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So I'm guessing that everything that you tried over a 10 year period should be avoided? None of it worked? None of the things you did, helped you in any way?

So basically what you are saying is that it's not as hard as everyone is making it seem. Because that is what 'm getting from your comment. Are we making it more difficult than we should? Is it as simple as creating good, relevant content?
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Some things worked, some caused trouble, but in general I think we would've see more spent our time better concentrating on content as opposed to SEO, per se. It's like diets and magic pills for fitness - they may work, but ultimately you realise that good old regular workouts is the only thing that matters.