Very good question. I look forward to seeing people's response. I never intended my forum posts to give my websites a boost but they seem to have a good effect. So from my experience forum posts do help somewhat.
I think perhaps submitting to directories. Haha I could have sworn this was going to be a question about lightbulbs for some reason though.
^ haha I also thought it was going to have something to do with energy... I don't know the answer to the question, but as all the others I would love to know. Maybe you could track down a moderator, close this thread and re-title it to entice more views. Maybe 'sig links vs. directories'
If you read his post and not just the title you should not be puzzled or confused.. LOL He is reffering to physical energy, the energy it takes for you to type and submit to directories vs. the energy it takes to chat it up on a forum. I'm curious too, which method produces more effective links. I'm guessing directories now, especially if you are submitting to directories with a good amount of PR. Anyone want to chime in on this?
I would think a signature. It's in every post you make and have a bigger chance of getting your name out there, especially to those who don't visit directories (like me).