Spring Cleaning Links!

[mayanetwork]

We were "newbies" when building one of our sites and accepted reciprocal links from anyone who would accept. Consequently we've linked to sites that are not related to our subject matter and/or may be questionable in terms of site quality.

We've read that these OBL can and will negatively affect our rankings. First, is this correct and should we remove any OBL that don't relate or that are questionable, or do only IBL matter?

Secondly, is there software that can check the quality of link partner sites to ensure they are not banned, spamming or performing other "black hat" techniques?

This would help us decide whether we should remove them or not; among other criteria. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

[Brad Callen]

I think this can be the problem with reciprocal linking is the sheer quantity of some of the directories.

Lots of webmasters wont go back and check them at a later date.

I will have to get my friend to post in here with his software for checking banned sites. Its comming along quite nicely, last check, he was waiting on some adjustments to be done by his programmers.

Brad

[iowadawg]

use such software!
Are we talking sites banned by google?
If so, that would be a boon to every webmaster.

[angelos]

Surely you should be more fastidious while choosing which sites to reciprocate and check main SE rules of play.

[jovigirl]

There must be a kind of bot you can program to check the links automatically and report any dead / hacked site to your eMail, isn't it?

[Brad Callen]

With the right programmer, and enough money, you can make a program practically do anything (with in reason)

There are some very talented programmers around.

Brad

[Moneyfolk]

Anxiously awaiting this software. There are some links, I want to check myself. BTW, can someone define "black hat SEO"?