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Forgive me if the threads in the wrong cat, was not sure where to place it.

It's my first real new post in a while .... but this question has been bugging me for a long time now. I am, by nature, a designer and an artist, but have recently (since dec 2010 / jan 2011) been placed in my Internet Marketing Position, which I love, don't get me wrong, but it has me at an ethical crossroads atm.

The reason I say that is I am a proud white hat marketer, nothing BH has ever crossed my PC or laptop, and If i have the common sense, never will. What bothers me is that there are so many things on the net that people talk about on a daily basis that make no sense to me and I automatically label it as black hat. People talk about scrapers, blasting links and you name it and I feel like a nun looking at a child that said a cuss word. (literally, lol and I am petrified of nuns )

So let me ask you this question about ethics. Using software to help you build links, using bought proxies, scrapers to build a list for blog commenting etc. Would you ever consider doing this or using these tools? and why?

Maybe I am just completely wack, but I believe that things that stop the natural growth of back links are ethically questionable. Or maybe its my designer mentality stopping me from seeing the big picture?

I'm living my dream. Even though I still work for in the corporate sector, it's what I have always wanted to do. I am a marketing team leader, and an artist, and it's kinda the best of two worlds for me because I can use my art and design talents in my work, and vice versa, (if I wanted to... but don't). I guess, for me its just really satisfying to see that my work makes a difference.

I've been there more times than you could possibly imagine. There is always going to be a time when you are still getting to know everyone and everyone is getting to know you. If I had a coin for every time I've had the personality of a bowl of fruit on a forum, I'd probably be wealthier then bill gates (erm ok maybe not...)

The way i see it, the best way to get past the generic 'thanks for sharing' post, is to ask a question about the post. If you agree, then share which part you agree with, or what makes more sense to you. it helps moderators immensely because there are a lot of people that really don't want anything to do with the community other than getting the posts they need to link in their sigs. It sets you apart when people can see that you are genuinely trying to be part of the community.

hmmmm, you can help others in the same business niche as you, or start a thread talking about things in general. Communities love to talk to each other so its really cool to have a few new things to talk about every now and again.

I worked on the same - ish principles when I was in retail. I got to know my customers in such a way that when they came to my counter, I practically had everything they needed ready, (cigarettes, lotto tickets etc..) It's definitely the small things. If you can treat a client as if they are an old, respected friend it can definitely boost your company reputation and make it unique in its niche. Many times, the popularity of your business is built on how you work with your clients, and in my case, friendlier is always better.

I think I'm going to need a few more goats.....

I have to agree here. If most of your company is built around white lies or untruths, you're not going to be very popular at all. Being open and honest and establishing that personal touch with clients is one of the best ways to be professional IMHO.

Over here, hmmm might have to do a few calculations... But in ZAR you're looking at around ZAR 11.00 (plus minus) per liter of petrol, anything from ZAR 10 - 30. 00 for cigarettes, and I'm not too sure about beer not much of a beer drinker, but you're still looking at a little more than a pound per liter If you have some money saved before coming over here, or you still get paid in pounds, i'd say you have little to worry about.

Shoot what can I do?

It kinda makes me wish we had that here. So far, we only have petrol stations. No one seems to want to endeavor into selling petrol. LOL but then again, if any of you UK guys came here, the petrol price wouldn't bother you the slightest. You'd be too wealthy to be worried about it

lol witness the awesome power of the interwebs and a highly ranked forum Seriously though, if it helps nip these emails in the bud, I'm all for it.