reciprocal link services

[agoli]

I've read on Google dos and don'ts (*) that it is not recommended to join one of the reciprocal link services such as:

Can someone explain me why I shouldn't do that?
What would be the consequences for the PageRank of my site?

Thank you!

(*) [google.com...]

(edited by: NFFC at 7:31 pm (gmt) on Nov. 14, 2001)

[rogerd]

Agoli, there have been periodic reports of Google banning or penalizing sites. Since they are actually telling you they don't like link farms, you would be risking this kind of penalty. It isn't that difficult for them to detect participation in such schemes. I was aware of only one reciprocal link site that made a serious effort to create unique and relevant topic pages for its participants, and it is now out of business.

Instead of link farms, consider submitting your site to directories related to your topic, as well as soliciting reciprocal link arrangements with other sites related to your topic. It's more work, but it will help you more in the long run and won't expose you to any risks.