Linking to Affiliate directories

will i be penalized by google?

[automotivetouchup]

I am trying to promote my new affilliate program. Most directories require a link back to them. I heard from reading other forums that google may penalize for linking to affilliate directories.(many other webmasters suffering to I heard)even though other sites are remaining to keep their search engine results high. Any truth to this?
I am linking to 4 directories, but only affilliate directories sign up for my program.
My website has fallin, And i cant get up.

[vik_c]

Shouldn't be a problem. All these directories will link to you from inner pages anyway and many merchants do this.

[MHes]

Hi

Absolute nonsense! Affiliates are a valuable part of the web.

[mikeH]

yeah some of the best links are from affiliate directories, in some ways u can could claim yahoo as an affiliate directory.

[automotivetouchup]

I mean linking back to them for a recipical link.

[MHes]

Hi automotivetouchup

Linking to an affiliate should not be a problem. If the affiliate has a pr value with google then it should be fine. Some affiliate sites are heavily optimised and may go over the line because of some other reason, so keep an eye on them and if they fall out of the index I would be cautious in keeping a link to them.

[automotivetouchup]

thanks mhes

[mikeH]

yeah check the HTML, but you should do this with any link partnership, not only affiliate sites use dodgy techniques. I have swapped links with affiliate directories and the experience has only been a plus. I get a listing on a pr 4 - 5 page, which would cost 200 quid on yahoo. I wish there were more directories about really, be it affiliate or not.