Until now, in this column I have focused on discussing a system for personal development, but I believe that it is important that we not only discuss things from a theoretical viewpoint but also from the viewpoint of applying the theories. Therefore, I am going to pause in my discussion of Theory to address some topics that have been raised on the internet recently.

Have you noticed that this website does not contain any Google Adsense ads? There is a reason for that. As far as I know, and if I am wrong please correct me, Google does not allow the owner of a website which displays google ads to preview and accept or reject ads prior to their placement. On November 1st, in an article entitled "Do you work for the highest bidder?", Seth Godin asked this in his blog:

Have you ever worked on a product or service you didn't believe in? Marketed something with side effects (okay, there are no side effects, just effects) that you weren't proud of?

It is easier to make money if you do not care about whether the advertiser is selling something which violates your principles, than it is to refuse to accept ads unless the product or service is something which you would be willing to support.

In my business, I do photo montages, design websites and help clients build site traffic. I have been asked to work on several projects which I have had to refuse. I will not create projects which incorporate liquor, gambling, semi-nudity or nudity etc. I will not work for clients who are in the business of marketing sexually provocative lyrics or who teach a religious doctrine which I believe to be false.

Because of these principles, I have had to turn down multiple projects which I have been asked to do. And each time that I do so, I have to struggle with the knowledge that I have just turned down another paycheck. Turning down a chance to earn money is a very difficult thing for me to do, because we currently have some medical problems.

So one of the areas in which theory meets life, in which the rubber hits the road, is are you willing to live a lifestyle that is financially less afluent in order to maintain your integrity? As Seth Godin asks in the same article:

Where do you draw the line? How much money does it take to change your mind?

Theory is a whole lot easier than living. You may be able to talk the talk, but are you willing to walk the walk?