Thanks for the comment. I agree that there could be some actual experts out there in every industry. I wasn’t simply limiting this discussion to email marketing either.

I really like “Thought Leader.” It has the elements of authority and legitimacy without the air of infallibility that I personally can’t stand. It also intimates the idea you have to use your brain to be a leader and authority in an industry rather than just having been there long enough.

I’ll keep thinking of other ideas.

I agree that the word is overused and annoying – especially when someone describes themselves as an “expert” – but I think practioner does not apply to everyone. Some other terms:

- email marketing observer
- email marketing thought leader
- email marketing commentator
- veteran email marketer
- experienced email marketer

Other ideas?

Loren