Mike... great question...

Unfortunately, I don't have any words of wisdom other than to harp on the value of networking with your peers and those further ahead of you (the experts) in your field *AND* in related fields.

So don't just stick with "online information marketers" (the aka "internet marketing" crowd)... but instead explore the sites, check out the heavy hitters, join the mailing lists of other internet marketers that aren't in the info-market space, or other info marketers that operate primarily offline.

Probably all of my "undergound magicians" that I follow came from referrals and networking. (Soft-sell Alert: so make sure you come out to my Canada Marketing Summit in May 2010!! great networking opp).

actually this other suggestion is also a somewhat self-serving (but valid) one... I have no problems telling my subscribers how I operate, who I study, etc. And I already have an article planned that I'll mail out to them re: my own undergound and other experts I follow. Of course, this is just MY personal pick of who I choose to listen to and follow (at least 2 names are "no names" in the internet marketing space but geniuses and fast results producers).

anyways... I guess networking. You'll meet the up and comers or you'll hear about them through your peers. Check out their work, watch how they market (is it same old same old). Are they producing big proven results? Are they innovators? Do they bring charisma and value to what they do? Are they long term visionary types vs. "quick money project" types? Are they building a long term business and brand (regardless of niche) or just money-sites. etc