Adapted from Max Ehrmann's Poem
Go placidly amid the noise and waste,
and remember what peace there may be in tag silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all in the blogosphere.
Speak your website's truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to your site visitors,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive reciprocal linking campaigns,
they are vexations to your trust rank.
If you compare your SERPS with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser sites than yours.
Enjoy your site's achievements as well as its plans.
Keep interested in your site focus, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your online affairs;
for the Internet is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what online virtue there is;
many webmasters strive for high ideals;
and examples abound that are full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection for affiliate income.
Neither be cynical about link love;
for in the face of algorithm aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of senior SEO's,
Who have gracefully surrendered the misguided tactics of youth.
Nurture diversified revenue streams to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with black hat imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and complacency.
Beyond a wholesome work discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
Your site is a child of cyberspace,
Just like the social networks and the directories;
it has a right to be there.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the Internet is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and however well your online labors and aspirations perform,
in the noisy confusion of cyberspace keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
The Internet is still a beautiful place.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
from 2 votes
(October 2007) (
