rude to ask but the only way to know is by asking. And if someone here doesnt feel answering the question you can PM me. If in someway you don't want to give advice then just ignore this thread. Thanks for those who gave their advice.
To give a polite explanation for you, you can of course manage to make an amount of money from a directory, even if its just to cover the costs of running and the upkeep of it. Dont be offended by the lack of amounts announced, as far as im aware in most cultures and countries, it is seen as rude to ask what another earns. If you need suggestions on what you may be able to do to monetize your directory im sure you will get some good suggestions.