Heed the words of the Ancient Linkbuilder.

10) Link building should never cause struggle. If your task feels as if you’re walking up a mountain, re-examine your efforts.
9) Quality websites attract links more readily. Always build quality.
8) Don’t be afraid to “grease the wheels” of commerce when searching for links that count.
7) In the final analysis, a link is a link.
6) Those who shout their rules from the highest mountaintops know little, if any.
5) The skills needed to become a seasoned link builder can’t be taught in school but can be learned by anyone.
4) If you can’t beat them, join them.
3) Today’s gimmick is tomorrow’s penalty.
2) Only join the link building crowd if mediocre results appeal to you.
1) Always be generous with your links, because a grasping energy is the enemy of financial freedom.