Is Google search ranking optimization dead?

Here is an informative interview with Google's Matt Cutts by Mike McDonald of WebProNews posted in November 2008 on the looking forward at search engine optimization in 2009:

Among other things, he stressed:

• Don't get hung up on search results rankings because they vary from user to user anyway
• Universal search is big. Videos, pictures, and other media will become more integrated with the search experience
• Of course, "white hat" seo is still the way to go

Bottom line, keep creating great content and you will do well. Now is the time to be learning about video content if you are not already.