Does paying a collection hurt my credit score?

Hello-
I recently read somewhere that by paying items in collection, it will actually hurt my credit score. Is that true?
I currently have several items in collections on my credit report, but the total I owe is only around $350, so I was planning on just paying them off once I get my tax refund. How do you think this will affect my credit score, which is only a lousy 550-ish right now. My goal is to bring my credit score up over the next few years.

Thanks a lot!!
Real Live Human


Bo Majors
to Real Person / show details / Feb 19

http://www.oskie.com/credit-repair-negotiate-with-creditors-remove-delete-bad-credit-collections-charge-offs.htm

http://www.oskie.com/how-i-get-paid-collection-collections-account-removed-credit-report-completely.htm

I paid all my debts period.
I would negotiate first. Ask for totall removal or no re dating.