Although I've never actually met Bill in person, he has had a major influence on my career in SEO, likely without even knowing. When I started out in SEO, there were a lot of forums and blogs to learn from but there were 2 blogs in particular that influenced and shaped the way I think about SEO; Blind Five Year Old by AJ Kohn and Bill's SEO by the Sea. Even today, I still use Bill's blog almost like a research lab, to hunt down information on a specific Google patent, or concept that I know he's already spent hours dissecting. I'm also amazed at how Bill doesn't just stop at producing great content that goes on his blog, he's also always open and willing to answer questions about SEO - giving back to the community at every opportunity.

Several of my presentations, internally and externally, have referenced insights and data that Bill provides. So I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Bill for the countless resources and references I've borrowed from him over the years (hopefully I don't owe any royalties!).