On the other hand, as an article writer and content creator I am creating material that would normally command a reasonable fee if it were commissioned work written for publication.

So, as a compromise, rather than links within the article itself,in addition to the resource box link, why not consider having the author’s name as an enabled link to go to their website?

Dennis Mellersh

In effect, we are already giving every author two chances for links back to their site.

We’re even planning on a 3rd strategy that will be released in a few weeks.

Curious: Isn’t it enough to have links back to your website in the resource box?

For me, that’s where they belong.

Unfortunately, allowing links allows abusers.

Maybe you could add a relevant links box…

Until I read your posting, I hadn’t really thought of this issue, at least not in this context.

Like another contributor here, I am both a content creator and an avid reader. In my case, from both perspectives I feel links within a resource box are sufficient, especially if the writer has been paid.

There are 2 exceptions I can think of off the top of my head.

First is if an article or posting is explicitly about an external resource. For example, if I am writing about EzineArticles.com in another venue, and if I think it a valuable resource for my target audience, then it makes sense for me to provide a link directly to it within the body of my article.

Second has to do with non-commercial sites. My site generates no income, but is meant to provide information to visitors. I don’t think it unreasonable of me to want to put my link below my name when I’m posting (for example) to discussion boards. This is particularly true with web sites which I have given a free text or banner link, something I routinely do, in the belief the other site may be of value to at least some of my visitors. Of course, should I ever recast my web site to be an income-generating one, I’ll certainly have to modify my expectations.

My two cents’ worth . . .