the "link:" Operator is about the worst tool you can use to judge inbound links. Google will rarely show you any.
There are other alternatives too google "LINK" operator, e.g. 1. alexa site infor 2. google webmaster 3. http server log I like the last one most, because it only show you the backlinks which can bring you real visitors. In other words, if you make profit from your website, only such links can bring you profit.