I work in advertising, but try not to make it my life. I love writing, art and design - and focus my time on these when I'm not working or hanging out with my family.
David Armano hits the nail right on the SME head, squarely and firmly. There's a great deal of hucksters on the scene getting blood in the water for anyone trying to make a difference in engagement with niche crowds (what old school agency types call "consumers") and help to change relationships for brands and companies with the good people they want to reach.
I especially like point 3 and 5. Big numbers and presence on a SM network don't always mean a "win."