when searching for something why do I get websites that want me to pay for what is free somewhere else?

[dale h]

Example: looking for 800 numbers directory and keep getting sites that want me to pay when there are sites that give that info for free.

Someone is obviously paying to have the site hosted so are they making money when I click on their link or what's the deal? Why would they even set up the site if they are profiting? And how does it work?

You see this all over the web.

[michele]

sometimes the free thing becomes free after buying it from the one "who created it and made people to pay for it".