You're right of course. I was just explaining why spammers do it. They don't want to do the work of making quality posts so they automate it. It's just human nature.
Sig links do help, and yes, its a good tip, but maybe google has already indexed the page and because it is no longer as high up the pile so-to-speak then it won't get reindexed?? I agree though, if you've got about 300 posts on a forum, one day put your links into the sig & you've got 300 extra links - people won't realise that they apply to you past posts either. Another little tip for sig links - vary the text occasionally - it keeps them fresh in the SE's eyes, but also in users eyes (i've had people comment that my sig links are suddenly different!) DoA
yes, I have a lot of evidence. I've tried it myself a number of times. there are much, much better ways to rank for competitive terms. and I've found that sig links seem to affect trust in google as well.
I'm with mad4 A helpful post not only raises your reputation (not in terms of that green thing..) and it will also help to attract clicks on your signature. Many helpful members here has over hundreds of clicks through their signature per month
Hey, I'm just sharing a little tip for everyone. I never said it was some huge great trick. If you dont like the tip theres no need to bash it.
people are being hostile because it essentially encourages spammy posts on forums just to get links. it's unfortunate you got this reaction, I agree. I personally don't agree with your tactics (though I did it myself once upon a time, when I though sig links may actually help) that doesn't mean you should be flamed for them or negrep'd. if people flame each other every time we reveal something in the grey or blackhat-ish areas, it doesn't do anyone much service. a lot of people are interested in this stuff.