Links - do they invite spam?

[maytag]

I noticed that a thread I started inquiring about the effectiveness of heat pads attracted a spammer. I had originally linked to external websites of heat pad manufacturers. Did that somehow attract spam? If so, i am terribly sorry (I edited my original post and deleted the links). Sorry if this is a stupid question, but in general, for my edification, do links to external sites invite spam?

Thanks very much,

[trux]

I do not think it makes any difference, Maytag.

[maytag]

Thanks, Trux.