I would agree with that, I did everything following the guidelines - still I got screwed in search results. I filed a Reconsideration request in webmaster to them after waiting 2 months to see if ranking improves rank after being penalized, finally I got my ranking back today. I spend more time to make my Website perfect for Google than for my users. Unique Meta desc / titles / Content / Tags and what not.
Just doing soft stuff in link networks (not hard core laying the links on thick) seems to work well in link networks like ReceiveLinks, TNX, Direct-Link-Ads. Eric
I have to say i have read this guide and its an ecellent introduction to SEO - bout time brought something official out.
Yes, same same nothing new or unkown of course. It is nice to actually get a confirmation from the big G about these items. I think any guidance given needs to be taken with a grain of salt though. They have their own agenda and goal in everything they do.. Thanks for posting this.. good reminder of the basic web design principles.