Forum Moderators: martinibuster
A few directory links makes sense when you place them on directories that might send you some traffic, but I think it's best not to rely on directories for the bulk of your backlinks.
There are a number of good directories out there and it's not a bad idea to list yourself in them. I don't need anyone to submit my sites to those because there just aren't that many that I would like my sites in.
Your mileage may vary.
They'll submit your site to 100-150 free directories for something like $40. That money might go a long way in India, but it's peanuts for most people in the West. I'd rather outsource something like directory submission for $40 than waste two weeks doing it myself. It's a tedious task.
I know of a couple of well-annotated lists, sticky me if you're interested.