Whats the purpose of Directories?

I would like to understand this directory thing. It seems like everyone has a directory other than a place to get backlinks, what is the purpose ?

 

To improve other sites' backlinks and make money.
I thought so.

 

Only $25 for the script from phplink, and you can run it under a sub domain, and even you can use the free script from phplink. That means you don't need to spend too much money to run a directory, and more or less you can make some money from it. That's why there is so many directories today.

 

but you'll have to spend more time to check the sites.

 

You can make some good money running directories. If you're a total newbie and need some help just PM me.

 

There are so many nowadays that I think the ones that are unique and offer something different will be the most profitable.

 

but only few good