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Search for webmaster guidelines on nearly any search engine. (see especially the sections called "quality guidelines")
Edit: I had originally hinted at a particular search engine to use to look up the document I referenced. It turns out every one I typed the phrase into returned the same first link, so it doesn't seem to matter!
You could also look at using frames (although i personally hate frames). Using frames you could open up all links in one frame while still having a header for your site in the top frame.
Just a couple of options! Hope they are of use to you!
Webboy
The web is a network, and if you seek out good linking partners, then as you link out to one site about a subject, so another will link to you about yours. Get used to linking for traffic, and the world will be a better place. :)