For me, the process of reviewing, analyzing and proclaiming something or someone a personal influence required that I identify own agenda first.
I can honestly state that I came to the internet to earn money. It is a NEED I must meet. How I choose to earn that money on the internet has become defined by my online experiences thus far, and how they meld with my own moral fiber and desire for a clear conscience within my belief system.
I can not “aggressively” pass along any old affiliate product just for a profit. I can not, in good conscience, recommend someone whom I would not follow and learn from myself. Those are the rules I have placed upon myself. Therefor I am likely to be influenced in a positive manner (at least to my way of thinking) by people who are of similar mindset.
That is not to say that being “aggressive” in promotion of products is wrong. Promotion just should not be your ONLY communication. It is simply my observation, after months of clearing “urgent offers” from my email inbox, that I do not appreciate this kind of selling and will not do this to anyone else.
I decided to choose those I wish to “influence” my online efforts, in accordance with my own practiced behavior and beliefs.
Influence (from dictionary.com) : a power affecting a person, thing, or course of events, especially one that operates without any direct or apparent effort.
