I want to use a linked banner but don't want the link to "count", JS was my initial thought but since I usually surf with JS disabled the rel-nofollow attribute may be the better option.

Any views either way?

Then nofollow, but you can also use some basic redirect.

I want to use a linked banner but don't want the link to "count", JS was my initial thought but since I usually surf with JS disabled the rel-nofollow attribute may be the better option.

Not sure what you mean by "count."

If you're trying to manipulate PageRank distribution, either internally or externally, nofollow is probably unwise; and javascript, as you note, is always iffy for navigation... which suggests that manipulation might not be a good idea.

On the other hand, if the banner is an ad to another site, then the rel nofollow attribute is appropriate... even desired by the engines... and you should have no worries.

Manipulate Pagerank? Moi?

You've answered the question though, it's an ad so it's the attribute.

Just never actually used it before....

Manipulate Pagerank? Moi?

glengara - Actually, I was just "universalizing" the reply, but I can see how the broad phrasing might suggest you've gone to the dark side.