Hi Bill,
In 2009 I was 'RIF'd' out of a job in radio that I had for 30+ years, and decided to retrain myself in everything Google. Of course, at that time there wasn't much written about how to be an SEO let alone "how Google works". Fortunately, I came upon a 'Whiteboard Friday' produced by SEOMOZ that listed the best SEO bloggers and who to follow. SEO By The Sea was near the top of the list. I've been reading your posts and the comments left by the other readers since that day, and haven't looked back.

Today, I have a successful business which I have to say is due in large part to the selfless contributions that Bill Slawski and all of the SEO By The Sea readers have made over the years. Needless to say, it's very cool to be able to articulate to a potential client what Google has in their patent treasure trove. But more importantly, I have learned that being a true SEO citizen means sharing what you've learned with other SEO's who are coming up.

Bill, we haven't met (maybe just in passing at a convention) but your wisdom and lessons have helped me deeply. Thank you for that.
And now, let me give back to you.

In January 2015 I also had a stroke. It was uninvited, unanticipated, and scary. I spent the better part of the next year or so looking for answers and reasons. I persevered and worked at becoming a better person, father, businessman, and SEO. Now 6 years later I am healed and still reading SEO By The Sea.

Thank you again for your contribution to helping me build my small business. But most importantly, thank you for showing the SEO world that a true SEO professional shares knowledge and supports their colleagues. Take your strength from all of us, and get well soon!

RESPECT,