Google has been posting advice on links all this week. The two previous posts were on link architecture and external linking. Yesterday's post was on the topic of inbound links.
Google explains that inbound links not only bring you visitors but can positively influence your Google rankings. But when can these links give you a positive boost in Google? Google carefully writes, "when the links are merit-based and freely-volunteered as an editorial choice, they're also one of the positive signals to Google about your site's importance." Yes, only "merit-based and freely-volunteered as an editorial choice" types of links, not the other ones. I find it funny how Google does not mention "paid" links at all in the post, instead, they make sure to mention "free" links.
Google then gives some tips on how to get the links that can positively influence your rankings. And then adds some tips on what not to do, such as "don't engage in mass link-begging." Clearly, this post is not too detailed - I am personally a bit disappointed in that. I should have known better, but I kind of was expecting more from this specific post.