This is part of an article I posted at SearchEngineWatch.com on content to attract high-quality links.

We have been hearing a lot about adding content to your site to increase the number of natural links as a long-term link building strategy. I believe there is a misunderstanding about the type of content that attracts links. Simply adding an article to a site does not constitute great content. A great resource that attracts links takes research and time. It solves a problem or answers a question. I suggest creating 5 “great” pages instead of 40 “ok” pages.

Questions to Ask Yourself
-Does the article offer answers to a question?
-Are people actually searching for the answers to that question?
-Do I have to read 500 words to get an answer to something that could have been answered in 200 words?
-Does it solve a problem?
-Does it help your current users?
-Does this page deserve a link from a college?

Andy AtkinsKruger, President of Search Marketing Association UK (SMA-UK), adds

“I think it’s also worth writing about something you believe in - and even though initially it might be hard work - later you’ll find there is a community building up around you.”

Feel free to jump into the discussion with your ideas or observations!

Barry Schwartz, of Search Engine Roundtable and Search Engine Watch, also did two post regarding the topic.
Writing Articles That Get Links
Writing for Search Engines by Copying and Pasting