Link Farms

How can I identify them?

[kriskd]

Is there a service/web site that lists known link farms? I ask because I realized today that my old URL was listed on what I thought was a legit directory of sites similiar in subject to mine. I was unable to revise my link so instead I submitted my currently URL as a new listing.

Now, I'm not so sure it was a good idea. They want a link back before they post mine and further suggested I exchange link with some mortgage broker web site which really has NOTHING to do with my site! Plus I can't see evidence of my link going into an appropriate category.

Ever since I've become a bit more established and educated (due in large part to this forum!), I've become a bit more fussy about who I exchange links with and want to make an effort to avoid the links farms.

Kris

[mil2k]

The site you mntioned doesn't seem like a link farm to me. However if you are uncomfortable linking to unrelated sites then avoid doing so. But remember many times websites do link to sites which are not related to their sites. And there is nothing wrong in doing so. The criteria used for linking should be whether the site appeals to you or not. If you find a site to be good then go ahead and give it a link. HTH :)

[Mark_A]

One way to identify a link farm is to visit and try to find some content or functionality which could be of value to some identifiable user not just "lists of links" :-)

I am just doing some research and checking one site which is just that, a collection of links, every page takes you to more. In many cases the domains they link to have expired or do not show a site, or a new link farm opens with a very similar structure and pretty much the same data.

Well at the moment this one is showing a healthy PR from google, all I can say is that if google continues to give sites like this (useless pyramid) high PR then its their loss.

I have probably earnt them a few pennies as they are showing google ads but for my eye the contents are such tripe that I would "not touch them with yours" if you know what I mean :-)

hth

[nakulgoyal]

If a website has say 100 pages and each of it has 100 outgoing links, will call it a Link Farm :-)

Different people can get you different definions. This is an idea. The best can be from oogleGuy...they are the one who BAN websites being linked from Link Farms. :-)

[benc007]

If a site has PR1, can you automatically assume it is NOT a link farm?

[mil2k]

If a website has say 100 pages and each of it has 100 outgoing links, will call it a Link Farm

That would make all directories as link farms ;).

In general avoid getting links from sites where there is no manual intervention in uploading links and link schemes where you need to upload reciprocal links in bunches (like more than 25). HTH :)

[martinibuster]

They want a link back before they post mine and further suggested I exchange link with some mortgage broker web site...

Is this a link exchange program?

A directory generally does not encourage or solicit members to exchange links with one another.