Be told not to pay off collections it could hurt my score.

I have two items in collections. I have had people tell me not to pay them off because it wont help my credit. They are already 3 years old and they said that by paying them it will only make it worse because they will turn into a current delinquency. I am trying to raise my credit score and since three years ago when I got in this mess I have closed credit card accounts, paid off loans, and gotten the remaining balances down… the only thing left to do is to decided whether or not to pay the collection accounts. Do you think I should?? And will it help my credit score?? If so how soon will I see the results?? And how much will it help??
-------------------
Negotiate before you pay, to have it removed, if you pay in full.
If not pay it anyway, but ask to no activity date change only a paid in full.
It always helps in the long run to pay off stuff.
keep new good credit open.