ComputerHunter.org

 

Guru... Schmooru... So What! The Internet Gurus Unmasked


The word "guru", in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is defined as:

1. a personal religious and spiritual teacher in Hinduism
2. a teacher in matters of fundamental concern
3. EXPERT

As I see this title "guru" bandied around so frequently on the Internet, I find myself asking these questions.

What qualifies a person to be a guru? Is there some sort of test you have to pass? Does it go by age? Are gurus old men of wisdom? Or can anyone be a guru?

Are they perhaps appointed by their peers or maybe they appoint themselves? Do you have to have a license to be a guru? Or perhaps if you have made a certain amount of money off the Internet you qualify as a guru?

It sort of reminds me of my first business. I was a carpenter doing home improvements and I would consistently come across people calling themselves "master carpenters". These "master carpenters" were young and old, experienced and novices in the trade.

Maybe I'm missing the point here but the concepts of "master" and "guru" in both cases would seem to mean someone who has arrived. Someone who has paid his (or her) dues. A teacher who has tenure for example. Someone who has been around a long, long time and is an expert in their field.

Now I'm not putting "gurus" or master carpenters down by any means. If the title is legitimately earned and they are someone whose teachings are profound. I have no problem giving them a title to set them apart from us mere mortals.

The point I'm trying to illustrate is that we tend to be too free with our accolades. Words like hero, superstar, guru and yes, master carpenter should be reserved for the few that really have proved themselves and truly deserve to be put above the rest of us.

When the powers that be indiscriminately bestow these praised titles on many individuals and the over used title carries a certain meaning to the masses, then the titles tend to loose their meaning. With this power goes responsibility. Whether you are a superstar athlete, celebrity, or Internet guru your integrity and what you say should be beyond reproach. Should I include elected officials in my grouping?

What I am saying is that if a title carries a meaning then that should mean something! My goodness, I made a "Yogi-ism".

Why am I apparently attacking the venerable guru club? It is just my way of saying to you, don't be intimidated or awestruck by the Internet's, in my opinion, over use of the term "guru".

Just because someone is proclaimed by others or proclaims himself to be an Internet guru doesn't mean you have to take their teachings as gospel. Use a little common sense as you surf the net or read the tons of emails in your inbox from or about Internet gurus and their superhuman exploits.

Even if the person is a guru the old adage is still true: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don't be sucked in by unrealistic claims of success or fortune. In reality their success and fortune are coming from ordinary folks like you and me thinking we can buy their success. That is assuming their success and fortune are not just hype!

About the Author ---- Jim Capobianco, the author of "10 Steps to Your Own Home-Based Business", has been self-employed for over 25 years, both on and off line. At his web site, Cap-Tech.com and in his newsletter, The Cap-Tech Times, he shares his experience and expertise when it comes to owning your own business. Come pay a visit at: http://www.cap-tech.com







Google News - Top Stories

The Age

Palin a gun-toting former beauty queen known for ambition and grit
Los Angeles Times - 47 minutes ago
Alaska's governor and McCain's VP selection is enormously popular in her state, despite some tensions with other Alaska Republicans.
Video: Moms React To Palin Selection kcratv
McCain taps Alaska governor for VP The Associated Press
CNN International - CNN Political Ticker - San Francisco Chronicle - BBC News
all 5,765 news articles


ABC News

US not surprised at Georgia's break of ties with Russia
Xinhua - 4 hours ago
WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- The United States said Friday it was not surprised by Georgia's break of diplomatic ties with Moscow.
Video: UN does have double standards RussiaToday
Chavez backs Russian recognition of Georgia regions Reuters UK
AFP - United Press International - AllAfrica.com - Voice of America
all 5,433 news articles


ABC News

Missing girl's mom taken into custody
CNN - 1 hour ago
ORLANDO, Florida (CNN) -- The mother of missing Florida toddler Caylee Anthony was arrested and charged Friday with forgery, fraudulent use of personal information and petty theft, the Orange County Sheriff's Department said.
Video: Casey Anthony Could Be Returning to Jail AssociatedPress
Casey Anthony Arrested At Parents' Home MyFox Springfield
The Associated Press - ABC Action News - WFtv.com - WESH.com
all 1,551 news articles


USA Today

Now a hurricane, Gustav heads for Cuba, eyes US
AFP - 1 hour ago
HAVANA (AFP) - Tropical Storm Gustav regained hurricane strength as it churned toward Cuba Friday, leaving 78 people dead in its wake, as New Orleans began voluntary evacuations ahead of the storm's projected arrival next week.
Gustav regains hurricane strength BBC News
Gustav on the Brink of Explosive Development Washington Post
New York Times - Voice of America - ABC Online - WSAZ-TV
all 6,341 news articles


ABC News

Protests Rise in Thailand In Challenge to Regime
Wall Street Journal - 4 hours ago
By JAMES HOOKWAY and STEPHEN WRIGHT BANGKOK -- Waves of antigovernment protests spread beyond Thailand's capital Friday as clashes between police and demonstrators intensified, forcing the closure of several regional airports and disrupting rail ...
Thai PM briefs king on protests, police scuffle with demonstrators AFP
Thai protest alliance not so happy with democracy The Associated Press
New York Times - BBC News - Reuters - Aljazeera.net
all 2,393 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base