Oct
26
Once in a while there are people who turn up who set a standard and lay foundations. Men of greatness - master builders. Not that I’ve ever forgotten him, but I came across Jan Rencke’s name while looking at the list of events and speakers at the October, 2004 Search Engine Strategies show in Stockholm, Sweden - there was Jan Rencke, now of Destination Stockholm.
I dug around and searched at Google, and found a few of his unforgettable forum posts. Jan was the original Moderator of the European Search Engines forum at WebmasterWorld, and raised the level of internet promotion forums to new heights of international excellence with his posts about European Search Engines.
http://www.webmasterworld.com/forum18/188.htm
Part 1
http://www.webmasterworld.com/forum18/100.htm
Part 2
http://www.webmasterworld.com/forum18/190.htm
Part 3
http://www.webmasterworld.com/forum18/275.htm
It was not only admiration for the breadth of ability and knowledge Jan so generously and unselfishly shared with the world back then, but a profound respect that grew with observation of his character and dealings that made him so memorable. Sharpness of wit, and acuity in perceptions and judgment garnered respect for him, but his incredible warmth and hospitality drew profound affection.
It’s truly amazing that a gentleman who could make such a tremendous impact toward internationalizing the internet community of webmasters and search engine optimizers could also be a down to earth fun guy and as comfortable to be around as wearing an old pair of soft slippers.
There are a few of us around who reminisce back to the “olden days” - remembering the solidarity and singlemindedness of purpose among us; the honesty, the trust, the dedication and purity of heart with no selfishness, no hidden agendas, and no purpose but to build together something worthwhile.
As Mr. Mackin used to say - “Feel the luv.” And you could. That love is still there for some of us - maybe not all, but for some of us.