I dont think Angela and Paul's backlinks are still effective but that doesn't really mean that is method dead, just the source of those types of links. you can follow her idea, there are still thousands and thousands of profiles you can place your links on see this thread http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=1524346&highlight=angelas+links
Angela's Links are links that have High PR. Different links though... More here....--> http://www.warriorforum.com/adsense...rum/110659-what-angelas-pauls-back-links.html
It is effective if you understand the concept in the first place. Buying the ebook and just leave a link to your site isn't gonna help you. I did a quick search in Google about using that strategy the good way check out arindamchakraborty.com/4-tips-to-using-angelas-backlinks-in-a-better-way
I tried them and they do seem to provide a SERP boost. However, it seems like an easy pattern for Google to recognize, so I suspect the newer algorithm will devalue those kind of links heavily.
I also think about Google filtering links that came from that strategy. I forgot where I read an article about this particular issue, but since the widely use of these links and spamming on that sites, Google gives less value on those links than it was before. I used this strategy with my own set of links and methods. It wouldn't matter if the link doesn't contain anchor text, even if it just posts your URL it will boost your rankings. Angela's links are mostly like that.
I've used Angela's links with good results on a wordpress blog about designers. The blog now ranks on 1st page, it took maybe less than a month to do so, but won't budge any further up the list. It was merely a test for me. I did also use some of Muz's edu links too and a few of my own comment sites that I found that were related to design and designers.
*sigh* Put the logic of it together... PR N/A links from a forum profile, most of which get axed at some point, and webmasters who close forum registrations because they're sick of having people join, drop a link and never return. If that isn't grayhat, I don't know what is.
I would be interested to hear how google spots these so called footprints. I sometimes think that people forget Google is a computer, not human. Can it really spot a fake profile?
Angela provides good information on what blogs to access. 30 per month for $5. You could get their service where the linking is done for you (search on the net I don't have the link sorry). The time it will take to find 30 high PR blogs yourself alone is worth it. There is no shortcuts in business (unless you regard your internet marketing as a hobby or a get-rich-quick system).