Not sure if "affiliates" is the correct term. Basically, the simple question is, how important is link exchanging with other websites? As in, I'm currently working on an Anime site, is it important for me to look for other Anime/Graphic sites and try to get a link exchange worked out with them? As in, they link to me, I link to them? Is that the most effective way to get up on the google ranks?
affiliate would not be the right term for this. either link exchange or if you are looking for someone to exchange links with, then it would be link exchangepartner. link enchange it not a valued link building technique anymore. in fact google discounts links gained from link exchanges if done too much. there are plenty of free link building mehtods so there is no need for you to spend time on this.
I was about to ask if you knew any link exchange methods, then I saw your signature. You're just the kind of person I needed a response from