I am one of those optimists who still read reciprocal link emails now and again in the hope that I see a spark of originality. I don't ask much, only a few details such as where do you want the link from (be page specific here or forget it), anchor text and description. It's not much to ask, is it?

Rarely, I get an email where someone has actually visited my site, noted the page to which I should add their link and provided the required details. Those clever people have a chance of getting a link and get this (whispers and draws you in closer); it isn't always necessary for it to be reciprocal. There, I've said it. I don't always need a link back! If it fits with the site, I sometimes give (gasp) a one-way link!

Yes, really. I sometimes link to another site without requiring they link back to me. Makes a person feel all dirty, doesn't it? Like some sort of link-slut.

However, I loathe the requests to link that go along the lines of "Link to us as we have linked to you because if you don't, we'll take the link down!" (omg! No. pfft!) or "Linking is important because ..."

Usually, these types of emails immediately get added to the junk mail list and that's that. Any further link requests get as far as my junk folder and will never get read.

The following is the type of nonsense that guarantees you get added to my junk mail and not my link pages:

Dear webmaster,

A few days ago we had sent across an email with a request that we wish to be your link partner. Our request to you was to exchange link with our web site hhtp://wwww.nositehere.com. We had also sent at least two reminder emails with our request for becoming link partners. However, since we have not received any response from your side we are assuming that you do not wish to be our link partner at this stage.

We were very hopeful of receiving a positive response from your side but we have received no contact from you till date. Although, we are a little disappointed but we understand that you must have your reasons for choosing to ignore our request to become link partners at this stage and we respect your decision. After waiting for your response for a considerable period (er, couple of days wasn't it?), we have now removed your link from our web site.

Please do let us know if in near future you become interested in exchanging link with our web site. We will be glad to have you as our link partner.

Although you may as a webmaster seeking links, be tempted into the 'shotgun approach' for emailing prospective link partners by spraying emails left and right, you would be better served taking a little time and trouble actually visiting the website you hope will link to your site and being specific about the page you hope to get a link from. Remember, one quality link from a decent site is worth at least twenty low-quality ones.