Any mainstream SEO clowns in here?
 

I have a question for you.

Basically, I owe most of my wealth (not making claims to it's size, mind) to achieving absolutely ridiculous results with SEO several years back. The money was pouring in like a ... like something. Anyway, it has since died off and i've lost a taste for all the hype and stupidity that surrounds SEO. I've moved on (for the time being, at least).

I had a ridiculously rich offer from a government agency to do some SEO work for them, and I accepted, since my own sites were dying off and I couldn't be bothered sifting through the idiots on the seo forums to find people who knew how I could improve them. I did the work, it was a three month contract, and they splashed what I would term 'way too much' money at me for it. I had achieved superb results for them by the three month mark, but, contract over, that was it. I wasn't prepared to take another look.

This government agency has emailed me yesterday (about six months since contract started) saying that they 'searched on 20 pages of google and couldn't find their site'. I've had a look and, lo and behold, they've redirected the .net and .org's to the .com and the .com has been totally annihilated from google (perhaps temporarily, who can be sure with gg).

My question to you, if you are a mainstream SEO clown who often works with clients, is, should I even reply? Should I tell them they've screwed it up themselves? Should I try to scab some more $$$ out of them? Should I explain the whole situation clearly?

Thanks. I'm on ICQ too, if anyone cares to chat. (i'm so lonely).

Shameless bump for any seo maniacs lurking ...

explain in detail how they fucked it up themselves.

you need to make them feel stupid so they don't wanna talk anymore about this.

forget about getting more money out of it, it might backfire.

Government hiring you, they can afford a lot. Hold out for cash.
WG

I wouldnt do government work in the first place... nothing but trouble

Explain to them that SEO is an ongoing process. A lot can happen in 6 months that is out of your control.

Just because you have the SERPs today does not mean they will be there tomorrow, especially if you are just resting on the laurels of work done 6 months ago.

tell them they caused the drop in google. Make them feel like idiots and tell them you can save the day for 1 million dolla

Oh geez i've got the full spectrum of responses.. I'm even more confused. Thanks for the replies. Probably I'll explain the reason for the drop, putting blame on them, and outline a strategy to 'fix' the situation, hoping they'll reach for the checkbook.

And yes you could almost say that money is nothing for these government people - but I do have fears that they could make my life hell if they try to cover their asses when I explain it's their fault.

Maybe polle54 is right and I should just do my best to surrender and escape from them completely?

WiredGuy on a serious note I know you 'dabble' in these arts, but is your opinion coming from doing work for clients or just from your own experience with this kinda business?