Hand Made or Software links page?

[stevan]

Is there any difference in using either style of pages?

I have been told it is better to hand code BUT on the other hand Most of my back links on my first site are Software driven

Any body have any ideas on the Subject?

[Philosopher]

If you are referring to how the links pages are generated, there is no difference. Most software generated links pages allow you to use a template to match the design of your site and then simply insert the necessary html coding for the links.

Personally, I'm a big fan of software generated pages as it saves a great deal of time in management of links pages.

I'm not a big fan of the automated link exchange email programs, but anything that allows me to better manage my links pages and partners saves me time that I can devote to something else.

[chrisnrae]

If you use the directory simply to automate adding links, you'll be alright - but take the time to customize the feel - if another webmaster visits it and it looks like it's out of the box with 250 categories - it is likely to turn those who hold the "keys" the the "quality" links off.

Also agree with the above - don't use it to send automated requests. Most websites who are worth having links from consider them spam and will likely trash it on the spot.

Related discussion: [webmasterworld.com...]

[alika]

Also make your links pages accessible from your web site. Many webmasters are using the tactic of setting up a link directory that just floats and hidden from their actual website. You will find many quality links rejecting your request for the reason that your link pages are nowhere to be found, basically defeating the purpose of a link resources page that visitors can check out.

This whole pagerank thing and the obsession for "quality" (often defined as one-way) links has distorted the very reason for creating a links pages.