Dear link-exchange-requestor (requestee?....:)),

I am flattered by the fact that your appreciation for my site made you 
propose a link-exchange.

However, I would like to point out that *none* of the gazillion links 
on my site[*] were the result of a link-exchange....each and every link
was listed because the content of that site appealed to me, and I 
*never* demanded or even proposed a link-exchange to the other 
side/site either.
(never asked permission either btw, so I certainly don't require that 
from others, when they want to link mine; so if that is your main 
question, feel free and go ahead....:))


[*] containing multiple chapters btw, including offroad/automotive, 
infrared/photographic, skiing/outdoor, chinese food/culinaria and PC/IT


This does not mean that you can't *propose* a link-exchange to me....if
I like the content, and it fits any of my chapters/categories, then I 
will most likely link it....the more unique, or the more dedicated to 
any relevant topic, the better.

But: if you *only* want to link my site if I link yours, I must really 
question your motives to list my site in the first place.
Either you like my site well enough to list it anyway, or you don't.
That is how I put up all those gazillion links; I never made it 
dependant on the fact whether the other site would link mine.

So please don't be offended if I don't link your site, for any reason.
(and also understand that I can't link each and every site....my 
chapters would literally explode if I met every request!)
But be aware that I am somewhat baffled by the fact that you would only 
link mine, if I link yours....that should never be the consideration 
when validating links....it definitely never was for me.


If you still feel that I must absolutely list your site, feel free to 
add arguments why you think your site is unique; it is of course 
possible that I overlooked the most essential/valuable content, while 
browsing your site too briefly, due to lack of time.



PS: please do not feel offended either by the non-personal nature of 
this text; I receive so many requests each week that I had to resort to 
a more formal policy-document....:))



PPS: don't even bother to ask for a link-exchange if your site only 
wants to act as a very generic link-portal, no matter how convenient 
the structure is, and no matter how you like my site in one of your 
chapters/sections/branches.
My site didn't get its reputation by linking to generic sites, only 
to the most topic-dedicated sites.