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Will the reviews be coming from multiple sites? If so, I'd think a mix of the content from various sites will be fine. Google loves testimonials.

If not, I'm not qualified enough to respond with an answer for you

depends on the site, and you should only do it to websites your actively involved with. keep it to a minimal level even there.

I would try to reduce the amount of outbound links, but having one or none at all is extremely fishy.

Like Russ said content is king!

Ask yourself: Would you want to go to your own site?

First here is an error list: http://www.google.com/support/webmasters/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=40132

Response code 403 is for requests, where authentication makes no difference, disabled directory browsing.
401 Unauthorized would be the response to send.

I'd suggest using robot.txt to stop going to these pages? Or even better, if you can allow Google's spiders access (I'm not 100% sure how this is done)

No worries asking mike, advertising and conversion rates ARE categories!!

I never tried them, but brand new ad writer there. they offer a money back guarantee. What do you have to lose?

I think backlinks is the biggest issue here....

I think examples like the BBC are bad to look at their layout strategy. They are too credible for Google to punish for placement.  You and me on the other hand, aren't credible enough to play those games.

My friend from the UK thinks it did indeed get rolled out, I personally can't say to if it really did, they could be testing the waters.... how fast it'll get to other countries? I don't think anyone knows. It would make sense tho if they are experimenting

Are you using blackhat tactics?

This is discussed quite well in a the new york times: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/26/technology/internet/26google.html?_r=2&src=un&feedurl=http%3A%2F%2Fjson8.nytimes.com%2Fpages%2Fbusiness%2Fmedia%2Findex.jsonp

I'm assuming your saying another website is taking your article content? Are they giving you credit? Timestamps are your friend, I'm going to assume Google will know you are the originator.  Create some backlinks pointed to your content.

tip for future content: include things they can't include, like your name, your customers, etc etc

How are you doing your backlinks? Can you focus on a more narrow demographic target?

I recommend updating content once or twice a week, make sure you don't go overboard with keyword jamming. content and photos are key to longterm success.

true, I'm pretty desperate for clients tho.. i'm willing to put in 4x the hours that I actually bill.

lol yeah any form of marketing I could see being extremely competitive!

I decided just to do a more localized focus , but I just showed them that link and said they are getting a good deal!

Well, I know having P.O Boxes is against the Google Places guidelines making them a negative local ranking factor. so lets throw that idea out.

I found the best method was local directories and backlinks on local pages with proper anchors.

I'm interested in seeing what others suggest. This may also help: http://www.davidmihm.com/local-search-ranking-factors.shtml

If I may be so blunt: What do you ask people on the mechanical turk to do? estimated costs?

yeah into HTaccess, did it work?

I have a client I'm doing a proposal for.... that does insurance.

makes me want to charge a higher rate.

WoW! thanks for sharing that link

I agree with peterm22, but I'd also wanna know where are your targeted customers?