Should I stop linking to pharm sites?

Right now in my link directory I link to a lot (~50) pharm/viagra/etc. sites. I did this initially because these sites with high PR would link to me when I had none. I still find myself linking to those with PR > 3 with a topic specific link directory. My site is health related; however, it is a type of disorder and really has nothing to do with an online pharmacy, viagra, cialis, etc.



Should I stop linking to these sites now that I am established (PR 5), should I get rid of the links I currently have? I am in the sandbox, but #1 for allinanchor and gradually moving up the SERPS (#90 as we speak).



What do you think I should do so I rank higher? Is it that dangerous to link to these types of sites even if they are established and have high PR?



Thanks!

Do you know I think that is a really difficult question. If they are obviously not banned and have high PR why stop linking (and getting a link) with them, on the other hand, do your users really want to see this stuff?

I honestly don't see it as a problem with the search engines (unlike many here I'm sure) but obviously because of the nature of the sites I would keep an extra close eye on any of them potentially getting banned.

If your linking format is such that your users are not upset by seeing too much of this stuff then I'd personally keep them. I'd dump them if I were totally unrelated but you're both in the 'health' (OK loosely) industry so I would keep them.

I run an entertainment site and have links to/from casino sites. I'm PR6, have a page 1 on my one word competitive keyphrase and the site is less than a year old. I'll be keeping my links.

Jane

keep your links for now, until you get yourself good serp for your keywords.

What about casino sites, I link to a couple of them as well... Now those are not related at all and have a bad rap...

If I were you I don't think I would be comfortable with both Pharmacy AND Casino and would dump the Casino as you've not got many anyway and you are loosely Pharmacy related.

Jane

I would slowly weed out the pharmaceutical sites and replace them with links related to your site. Maybe start with the lowest PR pages.

Theme and relevant are often talked about here, but we really don't have any idea what googles algo looks at as far as relevant or theme. Often when it is discussed it is in regards to the site content i.e. casino, pharmacy, porn, travel, financial etc.

However it is possible that theme and relevant is completely different for example, news, information, e-commerce, etc.

The point is, no one really knows what is being taken into account, we only have theories that we most likely will never be able to prove.

Having said all that, if I had a health site, I would consider anything medical as related, so pharmacy sites would fall in there. But then again, I know people who go gamble to solve medical problems, like stress !

I personally feel safer not to link with casino sites simply because gambling is illegal in most states including the one from where Google operates, but then again ... Google seems to have no problem with many of their sites and the ones that Google likes seem to help those exchanging links with them.

But the question is: what will be long term?