I run the site http://DesktopLinuxAtHome.com and currently do not have the headlines on the frontpage as links... you must click on the little arrow to the left to go to the article. My question is if I make the entire headline a link, will search engines not regard it as "content"?
Another question about the headline links... should they have target="_blank" (opening in new windows) or not? Does that annoy people?
Make your headlines links, people expect to be able to click on them. I always use target=blank for external links taking people away from my site as well as for information windows while users are filling in a form.