I know there are many thousands of websites, which use software to manage their 'Linking Programs'. Some of this software is 'automated' and allows links from anyone who is willing to fill in a form and post a link to their website first. This type of 'Linking Program' has turned many websites into 'Mini Directories', with pages of categorized links which have absolutely nothing to do with theme of website whatsoever.

What good is a high PR if it doesn't help your SE rankings, or even hurts them?

I know this will be disappointing for those who have spent money on these facilities (especially recently), as well as those who have had them installed for some time. I feel for those who have been doing what they have thought to be, or have been advised is right thing to do. But I'm sorry, it's very clear, judging by Google's own advice, that these programs have been in very least, achieving nothing for SE rankings by collecting so many irrelevant links and it's also possible that in so doing, they have been "tying a millstone around your necks" and your website may well have been penalized for it.

That's not to say that programs have somehow not done their job. I believe they are for purpose of improving 'link popularity', and this is exactly what they have done. However, link popularity ALONE is not a consideration in SE ranking algorithms when PR has been established with unrelated links. Remember - "Links from a non-related site will still pass PR, but will have little or no effect on SERPs".

Every day, I still get emails requesting a reciprocal link from an unrelated website, in which sender informs me that "reciprocal linking is a very effective way to increase your website's PR and SE rankings”. I hope now that we can all realize and agree that when it comes to linking for purpose of improving SE rankings, it only works if it's done properly. This means, as with everything else, there is no quick way and no 'automated' answer. You have to check each website that you are considering linking to, in order to ascertain if it's relevant and consequently, of value to your users (and your site to it's users) and Search Engines.

I wonder if there’s a software program that can quickly and effortlessly remove incoming links from unrelated sites? I seriously doubt it, considering it would involve removing content from websites belonging to others. I feel that for most, this will be most difficult problem to deal with as once they are there, they are there to stay. How do you undo so much hard work?

11. When you purchase a product and it exceeds your expectations e-mail business a testimonial. Make sure your statement is detailed. Give them permission to publish it on their web site if they link to your site.

12. Create a directory of web sites on a specific topic. Give people option of adding directory to their web site by linking to it. Put your business ad at top of directory's home page.

13. Exchange content with other web sites. You could trade articles, top ten lists, etc. Both parties could include a resource box at end of content.

14. Allow people to download software at no charge from your web site, if they link to your web site. The software could be freeware, shareware or demos.

15. Trade other forms of advertising to people that link to your web site. You could trade e-zine ads, print ads, autoresponder ads, classified ads, ebook ads, etc.

16. Give away web space to people for free. Since you are giving it away for free, request they link to your site by placing your ad or banner to site.

17. Join or create a web ring. A web ring is a group of web sites on a similar subject agreeing to link together. To find a web ring to join type keywords "web rings" into your search engine of choice.

18. Create an online club or association. Tell your visitors what's included in membership and what it costs to join. Offer them a free membership if, in exchange, they link to your web site.

19. Allow people to use an online service or utilities from your web site if, in exchange, they link to your web site. The online service could be an e-mail account, search engine submission, web page design, copywriting, proofreading, etc.

20. Offer a free e-book to your web site visitors. The ebook should be related to your target audience. Allow them to give e-book to their own web site visitors by linking directly to your web site.