Why do sites make you pay to search public record?

I was lead to believe, that information was obtainable, even online, via public records, per a search that would constitute free of charge, Address or Phone number listings.. So why is it, sites like Yahoo.. Allow you to search a person, yet even upon search for my own self! Came up with NOTHING AT ALL! That is ridiculous; Further more.. Why should I have to pay $15-$50 for FREE INFORMATION! How misleading and bullishness's is this? I'm, very frustrated.. This is absurd.. What would you do?

Well these people are doing the same thing as the credit organizations. You can get to Public Records by contacting the correct institution that keeps those records. Usually by visiting in person or via snail mail. Clever searching can also get you more info. However, if you are wondering about something like an old run-in with the law and if it is still on your record.. it is doubtful that the PD put your name and info up on a web page to be viewed by the public. Most online public record searches want money from you because they are a third party service connecting paper files to you via the internet.