Yesterday, Danny Sullivan announced that he was leaving Search Engine Watch and Search Engine Strategies.

"I was concerned about moving forward with Incisive, however. I'm far from the only reason behind the success of SEW and SES, but I've played a major role. I helped build both of those assets. Then I watched one company sell them to another without me having any formal capital stake in the sale. That left me wary of history repeating itself. I wasn't going to help this new company grow the business out of the sheer kindness of my heart.

I explained these reservations at the very beginning of my relationship with Incisive, that I needed some long-term incentive for helping them continue to grow and strengthen the site and conferences. After over a year of talks, that's failed to materialize. As a result, I'm departing."

The news has taken many by surprise.  I have to admit that my knee-jerk reaction followed the masses.

Some within the SEO industry see this as something to be feared:

"My primary fear is a selfish one - that the industry will turn corporate, faceless and cold without Danny keeping us firmly on track. In his position as head of SEW & SES, he was our leader not only in name, but in direction - operating the largest sources of information dissemination available to folks seeking to learn about search. My brief experience with other industries and the stories I've heard from those who've been to SES or involved in the search space is that our industry is one of the most friendly, unassuming, cordial and welcoming in the professional world. Without Danny, I fear for the survival of our culture."  

and here…

"I think a lot of people are afraid that this will be the future of the industry. I fear it as well." 

I for one, do not fear the future of the industry.

Do you remember the Dot-com crash?  It was a horrific experience for many.  I had the pleasure of working for one of the companies that burned to the ground. 

It was a shaky time for a while, but it marked the beginning of a new era. 

Without going into all the details, the end result was that corporate business had to pay attention to a brand new culture if they want to survive in the next era.  In reality, Web 2.0 came about as a result of corporate pride.  Something had to change. 

Back to the future of Danny Sullivan…

It's written on the wall.   Danny 2.0.

Incisive Media may own SEW and SES, but they don't own the industry behind them.  The SEO industry is all about people.  If Danny decides to continue within the industry, the people of the industry will follow.

Growing pains will occur..but all will be well.

Long live Danny 2.0!