Where to put links in articles?

nested in the content or in a separate page section?

[radix]

I've been wondering about this for some time now.

What are the pros and cons of putting links into the article body or opening a new section for them after the article?

The SEO-savvy would probably suggest to build in the links with nice anchors in article bodies. But, wouldn't this distract visitor's attention from the text (eye hunting for links, blueness love)? Could you make visitors happier if you placed those links after the article body in a section called links or references?

And then, is there any difference between subject sectors in this regard? Any special suggestions for the tourist guide niche?

[shyflower]

Have you ever read a book where you continuously had to turn to the back to see what the footnotes meant? In print media, when resources and extra information are used, it's easy to put them in a footnote at the bottom of a page. The reader can keep his place simply by marking it with his finger. This, obviously, doesn't work on the web. If you put your links within the content, your reader has the choice whether to stay and read or check out the extra information. If he has to go to the bottom of the page to find a reference, he's going to lose his place. The first way (to click on a link in text) is his choice. The second way you are choosing for him.

After the content is the place to list outside sources you used in documnenting your information. Supplementary information should be available within the content, IMO.

[Grandmas Cookies]

Take a look at the top bloggers today, like John Chow and Darren Rowse. Their blog posts have links all over the articles. It's not where you place them it is more what you place!

[Marshall]

Don't forget, with a little styling, you can make the links obvious in the text without making them an eye sore.

Marshall