Thoughts on "3-way" link request?

[Kathy]

Hi folks,
I have noticed a recent increase in some unusual link requests coming my way via email.

The webmaster asks me to place a link on my site for his/her "Site A," and in return, he/she will place a "reciprocal" link back to me - but not from "Site A."

Instead, a link back to my site will show up "on one of the following sites: 'Site B,' or 'Site C.'"

Have any of you heard of this type of strategy? I have asked the senders to clarify why they wouldn't just link back to me from the site they want me to post, but I haven't yet had any response.

Somehow, something doesn't seem quite right to me about it, but perhaps I'm just uninformed on this.

Thanks for any light you can shed on this topic.
Cheers!
Kath

[westernfront]

Would share this from LinkPartners.com
http://linkpartners.com/article_three_way_linking.html

[Kathy]

Thanks so much for providing the link to that article. It really helped me understand - plus, it gave me the validation that my "spider senses" were correct in this case! It makes it easier to just hit the "delete" button when these types of "Link Exchange Requests" come in.

Again, I appreciate the help! Have a great day...
Kath

[Cleaningprof]

What annoys me about the recent spate of 3-way link requests is that I am asked to provide a link to a site where there is mutual relevance but in return am offered a link on a site with NO relevance whatsoever!

Do people actually fall for this?

[cvarr@hotmail.com]

Unfortunately, yes, people do fall for it. There is always someone trying to "beat the system" and trying to get things good for themselves for the short term.

They fail to realize how much it could hurt in the long run and the people that fall for it are most of the time innocent newbies that are being preyed on.

Connie