Unfortunately, I didn't get into the php market until I was 24ish. Lately my focus has been mostly internet marketing and such. I did really well in the gaming industry and it spun me off to try others. That is where the web directory challenge began. So if I got back to school for my 2nd degree it will be some type of marketing.
Yeah. Programming is great and making mods is fun, it can also help pay the bills. Marketing - branding, advertising, getting traffic, SEO etc is more interesting. It brings in results, and they are nice to see.
Not sure how much I've spent but I would say close to $800 for my first directory, which includes script license, domain registration, custom template, mods and promotion. Not counting the other directories
I've spent near 3000 euro..and I guess this is a good investment.In time I've set up a directory submission service which works really good....In the end it matters more how much one can ear from the directory in balance with ho much he spent. http://www.welldonedirectory.com
domain - 10$ host - 55$ design - Made by me script - joomla advertising - Made by Me earnings...? not as i expected