Start off with phpld.com (Not live link). It is a small fee to register a copy of the script (with copyright).
Because you get what you pay for. 1. the best free directory script out there 2. the best paid directory script out there with a ton of more features. pick your poison. either way it's a win/win decision. but with regards to your sig, and if those are your direcories, you wouldn't know the difference because you've never used the paid version, now have you? oh and 3. I support the 3.xx paid script owners.
I think is really worth it the extra $25, just the search option on the links will save you hours of work.