Web Services: Lack of Quality and Integrity. Is There An Epidemic?

[Kufu]

Until recently, I was part of a well-known SEO company, but have recently started my own venture. Now that I am involved with more detailed conversations during the client acquisition process I am coming across many so called 'experts' who have lofty claims with little or no proof to back up those claims.

Am I just an unlucky soul, or is there an inordinate number of 'experts' (i.e. designers, marketers, consultants, etc) out there?

I have been involved with web design for close to 10 years, and SEO a little over 5 years, and though I am very well versed in both, I would not call myself an expert, considering the amount of talent I see on this forum alone.

I just wanted to know what everyone else is experiencing in this regard.

[jkovar]

The downside of having an environment where anyone and everyone can share ideas and start their own business, is that anyone and everyone will.

[Kufu]

Which is fine; but the problem arises when people misrepresent themselves as 'experts'.

In every industry there are different levels of service and knowledge; but it seems to me that in web services, almost everyone claims to be an expert. This is especially true in SEO, since it's such a murky field.

A lot of people talk of integrity in business but there is very little of that from where I stand.

[Gibble]

Unfortunately you need a certain level of expertise to realize how much you don't know.

Before that point, you think you are an expert but really, you're just ignorant of the true scope of the field.

Every few months, the amount I learn shocks me, as I always feel there can't possibly be much left I don't know, yet when I think back about how much I learn in that period, I'm in awe.