Use root domain or redirect domain?

Is it wrong to use redirect for link building?

[Eljaybe]

I am in charge of building links for a new client's microsite that is being marketed offline with a domain name that actually redirects to a URL located about 3 directories down from the main company's website. We don't want to have other sites linking to the longer URL which is something like http://www.example.com/product_category/North_America/product_A.html
It makes more sense to have sites link to the redirect at www.product_A.com since it is much easier to remember and is the domain name being marketed offline (product brochures, etc.).
So, which is the correct way to obtain links?
Should I have sites link to www.product_A.com or http://www.example.com/product_category/North_America/product_A.html?

Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!

[edited by: martinibuster at 4:57 pm (utc) on Nov. 22, 2005]
[edit reason] examplified [/edit]

[encyclo]

What kind of redirect are you using Eljaybe? Ideally you would not link through a redirect at all, but if you need to for marketing reasons then you should 301 redirect the domain to the target URL.

Also, why don't you want to build a genuine mini-site for each product rather than having just one page on a different site?

[Eljaybe]

Thanks for the advice! Sorry for getting back to you so late. Actually, my client has an IT dept. that handles hosting and other Web-related functions. We have tried requesting that they host this URL separately, but they tell us it's not possible. Maybe b/c they are worldwide and every other site of theirs is a subdirectory of their main worldwide site. We only work with one division of the company.
I will see if I can find out if they are using a 301 redirect, at least. Thanks for the tip!