SEO Refugee is one year older - almost no one wiser
by Randall McCarley
November 20th, 2006
The last year has been a huge shift in my SEO development. From taking it on as part of my job responsibilities working for “the man” to incorporating it into my new business venture as a mainstay. Back when I was just a web designer clients were always asking me how they would get traffic and at the time I didn’t have a good answer for them. There were ad programs, banner exchanges, PPC, etc. but all of that pales in comparison to what I’ve seen natural organic SERPs do for a website.
When I first learned SEO it was by some of the industry best at SEO Chat. Then the ownership of Chat broke the trust of the membership. It was a painful experience filled with lessons and two bright spots.
The first was my discovery of Cre8asiteforums thanks to Rand Fishkin of SEOmoz who contacted several Chat regulars to let them know about it. At the time he described it as intelligent and respectful of the membership - boy did he get that right! I’ve had the pleasure to make new friends at Cre8 and even interview some of the members including the founder, Kim. I still check cre8 daily for new ideas and feedback.
The second bright spot was Ben Cook getting pissed off enough to enroll his dad into building a new forum. That forum became SEO Refugee named in line with the exodus that occurred from Chat. Ben asked if I was up for moderating which sounded like fun so I said yes. I’ve had a great time screwing up Ben’s site ever since! ;-)
As we all look for new ways to understand the search engines one thing is for sure - SEO Refugee has become a community. I’m glad it’s around. And I hope Ben makes some cash from it someday.
Happy Birthday SEO Refugee!
PS. The official birthday thread is here. Stop by to wish another year or twenty of good luck and blessings to the Refugee crew. :-)
PPS. I recently made my 4,000 post at Refugee titled Everything you need to know about SEO.PPPS. You have to forgive my onion-like title for this post. Refugees have humor! :-D
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