SlyOldDog - 8:37 pm on Jun 26, 2005 (gmt 0)

I realized reverse engineering the algorithm was impossible, at least for me, several updates ago. I think it was the florida update when neither rhyme nor reason applied any longer.

We had some sites removed from the serps in that update and others which stayed. There were dozens of theories on WebmasterWorld about what the common theme could be, but each theme could not explain at least why one of our sites was either in or out of the serps.

The fact is that google has so many factors at play, and they vary them so often, and also throw in a random element to derail anyone smart enough to run linear regression to try and work out what counts.

That was a year and a half ago. I stopped trying to second guess google at that point. Now it can only be harder.

I admire you guys for trying to work out what's what, but your valiant effort will only result in the conclusion that you just need to build a site for the user with minimal SEO which is deemed white hat, and perhaps go out and get some backlinks to your landing pages.

There is no holy grail - the more black hat you go the more you risk a penalty. It's just a tradeoff now, and you need to pick your spot on the risk curve that suits your stomach.