debram - 6:37 pm on Oct 27, 2008 (gmt 0)

My two cents and my observation on the "getting links too quickly" is bad legend:

Acquiring a large number of links quickly seems to be fine if the links come from sources where voting on or the addition of editorial content is involved. This is why link bait is a popular means of generating links and one where you see little negative effect as a result.

Time and time again we produce large numbers of links after dropping hot stories and articles on the social news sites and see no adverse affects. We attribute this to the idea that it was the editorial content (the article) that prompted the webmaster to link.

Where we do see "issues" is when large numbers of text links are added to static sites in non-content areas. These links tend not to help us in the serps and we assume it's because they've been flagged and are considered paid. Perception is key.

For me, getting large numbers of links using "link bait" type tactics generates solid inbounds. Dropping large numbers of text links in non-content areas screams "paid". I avoid screaming at all costs! ;)