Five ways Google is changing SEO

[The Buzz]

Just a few years ago, search-engine optimization was widely considered a specialized knowledge of how to manipulate Google’s search rankings with clever, secret tactics. While that was an accurate assessment then, the SEO industry has matured. It is now a dynamic, multifaceted online-marketing discipline that transcends clever trickery, and has become an essential requirement of expertise for every online marketer.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/238040

[jpettersson]

In my opinion one doesn't have to have deep knowledge about SEO to get in top 10 results for low to mid-level competition KW - a decent quality and quantity content, clean on-page and a few bought links (with not-so-stupid anchor text) usually do the trick
It's not so hard guys! - just buy the right links in the right places... that's why I don't like doing SEO anymore...
For top spots for high competition KW one have to dive into details and have some deep knowledge, I agree - there's the interesting part!

[dfiocch]

Bought links?!?

Good luck...

[semka]

I believe the way around Google would be quality content, updating your site regularly and wise use of your affiliate links.

[sampendleton]

This actually isn't surprising or new, after all SEO was introduced in a fact that it is a constant change. For whatever reason, we should learn to adapt to those changes; a never ending process.