External Links - does quantity/quality matter?

[erogers]

For a while now, I've had a policy of not linking out externally from my main index pages. My theory was that I would be able to preserve PR next time it updates. I know that the PR algorithm takes number of external links into account when passing PR to other sites - I've also heard about PR "bleed" - where you can loose PR from your page by passing through too many externals.

Then there is the question of: is lack of externals bad? Does Google or another engine take number of externals into account as a factor in their rankings? Would it be more beneficial to link out to a couple high-authority sites in my niche from my index page than to have no external links?

Can someone clue me in?

[judyo]

I only give one-way external links on my interior pages to sites like the specific city village hall or community page or library, etc. I don't know of any benefit you'd get from giving an external link on your home page unless it's a trade with an excellent directory that is going to give you something of value (either a high PR link or good traffic).

[webmaster]

First of all, read my signature

Second of all - the first question you should ask yourself is "will this help my visitor" if you feel the need to link to a site then link to it - don't sweat the bleeding of PR, the minute you do, you start taking your eye off the prize.