Donno if google looks at them or not. We use something every now and then, and then there are others that swear by 'em. Good question.

best 

Your post already has your information on it. Every post is tied to your profile.  Also, every person's profile is connected to their comments that they make which makes it unnecessary for people to "sign" their comments.  Make sense?

It's not the signature that creates the valuable backlinks..its valuable keywords with links that do it..

Well I think it is a great idea to short cut things a bit but I understand what Donna is saying.  My husband said there are certain no-no's on AR but I dance to the beat of a different drum then he does.  I use to live in Spokane @ Fairchild AFB...Are they still torching old tanker fuel?  The first time I saw that mushroom cloud I almost had to visit the restroom!  Its a beautiful place!  Love the Spokane River!!!

I have a signature with links to my website at the bottom of every post not for google but for people who may stumble upon my post and never read another one - but will visit my website or seach the MLS from the link at the bottom of my post .  sure they can click my profile but why require them to make extra clicks?

I believe it is the key words that ties your posts to views on search engines.  I have noticed when performing RealEstate searches on Google that many of the posts are tied to an Active Rain article.