Many of my fellow SEO experts were kind enough to provide interviews and case studies, like Danny Sullivan, Disa Johnson (if you haven't seen Disa's I-Search, check it out). I am very grateful - their help was invaluable!
Back then, there were only a handful of 'SEO experts.' Heck, back then, most folks didn't know what SEO was! The old guard included Greg Boser, Bruce Clay, Disa Johnson and Shari Thurow.