If Google and Apple announced a partnership, that would be huge news. Just one step from that is the announcement that Google’s CEO, Eric Schmidt, has joined Apple’s board of directors.

According to the official release, it’s a mutual love fest…

“Eric is obviously doing a terrific job as CEO of Google, and we look forward to his contributions as a member of Apple’s board of directors,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Like Apple, Google is very focused on innovation and we think Eric’s insights and experience will be very valuable in helping to guide Apple in the years ahead.”

“Apple is one of the companies in the world that I most admire,” said Eric Schmidt. “I’m really looking forward to working with Steve and Apple’s board to help with all of the amazing things Apple is doing.”

Google’s Matt Cutts offers up a new video where he recaps Search Engine Strategies San Jose, from his perspective.

Matt, sorry we couldn’t connect. Maybe at WMW in Vegas?

Video search provider Blinkx has signed an agreement to provide video search to Lycos.

The agreement will give Lycos’ nearly 25 million visitors the ability to search for TV shows, news clips, music videos, video blogs and other video content through the Blinkx search engine. Lycos, a subsidiary of Korean portal company Daum, launched a new broadband service in July.

Via CNET.

CNET reports that Yahoo has revamped the Yahoo Real Estate site and added shortcuts to Yahoo Search for listings, mortgage rates and house valuations.

The Toronto Star’s Kurt Kleiner looks at the increase use of “gripe” sites by consumers looking to get revenge or results.

After reviewing common factors among consumer complaints online, they noticed a common pattern…

First, like any good protest organizer would, the complainers painted themselves as the victim of a grave injustice and the champions of the little guy against a more powerful opponent. Next, they elicited similar testimonials from their readers and used those testimonials to create an all-important sense of solidarity.

They also dramatized and even exaggerated the harm they had suffered, and stereotyped their corporate enemies, painting them as not only rude or uncaring, but also as evil. Finally, they called on readers to take collective action against the company.

I’m always being asked to review the latest book on marketing. With a hectic schedule, it can be tough to get any time to read any of them, but I just made time to read Search Engine Optimization: An Hour a Day.

You have to give credit to authors Gradiva Couzin and Jennifer Grappone for putting together an excellent book that combines practical advice sprinkled with humor – very much needed to prevent this topic from being too dry.

The book is definitely aimed at beginners, with half of the book spent on search engine optimization background and campaign preparation. At the half-way point Couzin and Grappone walk readers through a step-by-step plan that takes them from day one through to the end of month three. Experienced SEO’s can skip the structured approach, but for those new to SEO, this logical and detailed plan, is a great way to get into the SEO habit.

This may be below your radar, but Raleigh-based Red Hat – known for its Linux software – has quietly launched a social networking portal that may challenge MySpace and other popular destinations.

Launched May 31st, Mugshot allows users to aggregate music, blogs, messaging and other media from a single location. Unlike competing sites, Mugshot allows its users to choose their favorite applications from anyone they please, meaning they could use Gmail, Flickr or Rhapsody if they wish.

From the Mugshot “about” page…

Mugshot is an open project to create a live social experience around entertainment…Mugshot makes it easy to share web pages and show off your music tastes. You can learn about Mugshot feautures as we introduce them on our Mugshot Features page.