http://m.legacy.com/dignity-memorial/obituary-preview.aspx?n=Eric-Ward&lc=9628&pid=186975923&uuid=1b806779-2a65-4d96-93e6-ef184cbd366c&locale=en_US

Eric Ward aka Link Moses?

Yes.

Never got to work with him, but had some talk about a link project for a client. Sadly that will never happen.. great guy.

58.... that's way too young to meet the maker

I first met Eric at a conference back in '99 in California. Didn't know him well, but seemed to be solid. We are losing way too many people in our industry to suicide. What do you think it is? Isolation? The roller coaster ride? The ADD? ...

>suicide

I think a lot of the increase is the shift away from Ol' Time Religion-ious values.  IIRC, Japan's culture has no taboo regarding suicide and it occurs at a higher rate there.  Along with that, factor in that it seems to be more acceptable to talk about it openly as a cause of death. (Like this thread.) As a result, we hear about it more.

Specifically regarding this industry, I think you hit on it.  SEO/Internet Marketing attracts a maverick type.  The job can be isolating as a lot of people work in a lone-wolf style.  Also, sometimes for a lot of us its been feast or famine; the good times could be great, the bad times can last.

>suicide

Didn't know that was the case? Has this been confirmed?