Very true bingoballs and I'd like to add though that while time-consuming, if you find the means to get your article onto the websites of say two dozen high-pr ezine directories - for the right keywords related to what you're doing without the thing sounding like an ad (which would be refused anyway) - it is very possible to generate 30-40,000 backlinks (and for lesser sought-after material at least 100s) within days on Google. We've done it ourselves (along with links on the other major search engines). Sure as the dust settles you end up with a couple of hundred, but the thing is (as stated above) to not let up on the process. You must commit to this form of marketing just like any other. Doing something once ain't gonna cut it
Also ghostwriters can do this for you (the writing portion). Guru.com is a good place though they have a minimum charge of $25. However, for that amount, you can find someone competent to write say 2-3 300-500 word articles for you. You supply the details, after you've done your homework on the right keyword phrases and they do the rest.
Again the hard part comes when it's time to submit. There are desktop software programs out there though that you can purchase which set up legimate accounts in specified directories. So the first time through can be painstakingly slow - but after that first round the software holds the information for you. You must monitor your submissions, but it beats the heck out of the alternative... do it "new" each time or not doing it all all.
Just my two cents.