And the Sphinny Goes To . . . Social Media Needs Self-Adulation

From an outsider's perspective, the SEO subculture appears to be one that is possibly reaching a zenith of self-referential and self-aggrandizing platforms. Well, I'm not sure that a true zenith exists for the amount of praise any one person or trade likes to bestow upon itself, but I am an admitted outsider. I equate the type of self-adulation to the Grammys. Most of us at one time or another were mesmerized by this event and actually staked a caring claim into who that coveted shiny statue was awarded to. Then as the years passed, you realize that the music industry puts on the Grammys. So, the industry, along with a number of others is celebrating itself. Before you get angry and think I'm being derogatory ...

As arrogant as the aforementioned ceremonies and concepts appear, they are indeed a necessary and important tool. Forums such as Sphinn and Digital Point give experts and novices alike a chance to swap ideas, explore old and new concepts, and essentially evolve. Who better than experts on the subject to discuss these theories, beliefs and ideas? Social media in general is one of the true essences of the Internet and the SEO world has a huge hand in this emergence.

Searchable terms and phrases begetting successful searches begetting further search philosophy and in the end, usability. So what if it is at times a popularity contest or a chance to flaunt your mad skills? It is an indispensable part in the continued growth of the industry and truly a cornerstone in the viability and effectiveness of the World Wide Web as a comprehensive, yet easily usable social media medium.

Search Engine Marketing is a discipline found to be strangely abstract and formulaic at the same time, making it a complex practice for just anyone to understand. With the continued popularity and availability of self-editing software and the growing use of customer generated content, these forums are only going to grow in significance. It is possibly the very organic principles found at the heart of so many social media forums that will not only keep natural search alive and well, but enable it to thrive. So give yourself a pat on the back and more importantly, take the acclaim given from others who are getting better and maintaining relevance in large part because of the feedback and information you have provided.

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