Do you link to or from your articles?

I just realized, most article directories accept rather crappy articles, the only reason you should write a decent article is because a potential customer might actually read it. But why put it on an e.g. ezinearticles when the SEO benefits are hardly worth it, especially when you could give it more link juice if you've got your own half decent domain. I might be a bit rusty on this but I think most people still build links to their directory submitted articles. Sure, you've got your landing page url in there, but why not just link to that directly? And if you're only using article directories to manioulate your SERP, how come google hasn't banned this? Right, that's another story. Sorry for my rambnlings.

You can build links using directories, its totally white hat. There is nothing against the google rules (i think).
You are getting backlinks from different Ips (its important), ******** and increasing a bit your PR. EzineArticles get higher in search engines because google loves him. Also spinning and creating a lot of different meta tags and titles you will be driving ton of traffic to your website.

if you just link directly you can get your article removed ( If i were a competitor i would report your unreadable article) also would not attract possible reader to your website. Its also have related content in your article because its important for SEO.

Regards

housemusic:
1st part: I know all that, did you even read my entire question?

"if you just link directly you can get your article removed ( If i were a competitor i would report your unreadable article) also would not attract possible reader to your website. Its also have related content in your article because its important for SEO."

WTF does that even mean? Someone can get your article removed but what does it have to do with direct linking?

Ah, just forget it.