how not to get blacklisted...?
 

After a few weeks of research on SEO, I'd like to start removing certain hard link trades, all for various reasons. Some will stay, others will go, and other links will be added.

It was never stated that the hardlinks were permanent. Was it implied in the trade? I hope not, and in hind-sight, I wish I had "disclaimed" to that effect.

Obviously, those webmasters that provided a valid e-mail address will be receiving a notification of the removal, and some will promptly remove the reciprocal backlinks.

However, what about those that did not provide a means of contact? What about those that assumed the hardlinks were permanent, be-it implied or otherwise interpreted?

Bottom line: I don't want my domain, url, e-mail, or anything else ending up on any blacklists... but I certainly can't leave spammy sites or irrelevant sites in my footer. What do I do?

Let's trade :)

Look threw the ones that actually send traffic and are worthy of staying.
Check the stats of who is reciping and sending to you fairly.

THe rest burn em down.

@sharp: sure, hit me up

@Alien: I know the ones I want to "burn", but I'm talking about how best to approach the webmasters whose links I remove, particularly those that I cannot contact directly

It's the nature of the business, which is why it's always wise to keep track of link trades and adjust accordingly. Sounds like you're trying to be responsible by contacting people who's info you have - get rid of the rest, maybe post a notice on your webmaster section too.