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That's a great location but it seems like most of the info there is pretty spread out in regards to my question. I was interested in figuring out if the number of external link on a site will influence their own reputation, and how. For example, if site A has 500 external link, and site B has 1000 - and assuming all other metrics are the same for both sites - which one should I try to pursue as far as getting an external link to my own site (i.e. which has the highest SEO value for me)? Also, I am assuming that when a site has 500 external links, that is 500 external links going out (not coming in).

Steve, Thank you for sharing this.

Thanks for the answer guys. I would agree guest posting like all other tactics might not work is abused or over-done. But is the strategy is only post the unique articles ones, how much of it can be borrowed into another article while still maintaining it's "unique" factor? ex: 0% 50%, 80%,  etc.

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Depends on the type of penalty. Manual spam penalties almost always target the entire site. Algorithmic filters like Penguin can target groups of specific keywords. Though to an outside observer, it's often hard to tell them apart.

Michael, Can you provide some information on the "intermediate page"? Can the intermediate page be within the same domain or should it be a different domain altogether? Regards, Carlos

Nick, Thank you for your answer, you eliminated my confusion. Have a wonderful new-years. -Carlos

I'm don't think there would be zero risk, but the risk would certainly be minimised. It's authenticity that really matters in all of this. If people are writing topically relevant blog articles that link to pages on the same subject and it's being done authentically, then you are working and operating the right side of the line. Peter

I want to start by agreeing with everything Alex has said.  He's absolutely right. To answer your question directly, I would think nofollow should be used when the blogger writes the review.  If they mention you and link to you in later posts, that's their editorial choice and those links can be followed.  Technically, if the blogger mentions/links to you in later posts, you don't really have anything to do with it and it's their choice whether the make the link followed or not.