With the variety of penalty discussions we read about, one who starts following the forum discussion is bound to get paranoid. At least, that's the case for one WebmasterWorld member who considers himself "white hat," but still is worried about the variety of penalties that he keeps reading about.
Another person chimes in on the discussion and says that most penalties did not impact the white hats. He says that if you're "truly white hat as I am, then continue on that way. Take time out to examine the posts from some of those who have been penalised. Most, admittedly not all, claim to be white hat but in fact have been using some incredibly stupid SEO techniques."
The question, though, is that the definition of "white hat" seems to change. People are getting confused on what is wrong and what isn't. This is understandable. When in doubt, check the guidelines for what is right and what isn't. If you're still not sure, ask.
So the question to the Search Engine Roundtable readers: does the discussion cause you to be paranoid? Answer in the poll:
Forum discussion continues at WebmasterWorld.
