Paid web directories are not affordable

Iam putting my question for all the website owners. I have recentlyseen that paid web directories have started publishing ads. I don’tunderstand the cause of this because then there will be no need ofwebsites to publish advertisements. The paid directories are charginga high amount for the websites. The price is rising higher and I wantto determine the exact reason of it. Everyone is not able to affordsuch a high cost as well. What is your view on such web directories?I am expecting your replies.