Google is progressively updating PageRank information across their data centers. Many SEO forums have already started to discuss about this. I also noticed changes to PageRank on some of my domains and pages.

Search Engine Journal provides good insights about how Google is now paying more attention to earned or organic links instead of bogus links. You should adjust your search marketing effort accordingly. Some old methods will become obsolete soon while there are a lot of new ways to get inbound links.

In conclusion, links are still important to determine your webpage rankings.

Examples of bogus links are mass distribution of duplicate articles with the same anchor text, reciprocal link and mass directory submission. The first one should raise a warning to article marketer. Now is the time to start personalized article submission.

Earned links or organic links include but not limited to, links from authority blogs and web communities, linkbaiting, local directory, news coverage and more.

Source: Search Engine Journal.