I'm a newbie to SEO.
I've been told that it's a really good idea to make links to your website on bulletin boards.

Is this a good idea?

I've been reliably told that Search Engines don't care too much that a website is a bulletin board and still gives you brownie points for each post you make.
(This in my opinion defies logic: surely Search Engines can't be that dumb!??)

OK: it's wrong to use bulletin boards *simply* for SEO.
Lets go on the assumption that the sole purpose is not *just* for this purpose.

ALSO... disgruntled bulletin baord users may decide to wage a campaign against you because they don't like your views expressed.
OK... so most people are civilised, but this possiblity still remain.

Any replies to the above would be appreciated.


OM

While many forums allow for signature file in which you can place a link or links to your site, many of those signature files are not seen by search engines. As far as dropping links within the body of posts, many forums are pretty strict about allowing that unless it is absolutely relevant to the thread.

Finally, one should make sure that their only participation in a forum is not just to try to gain some SEO benefit. Other members and moderators will be able to easily see through that.

many of those signature files are not seen by search engines.
How do you know which ones are seen?

Finally, one should make sure that their only participation in a forum is not just to try to gain some SEO benefit. Other members and moderators will be able to easily see through that.
Yes... I agree. But, lets say I have a website selling X (totally unrelated to this website). And I have a link to my website on posts made to this website. Will I get brownie points by Mr Google for posting on this website? If the answer is no: why not.
(From the viewpoint of a human being, no brownie points should be given. But from the eyes of a robot... I think it should.)

Let's say I write an article for this website. This should give me a few gold stars from Mr Google. How does a Search Engine distinguish *distinctly* enough what is content and what is part of the bulletin board. (This website is run on PHP... so I would assume a Search Engine would have to have enough intelligence to figure this out.)

ALSO... I've heard someone say... it's a good idea to get a student account at a university and get your own webspace off the main domain. Any links created from there is well worth having... as it would appear that you are being linked from a well known institution.

Any truth in this?

Thanks.