[DeniseTaylor]

I totally agree! Black hat is shortsighted. It *might* create faster results, but as soon as Google discovers what you're doing or if it's a trend, they will change their algorithm to fight it.

Your site will be penalized and you'll have to start from the bottom. Then, for some, they never get off the bottom.

It's getting harder to get away with these tactics, although you might find some who still are. Don't fall for the temptation to reciprocate. Just keep building high-quality, original content. That's the best strategy.