Does a link form affect Google rank?

[kapow]

Does it affect the Google rank of a site if you have a links page that invites linkers to submit their site details into a form?

I have recently created a simple php page to do this and the site has just dropped from No5 to half way down the 2nd page!

The form does not add links to the page but sends the request to me in an organised format for me to review, but I am wondering if Google is mistaking this for a link farm thing?

[Yidaki]

Kapow, what is the wording you use on page and off page (anchor text for links to your submit form page)? Also, what is the filename of the submit form page? Do you use words like "free submission, links, submit link" or any other words that could be interpreted as link farming, ffa language?

Also, where are the links listed, that are accepted after your review? Are they listed on the same page where the submission form is?

[kapow]

- In my title tag and on the page I have:
"Keyword-1 and Keyword-2 Related Links ¦ Submit site"

- Yes: the links I accept are displayed on the same page.

I actually set up this page on my site in response to a thread about quality links campaigns (can't remember the thread now but it was on the front page of WebmasterWorld for a while).

[Yidaki]

kapow, from your description i fear that google could in fact see your page as a little link farm or a dodgy reciprocal game - no judge. I'd think about dividing the submit form and the listings page. If you haven't allready done, i'd write a good paragraph to describe the listed sites. I'd think about adding a logo per listing also. I'd avoid words and phrases like "lala links: submit site" - some people seem to have difficulties with their links pages and the current google index (to early for conclusions, though).

Since you talk about linking campaigns, i'd suggest reading the 18 page thread links pages being removed? [webmasterworld.com].

your problem is discussed around #msg 126 - page 9 of the above mentioned thread

[kapow]

Well, for now (until I understand this better) I have removed the link page.

Can anyone tell me where is the Google form to request a site is re-reviewed? (if it was penalized because Google thinks it is doing something bad).

[kapow]

OK - I removed the link page.
- Should I wait for Google to re-review?
- or should I ask Google to re-review?

Being on page two is bad for business I need good advice.

If I get to understand what Google thinks is good/bad on a links page then I will revise my links page. Until then its gone!