often times I don't read the entire link if it's windy, boring, or simply stupid, but some articles are actually interesting and informative and sometimes bring something new to the table. The links to blogs, either left or right wing I rarely read. Their content is always so predictable it's a waste of my time.

Yeah, sometimes, but I have yet to click on a link to YouTube.

When I link to something else, I often like to give a precis, or some editorial commentary, or an introduction, or an excerpt.  I figure no one's going to the link anyway, so...

I don't understand the question..How can I click on a link to someone not posting to this website?? if they are not posting how do I find it??
Generally speaking ..Unless it is a lib posting the link I sometimes check it out..If it looks like a legitimate link from a lib I google it and find it on my own.. I am wary of  viruses opening up links that libs have posted ..The libs like to key SUVs  ,graffiti , remove Mccain signs ,etc.,  and any other kind of juvenile destruction they can imagine..I'm not giving them a chance on my PC.. Cheney would be pissed if my files got corrupted