ownerrim - 2:31 am on Nov 2, 2005 (gmt 0)

"I read in this forum a few months back that Google Guy gave a tacit approval to the notion of buying links? Was it because they haven't found a way to combat it yet and don't want to admit it?"

Also, it would be very difficult in most instances for google to know if a link was purchased or not. For instance, you can buy your way into a directory or, if you're willing to wait a bit, get a free admission. There's no way for a SE to determine just how it is you came by that "democratic" vote.